A tree or large branch on your roof calls for emergency roof repair, even when the damage looks minor from the street. During the August 19 storm, a large branch crashed through the roof of a Tempe home around 10 p.m. and did extensive damage inside the living room. It is a clear example of how quickly a limb can go from a yard problem to an open hole in your house during monsoon season.
This guide covers what to do in the first hour, why the limb itself should be removed with care, how roofers assess the damage underneath, and what a typical fallen tree roof repair in Tempe involves from tarp to final repair.
What should you do in the first hour after a tree hits your roof?
- Get everyone out of the affected rooms. Ceilings below an impact point can collapse, especially once water gets in.
- Check for electrical hazards. If the tree touched a service line, or if water is near light fixtures or outlets, stay clear and call your utility. Shut off power to the affected area only if you can safely reach the panel.
- Do not climb onto the roof or try to cut the limb. A branch resting on a roof is often under tension and can shift or roll as soon as it is cut.
- Control water inside. Move furniture and electronics, and set out buckets and towels.
- Photograph everything from the ground and inside before anything is moved.
- Call for emergency roof repair and tree removal. The roofer and the tree crew often need to coordinate so the opening can be covered right after the limb comes off.
Our separate guide to the first hour after storm damage covers general storm steps. A fallen tree adds the structural and electrical risks above, so treat it as a higher-priority call.
Why does the way the limb is removed matter so much?
A heavy limb can be doing two jobs at once: it has damaged the roof, and it may also be partly holding a broken section in place. Pulling it off carelessly can drop broken rafters into the attic or rip more decking free. A careful removal cuts the limb in sections, lowers each piece away from the roof, and leaves the damaged area as stable as possible.
Once the weight is off, the roofer can see the true extent of the damage. Tile roofs in particular can hide cracks several feet away from the impact point, because the force travels through the interlocking tile.
Tree or large limb on your roof right now?
What damage do roofers look for after a tree impact?
| Layer | What can be damaged | How it is usually repaired |
|---|---|---|
| Roof covering | Broken tile, torn shingles, punctured foam or membrane | Replace the covering over the affected area, matched to the existing roof |
| Underlayment | Tears, punctures, crushed overlaps | New underlayment lapped correctly into the surrounding sheets |
| Decking | Cracked or punctured plywood/OSB, water-soaked sheets | Cut out and replace damaged sheets |
| Framing | Cracked rafters or trusses, broken fascia | Sister or replace framing; engineer review if trusses are affected |
| Interior | Wet insulation, drywall, flooring and contents | Dry-out and interior repairs after the roof is sealed |
Water damage often shows up after the impact. Deck sheets that got soaked during the storm can start to rot if they are simply covered up, which is why we look carefully for roof deck rot warning signs before closing the roof.
How does emergency tarping work?
Emergency tarping is a temporary dry-in, not a repair. A proper tarp job:
- Uses a heavy-duty tarp large enough to extend well past the damaged area and over the ridge where possible, so water sheds off rather than under it.
- Is secured with boards or battens fastened in a way that avoids adding new holes in good roofing where possible.
- Seals the edges against wind, which matters during monsoon season when another storm can arrive within days.
- Is photographed and documented for your insurer.
In the Arizona sun, even good tarps start degrading after a few weeks, so the permanent repair should be scheduled promptly. Our emergency roof repair service covers tarping, and we can schedule the permanent repair during the same visit.
Will insurance pay for a tree falling on your roof?
Many Arizona homeowners policies cover damage when a tree falls on the house because of a sudden event like a windstorm, including reasonable costs for tarping and debris removal from the structure. Coverage details, limits for tree removal and deductibles vary by policy. Neglect can change things: if a dead or visibly failing tree was left standing, an insurer may question the claim.
Costs depend on how deep the damage goes. A surface repair with a few replaced tiles or shingles is at the low end of emergency work, while structural framing repairs and interior restoration cost more. Emergency roof repairs in our area generally range from about $200 to $10,000, and an on-site inspection is the only way to price a specific job accurately. For a full breakdown of how coverage works, see our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers roof leaks in Arizona.
How can you prevent the next tree from hitting your roof?
- Keep limbs trimmed back so none overhang the roof, especially on the storm-facing side of the house.
- Have an arborist check large trees near the house for dead wood, cracks or root problems before monsoon season.
- Watch palms and fast-growing trees such as eucalyptus and mesquite, which are common sources of storm debris in the Valley.
- Clear fronds and small limbs from the roof after every storm so they do not dam water in valleys and gutters.
Our article on overhanging tree branches and roof damage goes deeper into the slow damage trees cause even without a storm.
If a tree comes down on your roof anywhere in Tempe, our local roofers in Tempe respond quickly to tarp and secure the home.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tree on my roof considered a roofing emergency?
Yes. Even if you do not see water inside, a fallen tree can crack framing and open the roof to the next storm. Call for emergency inspection and tarping as soon as it is safe.
Should I remove the branch myself?
No. Limbs resting on roofs are often under tension and can shift when cut. They can also be supporting damaged sections. A tree professional working with a roofer should remove it.
Can a roofer tarp my roof the same night?
In many cases, yes, as long as it is safe to work. During active lightning or high wind, crews may secure the interior first and tarp as soon as conditions allow.
Does homeowners insurance cover a tree falling on my house in Arizona?
Many policies cover sudden storm-related tree damage to the home, plus reasonable emergency protection costs. Limits, deductibles and exclusions vary, and neglected trees can complicate a claim, so review your policy.
How do I know if the roof framing was damaged?
Signs include a visible sag in the roofline, cracked rafters or trusses in the attic, and ceiling cracks. A roofer will inspect the attic and may recommend an engineer if trusses are involved.
How long does a fallen tree roof repair take?
Tarping can happen the same day. Permanent repairs to a small area may take a day or two, while structural repairs and interior restoration can take longer depending on materials and approvals.
What if my neighbor’s tree fell on my roof?
In many cases your own homeowners policy handles the damage to your home first. Liability questions between neighbors depend on the tree’s condition, so share documentation with your insurer.
A fallen tree is one of the most stressful kinds of roof damage, but a fast, methodical response limits the harm. If a limb has come down on your home in Tempe or the surrounding East Valley, call Tempe Roofing Repair at (877) 689-3492 or reach us through the contact page. We will secure the roof, assess everything underneath and handle the roof leak repair and restoration properly. For tile roofs specifically, see our guide on same-day tile roof repair in Mesa and Tempe for what can be fixed in one visit versus what needs a scheduled follow-up.
Related reading: Emergency Roof Repair in Gilbert, AZ: What to Do First
Related reading: Emergency Roof Tarping in Tempe, AZ: What to Expect