A branch crashing onto the roof is alarming, and the first priority is safety. The roof damage matters, but it comes second.
Step 1: Check on everyone
Make sure everyone in the house is safe. If the damage is over a bedroom or living area, move people and pets to another part of the house. If the ceiling is sagging, stay out from under it. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the house and call 911.
Step 2: Watch for power lines
If the tree or branch is touching a power line, or you can see a line down, stay away. Call the utility company and 911. Do not touch the tree or anything it is touching.
Step 3: Do not remove it yourself
It is tempting to saw a branch off the roof. Do not. A branch resting on a roof may be holding other damage in place, and moving it can make a hole larger or bring part of the roof down. Cutting while standing on a roof or ladder is also how people get hurt. Leave a large limb or a whole tree to professionals.
Step 4: Contain water and document
If it is raining or about to rain and water is coming in, put buckets under drips and move furniture and electronics away from the area. Take photos of the tree, the roof from the ground, the ceiling, and the yard. Photograph from several angles before anything is moved, and record the date and time.
Step 5: Call for help
You will likely need two kinds of help. A tree service removes the tree or limb. A roofer checks the damage and protects the opening, usually with a tarp, until a permanent repair can be made. Tell the roofer where the damage is and what you can see, and ask about temporary protection. If your homeowners policy may apply, call your insurer too and ask what they need before work begins. Read our overview of homeowners insurance and roof leaks before you file.
What damage to expect
A small branch may only crack or tear a few shingles. A larger one can puncture the decking, crack rafters, and tear flashing and gutters. Sometimes the part you can see is smaller than the damage underneath, so a roofer will check the attic and the framing. See how storm damage roof leaks are assessed after severe weather.
Repair
Repair depends on the damage. It may involve replacing shingles, patching or replacing damaged decking, repairing or replacing a rafter, replacing flashing, and fixing the interior ceiling and insulation. If framing is damaged, the repair may need more than a roofer, and the roofer will tell you what is involved.
Prevent the next one
Trim branches that hang over the roof and remove dead limbs. Do it before storm season, and hire a professional if the work is high or near power lines.
Call us
If a branch or tree has hit your roof, call Roof Leak Repair Carol Stream IL at (630) 866-1445 and tell us what you can see and where the water is coming in. Our emergency roof repair crew can tarp the opening quickly.
Carol Stream Leak & Restoration is a free referral service. We connect Carol Stream homeowners with independent local roofing contractors — no fees to you, ever. Call (630) 866-1445 for fast help with a roof leak.