What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof

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What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof

Severe weather is nothing new to the Southeast. When storms move through northern Georgia or upstate South Carolina, heavy rain and strong wind can bring down even healthy trees. If one falls on your roof, knowing what to do next helps protect your home and reduce repair costs.

Tree impacts are one of the most common causes of storm-related roof damage in our region. They can break shingles, tear through decking, and expose the inside of your home to water. Acting quickly and carefully in the hours after impact can make all the difference.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Start by checking for safety. If the tree has pierced the roof or affected the structure, evacuate immediately. Avoid trying to move debris or inspect the damage yourself. Call 911 if anyone is injured or trapped. Remember that even if the damage looks minor, unseen risks may still exist. Power lines could be hidden, and the roof may be unstable. Wait for emergency personnel or qualified professionals to confirm that the home is safe before re-entering.

Step 2: Contact Emergency Services and Utility Providers

If power lines are involved, call your electric company right away. They can disconnect service before cleanup begins. If the structure is unsafe or there’s a fire risk, local emergency responders can help secure the property. Do not try to remove the tree or cover the roof yourself. It’s better to wait than to risk further injury or damage.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

Once everyone is safe, call your homeowners’ insurance provider to report the incident. Share what you know about the damage and where it occurred. Take photos to document the scene before anything is moved. If the tree came from a neighbor’s property, your adjuster can help determine who is responsible. The insurance company will send someone to inspect and assess the damage. Keep detailed notes of every conversation and make sure you understand what the next steps will be.

Step 4: Call a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Next, reach out to a trusted local roofing company for emergency service. Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself, since a damaged roof can shift unexpectedly. United Contracting & Roofing provides emergency tarping to protect your home from further rain or water damage. A properly installed tarp prevents moisture from entering the attic or interior while your claim and repairs are in progress. Responding quickly limits long-term issues and keeps costs under control.

Step 5: Arrange for Professional Tree Removal

Once the area is cleared for access, hire a certified arborist or professional tree service to remove the debris. Tree removal requires training and equipment to prevent further structural damage. Avoid unlicensed contractors who appear after storms and offer “quick” cleanup work. A local, reputable tree service can coordinate with your roofing contractor to ensure safe removal and site protection.

Step 6: Schedule a Full Roof Inspection

After the tree is removed, a complete inspection is essential to check both visible and hidden damage. Shingles, flashing, decking, and framing all need to be evaluated for cracks, punctures, or structural weakness. Our team will provide detailed inspection reports with photographs for insurance documentation. Even if damage looks minimal, an inspection can prevent future leaks or costly structural issues.

Step 7: Plan Ahead to Prevent Future Damage

When repairs are complete, consider steps to lower your risk in future storms. Trim trees near your home so branches stay at least six feet away from the roof. Remove any that are dead, leaning, or showing signs of decay. Scheduling a roof inspection once a year — ideally before storm season — helps identify weak points or aging materials that could worsen in bad weather.

Protecting Your Home After the Storm

A fallen tree is a serious situation, but the right response keeps it manageable. Protect your safety first, contact professionals, and document everything for your insurance claim.

United Contracting & Roofing is here for homeowners across northern Georgia and upstate South Carolina with emergency repairs, inspections, and full restoration services. If a tree has damaged your roof, call us right away or request a free inspection. We’ll secure your property and restore your roof with care and precision.

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Reach out to us today and get a FREE inspection on your roof.

COMMERCIAL ROOFING

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING

ABOUT UNITED

Office Locations:

Roofing Tips

Discover tips, advice, and resources from your friends at United Contracting and Roofing!

What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Step 2: Contact Emergency Services and Utility Providers

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

Step 4: Call a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Step 5: Arrange for Professional Tree Removal

Step 6: Schedule a Full Roof Inspection

Step 7: Plan Ahead to Prevent Future Damage

Protecting Your Home After the Storm

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