When Storms Strike: What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Roof

When the skies darken and winds pick up, it’s often a waiting game—hoping your home weathers the storm unscathed. But what happens when a tree crashes through your roof, leaving behind not just visible destruction but hidden, long-term damage?

At Heritage Restoration, we’ve seen the aftermath of powerful storms countless times. One of the most common—and most devastating—incidents involves trees falling onto homes. Recently, a client experienced exactly this scenario: a mature oak toppled by high winds landed directly on their roof, causing extensive structural damage and water intrusion.

The Immediate Impact

When a tree falls on your roof, the damage goes beyond broken shingles. In this case, the heavy trunk punctured the roof deck, crushing rafters and displacing support beams. Worse, the storm continued, and rain poured into the now-exposed attic, soaking insulation, drywall, and flooring throughout the top level of the home.

Water damage begins immediately. Within minutes, moisture can seep into electrical systems, weaken structural components, and create the ideal conditions for mold growth. What looked like a single impact point quickly became a full-blown restoration project.

The Hidden Dangers

1. Structural Compromise:
Roofs are designed to bear loads vertically—not to absorb the force of a falling tree. Even if the damage seems limited to one area, the entire frame may have shifted. Hidden fractures in joists and roof trusses can weaken the integrity of the home.

2. Water Infiltration:
Rainwater entering through a compromised roof can migrate far from the impact site. Wet insulation loses effectiveness, soaked drywall may sag or collapse, and moisture trapped behind walls breeds mold and mildew.

3. Electrical Hazards:
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Storm-related roof damage can expose wiring to moisture, increasing the risk of electrical shorts, fires, or shock hazards.

What You Should Do Immediately

If a tree falls on your home during a storm, here’s what we recommend:

• Ensure Safety First: Evacuate the home if there’s any chance of structural instability.

• Call Emergency Services if Needed: Downed power lines or active water leaks require immediate attention.

• Document the Damage: Take photos and videos for insurance purposes, but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Start the claim process right away.

• Call Heritage Restoration: Time is critical. The sooner we begin mitigation, the better your chances of minimizing long-term damage.

How Heritage Restoration Can Help

We specialize in storm damage restoration, and our team is trained to respond quickly and effectively.