In 2015, severe storms caused more than $12 billion in property damage in the United States. While there are no statistics to show how much damage was caused by trees falling on the roof, we expect this to be quite significant.

Falling trees are a frequent source of damage to homes, buildings, power lines and more. Old and diseased trees are always vulnerable to strong winds and floods. Indeed, even the healthiest trees are sometimes uprooted by such conditions.

So what’s the first thing you should do when a tree falls on your roof? Naturally, your first response would be to find out if anyone’s been hurt. If so, call the police and an ambulance.

Next, you will want to check with the power lines – has there been any damage to the electrical lines because of the falling tree? In that case, waste no time in calling the power company.

The next call should be to the insurance company from whom you’ve bought the homeowner’s insurance – if there’s been damage of some sort. Tell your insurance company everything that happened and ask them for a recommendation for a roof restoration service, or ask for their approval for the roofing contractor that you plan on hiring for the roof repair.

If the tree is still on the roof, clear everyone from the rooms underneath the affected area. Take as many pictures as you can of the damage from a safe distance. This can be useful to you later, when making your case to the insurance company. Document the damage as systematically as possible.

If the tree has barely scratched the roof and you feel safe enough, then staple a tarp over the area of impact to prevent water from damaging the interior of your house. Call an arborist or a roof specialist to get the tree off the roof. Any damage to property caused by the falling tree will be covered by your insurance policy.
Here’s what you shouldn’t do – attempt to remove the tree by yourself. It would be a risky thing to do and you would be endangering not just your property, but the safety of your family.

Call a roofer—they know what needs to be done. And before you hire a roofer, find out if they are properly insured and have the necessary licenses. A qualified roofer removes the tree and repairs or replaces the roof to the satisfaction of your insurer.

Regular inspection and maintenance of the roof by a roofing specialist can extend its life and save you a lot of money. Always trust professionals from Oregon’s roof specialists, America’s Best Contractors, Inc., for roof repair and replacement.

At America’s Best Contractors, Inc., we are proud to be the #1 roof specialists in Beaverton, Oregon. We are a local, family-owned and operated business and have decades of experience in the roofing industry. We are known for our work-ethic and commitment to excellence. Call us today at 503-259-0538 for a free estimate.