There’s something magical about a big, old tree in the yard. In the summer, it’s a natural shade umbrella for backyard barbecues. In the fall, the kids get a kick out of diving headfirst into piles of crunchy leaves. Even in spring, a blooming tree can make your whole street feel like a postcard.
But when the weather shifts and that same tree decides to come crashing down on your roof? Well, suddenly it’s less of a childhood memory and more of an emergency situation.
If a tree falls on your roof, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a huge difference in what happens next. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take after storm damage from trees, especially for homeowners here in Alexandria. From staying safe to starting repairs, we’ve got you covered—no rakes required.
Step One: Stay Safe and Assess the Situation
First things first—take a deep breath. Then, make sure you and everyone in the home are safe.
Prioritize Safety Over Inspection
If a large tree has fallen on your roof, your home’s structure may be compromised. Avoid going into rooms directly beneath the damaged area until professionals have inspected the site.
- Evacuate if you notice signs of structural instability such as sagging ceilings, bowed walls, or loud creaking sounds.
- Avoid attempting to move branches or debris yourself. Hidden tension in limbs or weight distribution can cause sudden shifts.
- If you suspect electrical damage or smell gas, shut off utilities if you can safely do so, and contact emergency services.
Step Two: Document the Damage Thoroughly
Once it’s safe—or from a safe distance—start documenting everything. Clear records will be vital for your insurance claim and for contractors doing repair assessments.
What to Document
- Wide shots of the tree on the roof, from different angles
- Close-ups of any visible damage to shingles, gutters, or structures
- Interior shots of damage, including ceiling cracks, leaks, or broken fixtures
- Water intrusion signs, especially if there was recent rainfall
Even a smartphone will do the trick—just make sure you store these photos securely in case your insurance adjuster requests them.
Step Three: Contact Your Insurance Company
Don’t delay. The sooner you contact your homeowner’s insurance provider, the sooner the claims process can begin.
Tips for Handling the Claim
- Provide clear, factual details: when the tree fell, what areas were impacted, and whether emergency services were needed.
- Share your documentation photos and videos if requested.
- Ask what your policy covers—most homeowners’ insurance will cover damage from fallen trees if caused by a storm or high winds.
- Find out if your policy includes emergency repairs like tarping, tree removal, or alternate accommodations.
Your insurance company will likely send out an adjuster to inspect the property and may recommend emergency response services.
Step Four: Secure Temporary Protection
If the damage leaves your roof exposed to the elements, take steps to minimize further harm. Temporary measures like roof tarping or boarding up broken areas can help prevent water intrusion or additional structural stress.
At Master Roofing & Siding, we provide emergency response services including weatherproof tarping and temporary protection. We work quickly to stabilize your home until full repairs can be scheduled.
Not sure how serious the damage is? Give Master Roofing & Siding a call—we’ll send out a technician to take a look before the next storm rolls in.
Step Five: Bring in a Trusted Roofing Professional
Tree-related roof damage isn’t something to DIY. You need professionals who understand not just how to remove the tree, but how to fully assess the structural integrity of the roof and underlying components.
That’s where we come in.
Why Master Roofing & Siding?
When storm damage from trees strikes, fast, skilled, and honest service is critical. At Master Roofing & Siding, we’ve been helping Alexandria homeowners recover from roof emergencies since 1974. Our team of full-time roofing professionals—not subcontractors—knows exactly what to look for, and how to repair it right the first time.
We provide:
- Full roof assessments and written repair estimates
- Emergency tarping and structural stabilization
- High-quality repairs using top brands like CertainTeed and GAF
- Help coordinating with your insurance adjuster, if needed
And because our crews are long-time employees (some third-generation), you can trust that your repair will be handled with care, expertise, and accountability.
Storm Damage from Trees: Why Do Trees Fall on Roofs?
Understanding the risks can help prevent future damage.
Common Causes in Alexandria
- Strong wind gusts common in spring and fall storms
- Saturated ground from heavy rains loosening roots
- Diseased or dying trees with weak trunks or limbs
- Overgrown branches extending too close to the home
We recommend routine tree maintenance—trimming back branches, removing dead limbs, and having any suspect trees inspected by a certified arborist.
Proactive Prevention Tips
While not every tree fall can be prevented, here are a few smart steps you can take:
- Keep branches trimmed back at least 6–10 feet from your roofline.
- Have large or aging trees professionally inspected every couple of years.
- Clean your gutters regularly to prevent water backup and rot at the roofline.
- Schedule annual roof inspections to identify weak points or aging materials.
With the right preparation, you can minimize your risk and reduce your potential repair costs if a storm ever does hit hard.
Ready to Help When You Need It Most
No one wants to deal with a tree on the roof—but if it happens, it’s good to know who to call.
If you’re dealing with storm damage from trees in Alexandria or just want a trusted team on standby, Master Roofing & Siding is here for you. We’ve built our reputation on honesty, quality work, and treating our customers like neighbors—because in many cases, they are.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection, get help with an insurance claim, or secure emergency protection after a storm. Call 703-780-9050 or email info@masterroofing.com to get started—we’re ready when you need us.
