The beauty and shade provided by trees bring your home close to nature. However, those same trees can become a serious threat to your home on a windy or stormy day. Tree damage to a roof can lead to costly repairs and even pose a threat to the safety of you and your loved ones.
At Miller Roofing and Renovations, we aim to help you take care of your family and investment by sharing professional advice on essential topics related to your home’s safety. In this blog post, we’ll explain the steps to containing roof damage caused by fallen trees and discuss some crucial points related to damage assessment and roof repairs.
What To Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof
The sound of splintering wood and the crash as it hits your roof is enough to make your heart skip a beat. When a tree or large branch falls on top of your roof and causes severe damage, it can leave your home exposed and vulnerable to the elements. At that moment, it’s easy to feel powerless, but it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your home and family from harm.
Here are some preliminary steps that homeowners should take:
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Protection for All
The first thing you should do is ensure that everyone in your home is safe. If you suspect the tree may have damaged any electrical wires, gas lines, or other utilities, evacuate immediately and contact the relevant authorities. Once everyone is out and safe, you can begin to assess the damage. But do this from afar, as it is unsafe to be close to the damaged area. Do not attempt to climb onto your roof or touch anything, especially if electrical wires are involved.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Documenting tree damage to your roof is essential for insurance purposes and your personal records. First, note the date and time that the damage occurred, and other relevant details about the weather and the fallen tree. Take photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles, and be sure to capture other forms of damage such as chimney damage or downed power lines if it occurred.
By documenting the damage, you can ensure that you have the necessary evidence to support your insurance claim and to help you in the repair process. Be sure to take the time to carefully organize and store all of your documents so that you can access them easily when you need to.
Step 3: Call a Reputable and Experienced Roofing Contractor
Roof damage caused by storms or trees is a sensitive problem that needs to be handled by qualified experts with the proper licenses and skills to handle big projects like storm damage roof restoration. If you live in Tennessee, you know how destructive Tennessee storm damage is as the state is prone to seasonal tornadoes and hail storms. Therefore, it’s necessary to act according to the severity of the damage.
Here are some tips for finding the right roofing contractor for roof repairs:
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, and neighbors who have had similar work done.
- Check the contractor’s credentials, such as their license and insurance.
- Request a written estimate of the work and a timeline for completion.
- Read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the contractor’s reputation.
A reliable local roofing contractor can also help you document the damage and get your roof insurance claim approved, which is crucial to avoid financing the roof repair replacement process.
Step 4: Inform Your Insurance Adjuster About The Incident
Once you’ve chosen a roofing contractor, it’s essential to contact your insurance company to inform them about the incident. Here are some tips for working with your insurance company:
- Provide them with documentation of the damage, including photos, videos, and written descriptions.
- Keep a record of all expenses related to the repairs.
- Follow their instructions for filing a claim and providing documentation.
- Be prepared to meet with an adjuster to assess the damage and provide additional information.
By working with the right professionals, you can ensure that your new or repaired roof will protect your home better than before and that your insurance claim is handled efficiently and effectively.
Step 5: Protect Important Belongings
If a tree fell on your roof, move items away from the impacted area to prevent any additional damage from exposure to the elements or falling debris. Cover furniture and electronics with tarps or plastic sheeting to protect them from possible water damage if there’s a breach in the roof. If there’s structural instability, it might be necessary to temporarily remove valuable items from your home until repairs can be made
After you are done taking care of the above necessities, it’s time to assess the damage. This will give you a better understanding of what caused the damage, whether it could have been prevented, and if you need to call additional professionals like a plumbing or electrical company.
How To Assess Tree Damage To Your Roof
A few branches hitting your roof may only cause small forms of damage, but a whole tree, or a large branch, can cause a lot of destruction to your roof and interior. It’s vital to assess the extent of the damage so that you can determine the best course of action. Here are some guidelines for homeowners to get started with the inspection before the professionals arrive:
Step 1: Understand the Cause of the Damage
Assessing the damage can help you figure out who should pay for the damage caused by the fallen tree. You’ll need to identify which tree it was and whether it was healthy or diseased. If the tree was planted on your neighbor’s property, it’s crucial to determine who is responsible for the damage and to communicate with your neighbor about the necessary repairs.
Step 2: Determine the Extent of the Damage
While assessing the damage, it’s helpful to identify the areas that require immediate attention and can be covered under your insurance claim. Examine the roof from outside the home, then take a look to see if the attic floor or any ceilings were breached. Also, make a list of belongings that were affected by the damage if any.
Step 3: Call Other Professionals If Necessary
Depending on the extent of the damage caused by the tree, you may need to consider calling additional professionals to ensure the safety and functionality of your home. For example, if you notice any electrical damage or downed power lines, you must call the electrical company for repair.
You may also need to call an arborist or tree removal service depending on the size of the tree or branches that fell on your home. These professionals specialize in tree removal and can also help you assess if other trees on your property will cause similar damage.
The repair and replacement of your roof should also be left to the professionals. The roofing contractor you select will determine the necessary roof repairs based on the severity of the damage and the associated costs. If you’re uncertain about whether you require minor repairs or a full roof replacement, we’ve provided guidance on how to make this decision in the following section.
Repair vs. Replacement: How To Fix Tree Damage To Your Roof
If the damage is limited to a small area and your roof is relatively new, repairs may be the best option. However, if the damage is extensive, your roof is older, or if you have experienced previous damage, a full roof replacement may be necessary.
It’s important to note that delaying repairs or replacement can lead to further damage and higher costs down the line. A damaged roof can lead to water leaks, mold growth and compromise the structural integrity of your home. It’s essential to address roof damage as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Finally, after the repairs are done, ensure you are prepared to minimize the damage next time.
How to Minimize Damage in the Future
Ask your roofing contractor about the pros and cons of suitable roofing materials and choose one that is more resistant to storm damage. As a cost-effective strategy, it’s recommended to choose high-quality materials from a manufacturer that provides substantial warranties and training for brand-certified roofing contractors.
If you live in an area with lots of trees, it’s essential to trim them from time to time to avoid overhanging tree branches. If your neighbor’s trees pose a risk to your property, you have the right to ask them to take care of it.
If you need help with roof storm damage or fallen trees in Tennessee, we can help you get started.
Get The Most Reliable Emergency Roofing Services In Tennessee
At Miller Roofing and Renovations, our skilled and experienced team provides flawless roof repair services for tree damage and other forms of storm damage. If you are looking for reliable emergency roof repair services in Memphis, or the surrounding areas in Tennessee, you can count on our certified and friendly professionals.
We understand how stressful it can be to handle the repairs if a tree falls on your roof, but don’t panic! We are here to help restore the roof, siding, gutters, and exterior of your home with the best service possible. The team at Miller Roofing and Renovations is proud to be a member of the local community, and we can help you get started with a free consultation, inspection, and estimate on your roof repairs. Call us at (901) 457-9405, to speak with one of our team members today!
