What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Roof

When a tree crashes down on your roof, panic is a natural first reaction. The sound alone can make your heart drop — but what you do next can mean the difference between a quick repair and a major financial setback.

In this guide, you’ll learn what immediate steps to take to stay safe, protect your property, and start the recovery process as efficiently as possible.

1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety First

Before anything else, check that everyone in the home is safe. Trees can cause structural damage that’s not always visible right away — walls might shift, ceilings could sag, and power lines may be compromised.

Here’s what to do right after the impact:

• Evacuate the house immediately if there’s significant damage or you hear creaking or cracking sounds.
• Avoid using electricity or gas appliances until you’re certain there’s no line damage.
• Call 911 if there are downed power lines or if anyone is injured.

Once everyone is secure, you can focus on assessing the situation from a safe distance.

2. Contact Professionals Right Away

Even if the damage seems minor, don’t try to inspect or fix it yourself. A fallen tree can create hidden stress points that make the roof unstable. Instead, call a trusted roofer Oneonta AL residents rely on, such as Royal Roof Contractors LLC. A local roofing expert can quickly determine whether your home is safe to enter and what kind of repairs will be needed.

You’ll likely also need to contact:

• Your insurance company to report the incident and begin the claims process.
• A tree removal service to safely remove branches and debris without causing additional damage.
• An electrician if there’s any chance that wiring or the power line was affected.

Document everything before professionals begin their work — take clear photos and videos from multiple angles.

3. Prevent Further Damage

While you wait for repairs, the goal is to protect your home from weather exposure. If your roofer advises it’s safe to do so, you can:

• Use tarps or plastic sheeting to cover open areas.
• Move furniture, valuables, and electronics away from damaged parts of the roof or ceiling.
• Set up buckets or containers to catch any water leaks inside.

If the weather turns bad, these quick measures can help prevent additional water damage and mold growth.

4. File Your Insurance Claim Properly

Insurance coverage for fallen trees typically depends on what caused the fall — for example, a storm or wind damage is often covered, while neglect may not be.

Here’s how to streamline the claims process:

• Provide detailed evidence (photos, videos, and professional reports).
• Get written estimates from your roofer and other contractors.
• Stay in touch with your adjuster and follow up in writing after each call.

Pro tip: Keep a record of all communication. It helps if there’s ever a dispute about coverage or costs.

5. Plan for Professional Repairs

Once your insurance approves the claim, your roofing contractor can begin repairs or a full replacement. Depending on the severity, this can range from patching a few shingles to replacing entire sections of your roof structure.

During repairs, ask your contractor to:

• Inspect the attic and ceiling for hidden leaks.
• Check gutters and flashing for debris or bending.
• Reinforce weak spots to prevent future storm damage.

Case Study: A Stormy Night in Alabama

Last spring, a homeowner in Oneonta woke to a loud crash during a thunderstorm. A large oak tree had fallen across their roof, damaging both the shingles and rafters. They called Royal Roof Contractors LLC within the hour. The team secured the roof, documented the damage for insurance, and coordinated the cleanup with a tree service. Within two weeks, the roof was fully repaired — all covered by insurance.

Final Thoughts

A fallen tree can be one of the most stressful home emergencies, but acting fast and calling the right professionals makes all the difference. Focus on safety, document everything, and rely on experienced contractors to handle the rest.

If you ever face storm damage, don’t wait — contact a licensed roofer immediately to assess and protect your home.