There’s nothing quite as unsettling as a tree crashing onto your roof. Whether it’s from one of our many Minnesota wind, rain, hail or snow storms or an unexpected fall, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Having helped homeowners through similar situations, I wanted to provide a clear guide on the steps you should take immediately after a tree falls on your roof. Here’s what you need to know:

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before anything else, ensure everyone inside your home is safe. If the tree has caused structural damage, there’s a risk of further collapse, so evacuate the house if necessary. Do not attempt to inspect the damage yourself right away, especially if power lines are involved or the tree is large enough to affect multiple areas of your home.

Step 2: Contact Emergency Services (If Necessary)

If the tree has brought down power lines, there is immediate structural danger, or someone is injured, call 911. Electrical hazards and structural instability can be deadly, so always prioritize safety.

Step 3: Document the Damage!

Before any repairs begin, document the damage by taking photos and videos of the tree, the roof, and any additional parts of the house that may have been affected. This documentation will be essential when dealing with your insurance company.

Step 4: Contact a Trusted Roofing Company FIRST, Then Your Insurance Company

In our opinion, this is where many people go wrong. First you should contact a trusted roofing company before contacting the insurance company. Why? Because the roofing company will become your educated buffer to make sure that you get everything covered financially that you need to remove the tree and to fix the damage. Then, contact the insurance company to report the incident. Be prepared to provide them with the documentation and knowledge youve gained & gathered from the roofing company and follow their process for filing a claim. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage.

Step 5: Prevent Further Damage

If it’s safe, you’ll want to take immediate steps to prevent further damage. This might include covering the damaged area of your roof with a tarp to avoid water damage, especially if rain is expected. Most roofing companies, including ours at Right Now Roofing, can assist with temporary repairs while you wait for the insurance adjuster.

Step 6: Hire a Professional Roofing Company

Once you’ve spoken with your insurance company, it’s time to hire a professional roofing company to assess and repair the damage. At Right Now Roofing, we’ve handled countless cases like this, and we’ll work with your insurance adjuster to make sure the repairs are covered and done right. Our goal is to restore your roof and your peace of mind as quickly as possible.

Comparison Chart: Tree Damage vs. Other Common Roof Emergencies

FAQs

1. Will my insurance cover tree damage to my roof?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover damage from fallen trees if the tree fell due to a covered peril (e.g., storm, wind). However, damage caused by lack of maintenance or negligence might not be covered.

2. How long will it take to repair my roof?
Repair times vary depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of materials, but typically it takes between 1 to 3 weeks for full roof restoration.

3. Do I need to remove the tree myself?
No, it’s essential to hire professionals to safely remove the tree. Trying to remove it yourself could cause more damage to your home or even personal injury.

4. Can you help with the insurance claim process?
Yes, at Right Now Roofing, we work closely with your insurance adjuster to make sure the claims process is smooth and that all necessary repairs are covered.

Maurice Campbell

Maurice Campbell brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the roofing and siding industry to his role as co-owner of Right Now Roofing. Maurice began his career in roofing installation, where his technical skills and problem-solving abilities set him apart. His career progressed into project management, where he successfully managed complex roofing and siding projects, ensuring they were completed on time and within budget.