Hurricane season brings a number of stressful issues to the minds of Florida homeowners. Perhaps the scariest one is the idea of a tree crashing through your roof. Here in Tallahassee, where the stunning oaks tower overhead, it's a particularly real threat. Whether it happens as a result of a storm or simply because that old loblolly pine finally gave way, the moments that follow are overwhelming.
What you do in the first 48 hours after a tree falls on your roof matters enormously. Acting quickly and knowing what to do first can make all the difference. It could be the difference between a manageable repair and months of issues with mold and water damage.
At TSpark, we've worked with countless Tallahassee homeowners in this very situation. Every major storm brings a fresh round of fallen trees. We hope it never happens to you, but in case it does, here is a step-by-step guide to read before disaster strikes.
Hour 1: Prioritize Safety First
First and foremost, your and your family's safety are critical. As soon as possible, get everyone out of harm's way. A fallen tree can compromise the overall integrity of your home. Leave the affected area of the home, or leave the home entirely if the damage appears significant. If anyone sustained injuries, call 911 right away.
Don't try to remove the tree yourself. It could be holding structural pieces in place. Removing it yourself without the proper equipment can cause more damage. Leave it where it is.
If you can safely reach your breaker panel, turn off the electricity to the affected area. Water and exposed wiring are a recipe for disaster. Smell gas? Get out of the house right away and call 911 from outside. If the tree struck a gas line, you must get out.
Hours 1-3: Don’t Touch. Document!
Once everyone is safe and sound, pull out your phone or camera and record everything you can access safely. Take photos and videos of the tree, the point of impact, any interior damage, and any personal belongings affected.
If it's safe to access, check the attic and record any damage there. Make sure you record ceilings, walls, inside closets, and any rooms below if you have a multi-story home.
This documentation is the foundation for your insurance claim. Insurance adjusters and contractors will use it to determine the scope of the damage. Don't throw anything away yet. Not even debris and ruined belongings. Your insurer may want to assess it.
Hours 3-6: Call Your Insurance Company
As soon as you have proper photographic evidence of the damage, call your homeowners insurance company. You want to report the claim as early as possible, as most policies require 'prompt notice' of damage. Waiting too long can make things more complicated.
When you call, have this information ready:
- Your policy number
- The date and time the tree fell (to the best of your ability)
- A description of the damage
- The photos and videos that you took
Here are some specific questions to ask your insurance company:
- Are emergency taping and immediate repairs covered?
- Do I need multiple contractor estimates?
- Can I choose my own contractor?
- What is my deductible?
- How soon can an adjuster come out?
Hours 6-24: Have Emergency Tarping Done Immediately
Rain doesn't wait for an insurance adjuster to make their assessment. Any opening in your roof is an invitation for more damage. Water can pour into your attic, insulation, walls, and ceilings, doing a lot more damage. What started as a roof issue can turn into a full interior restoration if you leave your home to the elements.
Call a local contractor to come install emergency tarps over the area as soon as possible. This temporary measure protects the interior of your home until the permanent repairs begin. Insurance companies almost always cover this work because it mitigates more damage for them to pay for.
Out-of-state storm chasers may seem like a good idea in the moment, but they're often not qualified. Without proper licensing and insurance, you're taking on a lot of risk. Not to mention, they may not be available for any further issues.
Choose a local contractor who will see you through to the project's completion. At TSpark, we respond to emergency calls as soon as we can. We also work directly with your insurance company, so you don't have to act as the middleman during this already stressful time.
Hours 24-48: Get a Full Professional Estimate
Once your home is stabilized, a comprehensive damage assessment should be your next step. This is where choosing the right contractor is important. You want someone who has the expertise to handle the full scope of repairs.
Many homeowners don't realize that a tree falling on their roof rarely means only roof damage. Depending on the size of the tree and the angle it hit, you could be dealing with a number of other issues, such as:
- Damaged trusses or roof decking
- Damaged exterior walls and siding
- Cracked or water-damaged walls
- Insulation damage
- Damage to load-bearing components
A roofing contractor can fix your roof, but the rest of the damage needs repair as well. If your drywall is cracked or your exterior walls are damaged, you'll need a full-service contractor to handle it. It's easier to deal with a single contractor who can do it all.
A Note on Insurance Adjusters
Your insurer will send an adjuster to make an assessment of the damage. They will come up with their own estimate, but it's not the final word. Adjusters are likely to have many homes to assess in the area after a storm. Sometimes they miss things that become apparent once repairs start.
It's incredibly helpful to have a contractor who will communicate directly with your insurance company. They can document any further damage they find and advocate for a settlement that covers all of the damage. Ask your contractor whether this is a service they provide and whether they have experience with your specific insurance company.
The Bottom Line: Call TSpark!
The clock starts ticking the moment a tree falls on your house. Follow this checklist to make sure all of your bases are covered, and you'll be back in business in no time:
- Get everyone safe
- Document everything
- Call your insurance company
- Get emergency tarps installed
- Schedule a professional assessment
Most importantly, know that you don't have to figure everything out on your own. TSpark Enterprises has helped Tallahassee homeowners navigate this process for years. We pull the permits, work directly with your insurance company, and handle the full scope of repairs, so you can focus on your family.
