As storms come and go along the Gulf Coast, they often leave homes and businesses in need of urgent roof repair from tree damage, including fallen limbs that can puncture shingles, break through roofing materials, or cause structural damage to the underlying support system.
It is important to deal with roof damage after a natural disaster and complete those repairs (and blue tarping) as quickly as possible. Leaving a home or business exposed can lead to more extensive issues, resulting in costly repairs.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps for handling roof repair from tree damage, from immediate actions to prevent further harm to long-term repair solutions.
Assess the damage to your roof
When a tree damages your roof, it needs to be assessed immediately and may require you, your family and any pets to evacuate your home temporarily (if weather permits).
If you live in a duplex or connecting townhomes, notify your neighbors of the issue.
You should also alert your insurance company; they may provide guidance on the next steps to protect your home.
If it is safe, survey the damage to identify any water leaks, compromised structural issues and cracks along the roof line.
- Begin in the attic: Look for any ceiling leaks during the daylight and use a flashlight if necessary.
- Check outside: Walk around the outside of the home, looking for curled or cracked roof shingles and bent or detached flashing.
- Take a closer look: If comfortable, use a ladder to take a closer look at your roof and make note of loose nails and gutter debris.
Trees may rest on the roof, causing only minor shingle issues, while larger trees can lead to significant structural problems. Never stay in a home with a tree on the roof, as the weight can compromise the structure and potentially lead to a collapse, putting you and your family at risk.
Prioritize safety if the tree damage is extensive
For major issues, such as a tree pulling down electrical lines or affecting plumbing and gas lines, it’s crucial to call 9-1-1 immediately.
If you notice water leaks, sparks, or the smell of gas, do not investigate further. Your utility company may need to temporarily shut off services until the situation is safe.
It’s important to contact a professional to inspect your home and determine if it’s safe to stay in during the repairs.
High Tide Contracting and Roofing offers free roof inspections to assess the damage and ensure your home’s safety. Click here to contact us today and request more information or to schedule a free roof inspection.
Temporary solutions after a tree falls on your roof
The best way to prevent additional costly repairs after a tree falls on your roof is to cover the damaged area with a temporary tarp. Tarps are readily available at most home supply stores, online, or through professional roofing services. Here’s how to secure a tarp effectively:
- Lay the tarp flat on the roof, extending it 3-4 feet beyond the damage on all sides.
- Next, use nails or screws to secure the tarp every 12 inches along the edges. You can also use 1 x 2 or 2 x 4 boards to secure the tarp.
- Add weights or sandbags to increase stability and protection.
Taking these measures will help lessen the damage to your roof and other areas of your home, protecting your investment, until permanent repairs can be made.
Check if your insurance covers tree damage to your roof
It’s crucial to understand your homeowner’s insurance policy. In most cases, insurance covers the necessary roof repair from tree damage, including the cost of tree removal from your roof and property.
However, along the Gulf Coast and particularly in Alabama, some policies exclude tree damage caused by high winds. You may need to purchase a separate policy to ensure you’re fully covered.
Always review your policy and check for any exclusions. Be sure to document the damage thoroughly by taking photos of your roof and any affected household items. This documentation will be essential for your insurance claim.
Hire the right professionals to repair your roof
Choosing a professional roofer is essential to properly repair your roof, ensuring it is restored effectively to prevent future leaks or structural issues.
High Tide Contracting and Roofing holds an Unlimited Residential Home Builder’s License. This allows us to handle structural needs during roof repairs or replacements with expertise and professionalism.
When selecting a contractor, make sure they are insured, licensed, and bonded. A bonded contractor provides added security for consumers, as a bonding company can compensate you if a claim is necessary.
Seek referrals from friends and neighbors and check online reviews to ensure you’re working with a reputable and dependable roofing contractor. A trustworthy contractor will also offer a free roof inspection and provide a fair, transparent estimate.
Preventative measures for the future
You’ve heard the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” This famous quote from Ben Franklin certainly applies to preventing tree damage to your home. (Maybe Mr. Franklin came up with this brilliant anecdote after removing a rather large limb that damaged his well-used writing table.)
There are some practical steps you can take to help prevent a tree from causing damage to your home:
- Upgrade to a FORTIFIED™ roof today. This is a nationally recognized program designed to strengthen homes in the Gulf Coast against the impacts of severe weather including wind and tree damage. Click here to contact us today to learn more about upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ roof.
- Trim all tree branches and limbs too close to your home.
- Remove trees that are unstable, leaning or showing signs of disease, and damaged or dead trees (consult an arborist, if necessary).
- Trees with a split trunk or fungus should also be cut down.
- Keep your roof clean from debris and other fallen limbs that can damage your shingles over time.
- Make sure all gutters are free flowing, allowing water to move away from your home.
- Fruit and nut producing trees should not be planted near your home as the falling fruits and nuts can damage your shingles over time.
- Trimmed trees can prevent creatures like squirrels and raccoons from building nests and causing structural damage.
Protect your home from tree damage
Preventing damage from a fallen or nearby tree is a smart decision that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. But once the damage is done, time is of the essence.
By following the steps in this blog to quickly remedy and mitigate the damage as quickly as possible you can protect your investment for years to come.
Roof repair from tree damage is best handled by a professional contractor like High Tide Contracting and Roofing. We are a licensed roofing contractor in Foley, AL that can provide a free inspection and fair estimate, and an expert team to handle every aspect of your home’s repair. Click here to schedule a free inspection today.