If a tree fell on your roof, the situation can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to do first can help keep your family safe, protect your home from further damage, and make the insurance process much smoother.
Quick Answer: What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof
- Get everyone to safety and call 911 if there’s structural damage, injuries, or a gas leak.
- Contact your homeowner’s insurance company to start a claim before major cleanup or permanent repairs begin.
- Cover exposed areas with a tarp to help prevent additional water damage until an inspector can evaluate the roof.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection to document the damage and determine whether the roof needs repairs or a replacement.
At Larson & Keeney Home Services, we’ve helped homeowners across Northeast Wisconsin recover from storm-related roof damage, including fallen trees and large branches. Below, we’ll explain the immediate steps to take, how insurance typically works, and what to expect during the roof repair process.
What to Do First When a Tree Falls on Your Roof
If a tree falls on your roof, your first priority is keeping everyone safe. Follow these steps before worrying about cleanup or repairs:
- Leave the home if necessary: Evacuate immediately if part of the roof has collapsed or you notice significant structural damage. Otherwise, stay out of the rooms directly below the impact area.
- Watch for gas leaks: If you smell natural gas, leave the home immediately and contact your utility provider from a safe location.
- Stay away from downed power lines: If the tree is touching power lines, keep everyone clear and call Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) before approaching the area.
- Don’t climb onto the roof or move the tree yourself: A damaged roof may be unstable, and shifting branches can cause additional injuries or damage.
When to Call 911 vs. When to Call a Contractor
Call 911 if anyone is injured, there’s a fire, a gas leak, or the home has suffered major structural damage. Once emergency responders have confirmed the property is safe, contact a roofing contractor for a professional roof inspection and roof repairs.
What to Do If It’s a Branch, Not a Full Tree
If a tree branch fell on your roof, the situation may seem less serious. However, it can still damage shingles, flashing, or the roof decking underneath. Even if there’s no visible hole, schedule a professional inspection to identify hidden damage before it leads to leaks or more costly repairs.
How to Document the Damage for Your Insurance Claim
If a tree fell on your roof, insurance will require documentation of the damage. Before cleanup begins, follow this checklist:
- Photograph the damage from the ground. Take clear photos of the tree, the point of impact, and the surrounding roof before you move anything.
- Document the interior. Photograph ceilings, walls, insulation, and any visible water damage beneath the impact area.
- Wait before removing the tree or making permanent repairs. Your insurance company may need to inspect the damage before authorizing repairs, so only perform emergency measures like tarping if needed.
- Keep all receipts. Save receipts for emergency tarping, temporary lodging, and other covered expenses related to the damage.
- Request a written roofing estimate. A detailed estimate from a licensed roofing contractor can help support your insurance claim.
What Your Homeowner’s Policy Typically Covers
Most standard HO-3 homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden, accidental damage caused by a falling tree. This includes roof repairs and, in many cases, tree removal after your deductible.
Coverage generally applies whether the tree was healthy or diseased because the event itself is considered sudden and accidental. However, if you were previously notified that a tree posed a hazard and failed to address it, your insurer may dispute part or all of the claim.
When a Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your Roof
If your neighbor’s tree fell on your roof, your own homeowner’s insurance will usually pay for the repairs first, regardless of who owned the tree. A neighbor is typically only responsible if they knew the tree was hazardous and failed to take reasonable action to remove it.
Review your policy and contact your insurance company as soon as possible so they can determine whether your claim or any potential reimbursement from your neighbor applies.
What Happens During Roof Repairs After a Tree Falls
After you file your insurance claim, you can begin planning your roof repairs. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Step 1 — Emergency Tarping to Stop Water Intrusion
Install a tarp within 24 to 48 hours to help keep water out of the roof decking, insulation, and interior ceilings. Extend the tarp at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area and secure it with batten boards rather than bungee cords for better protection.
Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover emergency tarping costs. Because another storm can arrive quickly in Wisconsin, don’t delay. If you need immediate assistance, Larson & Keeney Home Services provides emergency roof repair throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Step 2 — Professional Inspection and Damage Assessment
A licensed roofing contractor will inspect three layers of your roof: the shingles, the roof decking, and the structural framing, including the rafters and trusses. A branch may damage only the shingles, while a large tree can compromise all three layers.
Your contractor should document every damaged area and provide an itemized estimate for your insurance adjuster. We recommend scheduling a professional roof inspection instead of climbing onto the roof yourself.
Step 3 — Partial Repair vs. Full Roof Replacement
If the tree damaged less than about 30% of your roof, your contractor can often replace the affected decking, underlayment, and shingles. However, extensive structural damage, a roof nearing the end of its 20- to 30-year lifespan, or discontinued shingles may make a full replacement the better long-term solution.
Mistakes Homeowners Make After a Tree Falls on Their Roof
Avoid these common mistakes after a tree falls on your roof:
- Removing the tree too soon: Wait until your insurance company documents the damage before removing the tree, unless it creates an immediate safety hazard. Moving it too early can complicate your claim.
- Assuming minor damage means minor repairs: Even a small branch can damage the underlayment or roof decking beneath the shingles. Always schedule a professional inspection.
- Filing a claim without a roofing estimate: A written estimate from a licensed roofing contractor helps document the full scope of the damage and supports your insurance claim.
- Waiting to install a tarp: Exposed roofing materials can quickly lead to water damage after the next rain. Install a temporary tarp as soon as it’s safe to do so.
- Assuming your neighbor’s insurance pays: If your neighbor’s tree falls on your roof, your homeowner’s insurance typically handles the claim first. Contact your insurer before assuming who is responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowner’s insurance cover a tree falling on your roof?
Yes. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden, accidental roof damage caused by a fallen tree, along with eligible tree removal costs after your deductible. Coverage depends on your policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage.
What should I do first if a tree fell on my roof?
Get everyone to safety, call 911 if needed, document the damage, and contact your insurance company before making permanent repairs.
Will my insurance cover it if my neighbor’s tree fell on my roof?
Usually, yes. Your homeowner’s insurance typically pays first, while your neighbor may only be liable if they knowingly ignored a hazardous tree.
Can a tree branch cause serious roof damage even if it looks minor?
Yes. Even a small branch can damage the roof decking or underlayment. If a tree damaged part of your roof, schedule a professional inspection first to identify the full extent of the damage.
