It finally happened! That big, beautiful tree in your yard, the one that’s been leaning a little too close for comfort, came crashing down onto your roof during last night’s wild Michigan windstorm. Now, it’s lying across your roof, and shingles are scattered across the yard. As you stare at the tangled branches and damaged roof, panic starts to set in. Now what?!
A tree on the roof can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, but taking quick, smart steps can prevent further damage and get your home back to safety and comfort in no time. Roof damage from fallen trees can lead to leaks, structural issues, and even safety hazards if not addressed right away. Whether it’s in the middle of the night or early the next morning, the steps you take in the first few hours can make all the difference in protecting your home (and your wallet).
So, what exactly should you do next? This guide will walk you through the important actions you should take immediately after, within the first 24 to 48 hours, and in the days that follow. Plus, we will provide you with a clear list of steps to follow and tips for choosing the right roofing contractor. Let’s turn this stressful moment into a manageable plan to protect your home and restore your comfort and safety.
Tree on Roof? Why Immediate Action is Imperative
Safety First: Having a tree fall on your roof during an intense storm can be terrifying, and rightfully so. When branches come crashing down, they are capable of sending debris flying, puncturing surrounding objects, and pulling down or exposing electrical wires. If you are concerned about any of these hazards, smell gas, or are in immediate danger, evacuate the home and call 911.
Prevention of Further Roof Damage: Having a tree fall on your roof leads to potential immediate leaking, especially if the storm is driven by lake effect weather full of moisture. Punctures or holes in the roof can expose the interior of the home to the elements, leading to mold and mildew growth and causing structural damage if the damage is ignored. Water damage to the home and pest infestations can also damage your home if you do not repair your roof promptly.
Consequences of Waiting: Let’s face it, the consequences of waiting can be extremely costly. Putting off roof repair and allowing further damage will only increase repair costs over time. Roof repair costs can vary widely depending on many factors. Minor repairs can start as low as hundreds of dollars and can escalate into costs over $20,000. Delaying repair that results in structural damage may even require you to relocate while the repairs are being made. Delaying repairs can also lead to complicated insurance claims, even partially denied claims, especially if the damage has increased due to your delay in action. When it comes to protecting your home (and your wallet), every moment counts.
What to Do Immediately After the Incident
Ensure Safety: First things first, ensure the safety of everyone in the home. If you smell gas, see sparks, or notice severe damage to your home, evacuate and call emergency services (911 or local utility company). Stay away from the damaged area and do not risk climbing onto the roof to remove the tree. There may be hidden electrical dangers, sharp debris, or instability to the roof structure that can put you in harm’s way.
Assess and Document Damage: From a safe distance, you will want to observe as much of the damage as you possibly can. Start from the ground and work your way up, looking for visible damage like holes, missing shingles, or leaks inside the home. Make sure to photograph or video record the damage and document what you see, the day, and the time. This will become important when filing an insurance claim, along with a written list of any damage seen.
Temporary Protection: After storm roof damage, protecting your home from further water intrusion and structural damage helps to minimize costly repairs and will protect your home from rain/snow, debris, and pests. If it is safe, you can cover the exposed roof areas with tarps to prevent water entry, or you can hire a professional if you are unable to or feel unsafe doing so. Moving any furniture or valuables away from inside leaks can also help mitigate further damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Trust us on this, you want to call your insurer as soon as possible. Calling and reporting the incident will start your claim process, and the sooner you start the claim, the faster the process will move. Make sure to stick to the instructions your insurer provides, provide them with all of your documentation, and be present when the adjuster comes to inspect the damage. Some roofing services in Traverse City will aid in the insurance claim process, working with adjusters, and providing more details about the damage with their professional inspections and recommendations. Don’t wait, grab your phone, start snapping photos, and call your insurance company as soon as possible!
What to Do Within the First 48 Hours
If you haven’t done it in the first 24 hours, now is the time to call your insurance company and file a claim.
If you were unable to temporarily cover the damage, contact a roofing contractor who provides emergency services. They can tarp or make temporary repairs to stabilize your roof until permanent fixes can be made.
Call a professional tree removal service if needed. Never attempt to remove the tree yourself, as there can be hidden dangers you are unaware of. Make sure the tree service is licensed and insured.
Reach out to several local roofing contractors and arrange for an initial inspection and quote. Make sure to ask for written, detailed quotes for insurance, and also for planning purposes. This is a good time to ask the roofing contractor about their experience with storm damage and what their availability and scheduling are like.
Continue to monitor your home for leaks or worsening damage. Add tarps or coverings as needed until a permanent repair can be made.
What to Do Within the First Week
Continue to stay in contact with your insurance provider, providing any additional documentation or information they may need. Make sure to schedule the adjuster’s inspection for a time you can attend, pointing out all the damage. Don’t forget to ask for the detailed report from the adjuster and ask any questions you need for clarification on the covered costs.
Take a deep breath and compare the quotes you received from your local roofing contractors. Be sure to focus on things like quality, experience, and warranties, and not only the price. As the shock of the storm damage has worn off, you can now hire the roofing contractor of your choice, sign your contract (making sure the terms are clear), and schedule your repair or replacement.
Coordinate with your roofing contractor and hire any additional contracting services needed, such as tree removal, insulation removal/installation, or interior repairs.
From Impact to Repair: A Step-by-Step Checklist
- Ensure everyone’s safety.
- Call emergency services and evacuate if necessary.
- Document the damage.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Arrange for tree removal.
- Secure the roof with a tarp (if needed).
- Contact a roofing contractor for an inspection.
- Meet with your insurance adjuster.
- Get multiple estimates for comparison.
- Choose a reputable, local roofing contractor and schedule the repair or replacement.
- Prepare your home for the contractor by clearing debris, protecting the landscape, and making sure the interior of your home is secure and safe.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor After a Storm
The first thing you want to confirm when hiring a roofing contractor is that they are licensed and insured. This protects you, the homeowner, from liability issues surrounding your roofing project. Make sure that the materials used by the contractor are certified and warrantied by the manufacturers.
Next, look for a local contractor who is familiar with Michigan’s climate and has experience in storm repair. Roofing services in Traverse City are able to understand the regional needs better than traveling roofing companies looking to make a quick dollar after a damaging storm; these are known as storm chasers.
Check online for reviews and ask for references that are local to verify reliability and quality workmanship.
Don’t forget to ask the roofer how they work with insurance companies. Working with a contractor who is willing to work with your insurance makes for a much smoother process.
Moving Forward After the Storm
No doubt, that tree crashing through your roof during the last windstorm was a scary and stressful ordeal, but with the right steps, you can protect your home and restore its safety in no time. By acting fast, ensuring safety, documenting damage, and contacting your insurer, you can turn a chaotic moment into a manageable process. By securing emergency repairs and hiring a professional for tree removal within the first 48 hours, you can set the stage for total recovery. And by hiring a reputable local roofing contractor within the week, you can ensure quality repair tailored to Michigan’s toughest storms. Following the checklist of actions, from tarping the roof to working with your adjuster, you can turn the chaos into an organized plan. Don’t let the storms of life overwhelm you. Take control today by calling your insurer and reaching out to a trusted roofing professional. A fallen tree may be a setback, but with these steps, your home will be safe, strong, and ready for any future storm.