As one of the wettest areas in the United States, it is not surprising that rain often comes with powerful winds in your area. Many storms have the power to take down trees and power lines. Nonetheless, it’s not a good sight when it happens to your home. If a grand tree causes damage to your roof, you probably don’t know what to do next. Not many people are prepared for trees falling on their roofs. This guide will address what steps to take if a tree falls onto your home. Let’s get started.
What Do You Do When A Tree Falls On Your Roof?
When a tree falls on your roof, make sure to immediately evacuate everyone from the house. Call 911 and take safety measures until first responders clear the area. Next, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim. Then contact your local roofing company to repair roof damage or replace your roof if necessary. That said, let’s discuss each step in detail.
Ensure Your Safety First
If a tree falls onto your home, you should immediately exit it and contact your local emergency services. You can get clearer instructions by calling 911 and describing the event to the operator. The operator may instruct you to take further safety measures depending on the nature of the storm. You should also let them know if anyone is injured. Given the extent of injuries, the person may need immediate medical attention.
Be sure not to enter your home unless first responders have declared it safe. After inspection, the fire department may give you clearance to enter the property. However, it’s advisable to be cautious. Your insurance company will later give you more information about the damage.
Contact Emergency Services
Once you contact 911, the fire department will usually be the first to reach and be responsible for rescuing any injured persons. They will also let you know whether it was minor damage or severe storm damage. Suppose the tree took down electricity poles or disrupted other utilities. In that case, you may see gas and electric companies at the scene. They may disconnect these services immediately in this case.
Insurance Claim
Next, you should contact your insurance company. Most homeowners insurance will cover storm damage. But if you live in an area that experiences frequent earthquakes or tornados, you may need additional insurance. Contact your insurance provider to file a claim. You can also hire a private roof inspector if you don’t trust the insurance provider. You can also call your insurance company and a local roofing contractor and let them sort out your roofing condition.
You May Need a Roof Replacement
Not every roof damage caused by a tree requires a complete roof replacement. But in some cases, replacing the entire roof is more cost-effective than repairing a damaged one. For example, when a roof is several decades older, you will likely replace it in a year or so anyway. Contact roof repair experts in Houston and take word from professionals. This way, you can make an informed decision about your roofing system.