What To Do If A Tree Falls On Your Roof

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante

No homeowner is prepared for the day a tree falls on their roof. Not only is it a terrifying experience, but it’s also the first step in a long and expensive process that involves many phone calls and repairs. Understandably, you’ll want to know what to do if a tree falls on your roof.

If a tree falls on your roof, call 911 immediately and get out of the house. Once you are safe, you must call your homeowner’s insurance provider, and they will likely recommend that you call a local tree removal service. It costs between $500 and $3,000 to remove a fallen tree from your roof, but your insurance provider will likely incur the cost.

Factors such as the tree’s size, condition, and where it landed affect the cost of the removal. Make sure to inspect the trees on your property for signs of damage and rot that could cause them to fall, and hire a service to remove them if they appear compromised. Follow along as we explore what to do if a tree falls on your roof.

Can A Tree Break Through A Roof?

A tree can easily break through a roof, especially if it is large and your home is old. Trees can weigh up to 5 tons, or 10,000 pounds. The average adult, full-sized tree weighs at least 2,000 pounds, but it varies between species.

Large oak trees can weigh as much as 20,000 pounds. That is more than enough to cause irreversible damage that will break through your roof. That’s why it’s important to closely monitor large trees near your home because they can threaten your safety and your home’s structural integrity.

Routinely inspect old trees on your property for signs of rot and damage. This can protect your home and avoid weeks or even months of repairs and expensive construction.

Do You Call 911 If A Tree Falls On Your House?

Call 911 immediately if a tree falls on your house. A tree falling on your house carries several serious implications that you cannot deal with without professional help. Fallen trees often come along with structural damage and even electrical problems in extreme cases.

Never attempt to handle or remove a fallen tree without professional help, as it can be quite dangerous. This is especially true if the tree falls through electrical lines before it lands on your roof. The dispatcher will send the fire department to your home, and police offers or paramedics may show up as well, depending on the situation.

Call your insurance provider after you call 911. They will either send someone out to assess the damage or put you in contact with a contractor to take care of the roof.

Who Is Responsible If A Tree Falls On My House?

You are responsible if a tree from your yard falls on your roof. In this case, you will need to contact your homeowner’s insurance agency to see what they will cover. However, your neighbor is typically responsible for the damage if the tree that fell on your roof came from their yard.

This doesn’t apply to “acts of God” in some cases. “Acts of God” is an insurance term in that refers to natural causes such as heavy wind, rain, and extreme weather conditions. Your neighbor may still be responsible in that case, but it varies based on the cause.

However, your neighbor is responsible when a tree falls on your roof if it was their fault. It’s considered your neighbor’s fault if they neglected to cut the tree down, even though it was in bad condition. Speak to your neighbor if you notice a rotting tree in their yard before it’s too late and falls on your roof.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?

Homeowner’s insurance typically covers fallen trees. Most major homeowner’s insurance providers will cover damage from fallen trees and branches. The extent of their coverage and reimbursement varies based on the situation.

Your insurance provider will likely cover the cost of removing the tree from your roof. Depending on your provider and policy, they will also likely help cover the cost of the necessary repairs from the tree damage. In many cases, your insurance provider will also cover the cost of roof repairs.

Depending on the severity of the fall, your provider may also have to incur the cost of damage within your house. This is often necessary if the tree smashes through your roof, exposing your home’s interior to the elements.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Tree From Your Roof?

It costs an average of $750 to remove a fallen tree from your roof. Costs vary between $500 and $1,000, depending on the difficulty of the project. The tree’s size, condition, and accessibility all affect how long and expensive the removal process will be.

It can cost up to $3,000 to remove a tree from your roof in extreme situations. This is the case if the tree is massive, breaks through your roof, and does substantial damage. Luckily, your homeowner’s insurance provider should incur at least most of the cost unless they determine that it was your fault the tree fell.

How Do You Tell If A Tree Should Be Cut Down?

The easiest way to tell if a tree should be cut down is if there are signs of rot. Look for rotting sections of wood near the base of the tree. A tree is likely to fall if the base is rotten, even if the root system is intact.

Root damage is another sign that you should cut the tree down. You can tell that a tree’s roots are compromised if they are mushy. Wilting leaves and branches are another sign that the roots are damaged, and the tree needs to be cut down.

You can also tell that a tree may soon fall if it is leaning to one side. Trees typically stand evenly when on flat ground, but weak and dying trees lean. Immediately contact a tree removal service if you notice any of these signs before the tree falls on your roof and it’s too late.

Summing It Up

Call 911 immediately if a tree falls on your roof. After you contact authorities, you must contact your homeowner’s insurance provider and inform them about the situation. You must also contact a tree removal service after you call your insurance provider, so they can remove the tree as soon as possible.

Go outside if you are indoors when the tree falls on your house because it may fall through the roof. It costs up to $1,000 or more to remove a tree from your roof, but your insurance provider will likely incur the cost. Your neighbor is responsible for the cost of removal if their tree falls on your roof in most cases.

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Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

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