What To Do If A Tree Falls On Your Home

You kept your fingers crossed through the entire storm, but that old tree in the front yard that has been threatening to fall down for years, has just toppled onto your roof. What can you do?

Although your first impulse may be to climb up onto the roof and check out the damage, that is not the best idea. If the tree was heavy enough to break through the shingles, and possibly the wood roofing material, imagine the damage it could inflict upon you.

As in any other situation, you should be sure to exercise good judgment. If your roof is steeply pitched (4:12 or more), or if you have little roof and ladder experience, you should stay off of the roof and call a professional.

Check the underside of the roof from the attic. Notify your insurance agent immediately, if the plywood sheathing or the rafters are damaged in any way. It would also be a good idea to call a professional.

Control leaks by placing buckets or pans on a platform created by laying strong boards across the ceiling joists. You can also use plastic sheeting to catch the leaks, but cleanup is not as easy as with portable buckets.

If the roof is dry, and the sheathing and rafters remain unharmed, and you are experienced in working on the roof, go up onto the roof to remove the tree. Be sure to wear nonskid shoes. Never work below the tree or fallen limb, always above. That way, if the tree shifts or rolls, you will be able to escape easily. Also, be sure the ground below you is clear, in case anything falls.

Cut away the small braches first, using long-handled pruning shears. Then use a bow saw to cut the main part of the tree away into controllable pieces. Be sure to work very carefully, in order to avoid further damage.

Never use a chain saw when working on the roof or off of a ladder. Any situation where you do not have firm footing and the surface is slippery creates a dangerous environment for chainsaw use.

Once you have successfully removed the tree, you need to inspect the shingles for damage. Any damaged areas should be patched immediately to minimize further water damage.

Making a patch is rather simple. First you must cut a piece of aluminum flashing large enough to cover the damaged area and slip it up under the shingle course above. Remove any unnecessary roofing nails with a pry bar or hacksaw, and apply asphalt roofing cement to the area of the patch that slips beneath the undamaged shingles.

You can also use thick plastic sheeting to create a temporary patch. The best way to attach it is to run a continuous bead of asphalt roofing cement around the area to be patched, and then press the sheet into place.

Please remember, if the tree or limb has fallen onto a power line, do not attempt to remove it. Call the local power company immediately, and let the professionals handle the situation.