What Should I Do If a Tree Fell on My Roof Because of a Storm in Seattle?

As a longtime family-owned, Seattle-based company, the team at Chet’s Roofing & Construction has seen just about every roof-related damage scenario that Puget Sound has to offer. One of the more common mishaps we encounter is a tree falling on a roof due to a storm. It's not a sight any homeowner wants to see, but knowing what to do if you find yourself in this predicament can make a world of difference.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

First and foremost, ensure everyone in your home is safe. If a tree has fallen on your roof, there's a risk of structural instability and potential collapse. You might even find branches penetrating your ceiling. If you believe there is an immediate danger, evacuate your home and contact emergency services. It's better to err on the side of caution.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Once everyone is safe, and you’ve determined there’s no immediate danger to your household, document the damage thoroughly. Snap plenty of photographs and make a detailed note of the destruction from both inside and outside of the house. This information will be invaluable when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your homeowners insurance provider as soon as you can. Inform them about the incident and submit the evidence you've gathered. They'll guide you through their claims process, and if you're lucky, an adjuster will be dispatched to your home within a few days.

Step 4: Call in a Professional Tree Removal Service

This isn't the time for DIY heroics. Removing a fallen tree is dangerous work and should be left to professionals who have the right tools, equipment and training. They'll make sure the tree is safely removed without causing any additional damage to your home. Preventing additional damage to your property is extremely important, as avoidable repair costs that you only incurred because you went the DIY route might not be covered by your home insurance.

Step 5: Reach Out to Your Local Seattle Roofer

Once the tree is out of the way, the team at Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc. can take care of the rest. Our professional roofers will assess the damage, provide a detailed quote for repairs and guide you through the restoration process. We'll also liaise with your insurance company if necessary, providing them with an estimate and discussing the required repairs.

When we take on a job like this, our first task is to secure your home by installing a tarp to protect against the elements and prevent further damage. From there, we'll repair or replace damaged roof materials and make sure everything is sealed and watertight.

Step 6: Plan for the Future

Once your roof is back to its former glory, it might be a good time to assess any remaining trees close to your property. Consider consulting with a local arborist to evaluate the health of these trees and their potential threat to your home.

Should Home Insurance Cover a Tree Falling on My Roof?

If a tree falls on your roof for reasons beyond your control (including high winds and storms), then yes. Acts of nature – like a healthy tree falling on your roof due to wind or a lightning strike – should be a covered peril. Your insurance should cover both roof repairs and replacement of damaged personal property inside your home.

Your home should also be covered if a neighbor’s tree falls on your roof due to a storm or their own negligence – like if they didn’t remove a dead tree that then fell on your roof.

Your claim might be more difficult if the insurance company decides the tree fell on your roof due to your neglect or poor maintenance. Examples include situations where the tree was dying and close to your home, but you didn’t do anything to remove it or address the risk. Insurance also won’t usually cover tree removal if the tree did not hit any insured structures on its way down. 

Get Help with Roof Repairs After a Seattle Storm

Living in Seattle, we know that storms are part and parcel of our lives. That’s why our team is always on standby after high winds and storms. We make it a priority to get roofs fixed fast to minimize additional damage and ensure you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

Call us today at (877) 611-1514 for a fast estimate.