What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your House

What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your House

Your home's roof is the main line of defense against adverse weather conditions. It can be put into harm's way if a tree ends up falling on it. Among the worst-case scenarios, a tree falling on your home can be difficult to prevent. If it does happen, what do you do?

First things first, make sure everyone in your home is safe. From there, Northpoint Roofing Systems can handle the rest. If you're feeling unprepared, don't worry. We're happy to extend our expertise so if this ever becomes a reality, you'll be better prepared to handle it head-on.

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Kinds of Roof Damage From Tree Trunks and Debris

Roof damage from trees can be minor or major—the worst case being a full tree or a large limb. These instances can lead to significant structural damage or even a full roof collapse. Smaller tree limbs and debris accumulation can also cause roof damage.

When tree debris gradually accumulates on your roof, the shingles can deteriorate and rot due to excess moisture. If debris accumulation gets out of hand, gutters can clog and eventually cause water damage.

Small tree limbs don't usually cause structural holes, but they can still dislodge shingles. This can expose the underlayment. Once exposed, rain can seep through and affect the ceilings and walls of your home.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Tree Falls on Your House

While the sight of a fallen tree or limb can be quite demoralizing, it's important to take immediate and proper action. Let's dive into the necessary steps and the in-depth details behind them to handle this issue as efficiently as possible.

1. Make sure everyone is safe

Above everything else, your top priority in this type of situation is to make sure everyone is safe. Safely make sure all of the occupants within the home, pets included, are free of harm. Then, evacuate the home immediately after to avoid being caught in a collapse. If the tree fell during a storm, there is a possibility it could be safer inside. If so, stay away from the affected area.

2. Call 911 or local emergency services, if necessary

In certain circumstances, calling 911 or your local emergency services will be necessary. If you or a member of your household became injured after a tree fell, contact 911 or your local emergency service right away so they can get the treatment they need. Another situation where you'll need to contact the proper authorities is the presence of flames or smoke. Flame or smoke can be linked to numerous issues. Either way, call 911 immediately. Your home could be at risk of an electrical fire or the hazards commonly associated with a fire.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Tree Falls on Your House
Immediate Steps to Take After a Tree Falls on Your House

3. Take photos of the roof damage from tree

Once the extreme weather conditions subside, grab your phone or a camera and take some photos. Documenting the incident through photos is important, especially for insurance purposes. You never want to find yourself in a situation where your insurance is refuting your claim because of a lack of evidence.

Make sure to take these photos before you remove any debris or branches to showcase the extent of damage. Another piece of necessary safety information is you should also never walk on your roof in these situations due to the uncertainty of structural integrity. Put a ladder against the side of the house and take pictures from there.

4. Call your homeowner's insurance

After photos have safely been taken, it's time to contact your insurance company. Homeowner's insurance tends to cover storm-related damages, so in the event a tree or one of its limbs falls on your home, you'll be covered. After the deductible has been met, your insurance will most likely cover the rest of the repairs through our team. At Northpoint Roofing Systems, we'll even help you through the insurance claim process.

It's important to keep in mind that some insurance policies exclude damages related to trees that were diseased, rotting, or vulnerable to collapsing. To avoid this from potentially happening to you, hire an arborist to examine the trees surrounding your home as a part of annual home maintenance.

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5. Contact a reputable roofing company to inspect the roof damage

Finally, it's time to reach out to a roofing company to inspect the damages. To get a full and in-depth understanding of the damages at hand, you'll need not any old roofing company, you'll need one you can trust. This is where Northpoint Roofing Systems comes in.

Some roofing companies use emergencies like these to take advantage of homeowners through poor workmanship or simply by taking money and never following through. Not Northpoint Roofing Systems. We'll tarp your roof, thoroughly inspect it for structural damages, and help clean any water that gets inside. From a free roof inspection, to storm damage-related repairs, and replacement, Northpoint Roofing Systems can help you through it all.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

For your insurance to cover tree removal, certain criteria have to be met. It's not whether tree removal is covered by your insurance, it's about where it fell and what caused it to fall. Tree removal will likely be covered by your insurance due to:

Lightning

Wind

Fire

Explosion

Aircraft

Theft

Vandalism

Vehicles you don't own

This also rings true when the tree falls on your home or lawn. In other instances such as floods or earthquakes, extra coverage will be needed. When linked to ice or hail, tree removal is likely covered if it falls on the house, shed, or another extension of the primary residence, not anywhere else.

Neighboring trees may also cause concern. If your neighbor has a tree that seems hazardous, start by discussing it with them. Respectfully lay out your concerns from your perspective and politely ask for the problem to be fixed. Then send them a letter of notice for the hazardous tree. Take photos of the tree, document the problem in detail, and make a copy for yourself before sending it through the mail.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal

Tree on Your Roof? We Can Help

Even in the unlikely event a tree ends up falling on your roof, it's better to be prepared if it ever happens. If a tree or its limbs have fallen onto your roof and you've taken the necessary first steps, trust Northpoint Roofing Systems to handle the rest. Contact us today if a tree has fallen on your home so we can conduct a thorough inspection and respond with any needed repairs.

Northpoint Roofing Systems proudly offers roofing services in select locations throughout:

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Tennessee
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina