What to Do if a Tree Falls On Your Roof

Trees are a beautiful addition to any yard, but there are times when things can go wrong with them. Whether a tree dies or is torn down in an extreme storm, it's possible for a tree to fall on the roof of your house and cause extreme damage. If this has happened to you recently, here's what you need to do in order to ensure the safety of your family and home, as well as ensure a quick repair.

Kill the Electricity

First things first: you want to turn off the power to your house. Trees typically cause a lot of damage to roofs and can even tear through other parts of your home, like the attic. When this happens, it can expose wiring that can trigger sparks or even a fire. This problem is compounded if your tree fell due to a storm, as there could be water coming into your home after the roof is damaged.

For now, shut off the power to the entire house for safety's sake. Once your roof and attic or upper crawlspace have been inspected and deemed safe you can turn it back on.

Call a Roofer

Next, you need to get in touch with a licensed roofer. Keep in mind that after times of high winds, storms, or heavy rain, roofers may be in more demand than usual as many people discover they have roofing problems once storms hit. As a result, you should call one up as quickly as possible to get in the queue.

Have the Tree Removed

Next, you'll need to have the tree removed from your roof. Your roofer won't be able to fully inspect the damage until the tree is out of the way. You can ask your roofer about this; they may be partnered with a company that can remove the tree for you or may even have the equipment to do it themselves. Such convenience will ultimately depend on what services your roofer offers, though.

Once the power is off and the tree is out of the way, your roofer can safely inspect the damage. If it's severe, you'll likely need a full roof replacement. However, if the tree was light or only hit a portion of the roof, a repair may still be possible. In any case, reliable roofing contractors will take steps to protect your home from the elements until the damage can be fixed.