Texas can have some wild weather sometimes. High winds can snap tree branches like kindling, and these branches can, unfortunately, land directly on your roof. In some cases, the tree itself can even fall onto your roof.
When that happens, you need to know what to do and who to call.
At M&M we’ve seen what trees can do to roofs and we know exactly what you should do. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you should take if you have tree damage to your roof in Texas.
Table of Contents
Assess the Damage Safely
First, you need to determine how much damage to your roof has been done, and you need to do this SAFELY.
If there is a large tree or branch on your roof, do not attempt to climb up and assess the damage yourself. This could be dangerous and cause further damage to your property.
Instead, call a professional roofing company or tree company to come and safely remove the tree from your roof. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to do this without causing more harm. Once the tree has been removed, you can assess the damage more closely.
From the ground, look for things like holes (obviously), dents in the roof, missing shingles, gutter damage, and any other signs of damage. It’s important to document this damage with photos and notes, as it will be useful for insurance purposes later on. Try to capture images from multiple angles and positions. Do this safely, from the ground, or with a drone.
Check For Interior Leaks
In addition to looking at the exterior of your roof, you should also check for any leaks or signs of water damage on the interior of your home. Look for things like water stains on the ceiling, dripping water in the attic, and damp spots on walls or flooring.
If you do find any leaks or significant water damage, it’s important to address this as soon as possible. Water can quickly cause further damage to your home and lead to mold growth if left untreated.
Dealing with tree damage to your roof? Give us a call for FREE roof inspection
Call A Professional Roofing Company
You may be wondering whether you should call the insurance company or a roofing company first. We recommend that you call a roofing company like M&M Roofing and Siding first. Here’s why.
- A roofing company will be able to assess the damage and provide a detailed estimate for repairs or replacements.
- They can also help you navigate the insurance claim process, as they have experience working with insurance companies.
- In emergency situations, such as a tree falling on your roof, it’s important to get professional help quickly to prevent further damage.
Once you have contacted a roofing company, they will schedule an inspection of your roof and provide you with a comprehensive report of the damage. This report can then be used when filing an insurance claim.
Contact Your Homeowner’s Insurance
After you’ve contacted a roofing company, then call your insurance company. They will likely ask for the report from the roofing company, so it’s important to have that information ready.
When speaking with your insurance company, be sure to ask about your coverage and any deductibles you may have. It’s also beneficial to clarify what types of damage are covered under your policy, as some policies may not cover certain types of storms or natural disasters.
It’s important to file your insurance claim promptly, as most policies have a time limit for reporting damages. This will also help speed up the process of getting your roof repaired or replaced. Be sure to keep detailed records of all your communications with your insurance company.
You may need to get an insurance adjuster inspection before any repairs can begin. This is to ensure that the damage reported by the roofing company aligns with their assessment. If there are any discrepancies, your insurance company may send out their own adjuster for a second opinion.
In some cases, your insurance company may cover the cost of temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering holes or tarping damaged areas. Be sure to discuss this possibility with them and keep all receipts for these temporary repairs.
Work With The Roofing Company
Once your insurance claim has been approved, it’s time to work with the roofing company to get your roof repaired or replaced. They will likely provide you with an estimate and discuss the repair or replacement process with you.
It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced roofing company for this job. Look for companies that have good reviews from previous customers. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or to see examples of their work.
During the repair process, it’s important to communicate regularly with your roofing company and ask any questions you may have. It’s also a good idea to do a final walkthrough and inspection before signing off on the completed job.
M&M Roofing and Siding has been doing roofing repair and replacement for 40 years and we have installed more than 20,000 roofs. Our customers seem to love our work, as seen in our 1,000+ positive reviews on Google.
We provide a lifetime guarantee on new roofs and if you’re not happy with your new roof for some reason, we’ll come back and make things right.
Repair vs. Replace
If you have tree damage to your roof you may need to decide whether you need to repair your roof or entirely replace it.
Generally speaking, if the damage is only minor and isolated to a small area, then a repair may suffice. However, if the damage is extensive or there are multiple areas affected, it may be best to replace the entire roof.
If you work with us, we’ll provide you with our professional opinion on whether a repair or replacement is necessary. We’ll also take into account your insurance coverage and budget when making recommendations.
It’s important to consider all factors before making a decision and weigh the cost of repairs versus the cost of a full replacement in the long run. Sometimes investing in a new roof can save you money in the long term by avoiding constant repairs and potential further damage.
How Long Will Repairs Take?
While there’s no guarantee regarding how long repairs will take, they usually only take a day, depending on the extent of the damage. Full replacement of your roof will take longer, lasting as long as three days depending on the size and complexity of your roof.
When choosing your new roofing materials, you may want to consider using impact-resistant materials, especially if you live in an area prone to severe weather conditions. These types of materials can provide extra protection for your home and potentially save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.
If you need a new roof or need to repair your roof, give us a call for a free roof inspection!
Preventing Future Tree Damage
It’s important to take steps to prevent future tree damage to your roof. Have overhanging branches trimmed back to minimize the risk of them falling on your roof. If you have dead or weak trees, consider having a tree company remove them. Installing gutter guards on your roof can also be beneficial, as they prevent leaves and small debris from collecting and causing water damage.
Conclusion
If a branch or tree causes damage to your roof, it’s important to act quickly. Contacting a professional roofing company for an inspection and repairs is the best course of action.
If you need help repairing a tree-damaged roof, please call us. We know exactly what steps to take and can ensure that you have a safe and secure roof once again. Addressing the issue sooner rather than later can save you time, money, and potential further damage to your home.
M&M Roofing has been serving Texas homeowners for over 40 years. Call us or complete the request form to schedule a FREE roof inspection.
