It’s loud. It’s sudden. And it’s the kind of surprise no homeowner wants. One minute you’re relaxing, the next you’re staring at a tree that has turned your roof into its new home.
A fallen tree isn’t just about broken branches. It can mean cracked tiles, damaged rafters and even water finding its way inside. It’s messy, it’s stressful, and it leaves you wondering what to do first.
Take a moment. Breathe. This is fixable. TomKat Roofing has helped plenty of Sydney locals deal with the same problem, and we know how to make it right quickly and safely. Be it your family home or a commercial property, our emergency teams are ready to step in and get your roof back in shape.
Let’s discuss more about the measure to take during such mishaps.
Immediate Steps After a Tree Falls on Your Roof
Get Everyone Out Safely
When a tree hits your roof, treat it as a serious structural risk. Evacuate everyone from the house immediately. Roof beams may be cracked or under pressure, and even light movement inside can make damage worse.
Stay Clear of Powerlines and Broken Structures
Fallen powerlines, snapped beams, or debris may not look dangerous, but they can be life‑threatening. Keep at least eight metres away from any downed powerline and avoid touching debris until professionals give the all‑clear.
Call Emergency Services if Needed
If you smell gas, see sparks, or suspect damaged powerlines, call 000 right away. Notify your electricity provider about any electrical hazards so they can shut off power safely.
Do Not Re‑Enter the Property
Even if the damage seems minor, hidden structural weaknesses can cause sudden collapses. Wait until emergency crews or a qualified roofing expert confirms it’s safe before going back inside.
Call TomKat Roofing for Emergency Roof Help
TomKat Roofing specialises in emergency roofing for Sydney homes. Our team provides rapid assessments, temporary cover to stop leaks, and fast repairs to make your home safe again. We also coordinate with professional arborists if tree removal is required.
Evaluate and Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the damage
Pull out your phone and start recording from a safe distance. Focus on angles that show holes, cracks, scattered branches, and internal leakage, if visible.
Make a list of damaged roof materials and interior items
Make a handwritten or digital list of anything broken – tiles, insulation, ceiling panels. Water dripping into the attic or living areas should also be mentioned.
Avoid disturbing the scene
Leave broken branches and roof debris untouched. This supports insurance assessments and shows exactly what the impact caused.
Arrange a professional damage evaluation
We provide detailed inspection reports accepted by insurers. Our team handles both metal and tile roofing issues with precise detail for insurance purposes.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurer promptly
Call your insurance provider without waiting too long. Have your video, photos, and written notes ready so they can begin processing your claim.
Understand what’s typically covered
Most home policies cover falling tree damage during storms. The right policy includes emergency patching and covers alternative stay if the house is unsafe.
Know when claims may be denied
If the tree was dead or not maintained, a claim may fall through. Poor roof upkeep can also affect your chances, so it’s good to stay ahead.
Get guidance for claim submission
Ask your insurer what else they need – receipts, itemised reports, or timelines. Keep phone logs and reference numbers from every conversation you have with them.
What Not to Do After Tree Damage
Avoid climbing onto the roof
No matter how steady it looks, never climb up to inspect things on your own. Broken framing and hidden water damage make roofs unstable after impact. Ensure you kids are away from the wreck.
Don’t try removing the tree yourself
Trees are heavy, unpredictable, and dangerous to move alone. Let certified removal crews handle it using ramps, ropes, and heavy equipment safely.
Never ignore fallen power lines
Even if they’re not sparking, wires can be live. Wait until the utility company confirms they’ve been disconnected before taking any action nearby.
Avoid delaying evaluations or repairs
Letting things sit increases mould and water damage. We prioritise urgent calls to prevent further risks and minimise long-term structural concerns.
Temporary Protection Before Repairs
Use a professionally installed roof tarp
A sturdy tarp defends against rain while repairs are queued. Our emergency team ensures it’s secured tightly, especially in storm-prone areas across Sydney.
Limit moisture infiltration
Make sure gutters are free of debris and allow drainage away from damaged zones. Move valuables to dry areas and use towel lining to reduce indoor water spread.
Consider portable dehumidifiers inside
Sometimes moisture creeps into insulation – it’s sneaky. Dehumidifiers slow the damage, keeping air dry while structural drying specialists arrive.
Monitor for further changes
If ceilings start to bow or leak, let us know. We offer regular check-ins and slagging detection for customers waiting on full restorations.
Engaging Professionals for Repairs and Removal
Hire an arborist for safe tree removal
Don’t let a backhoe tear through your yard. An arborist lifts branches carefully without shifting the balance of the roof further.
Contact a licensed roof repair service
We inspect beyond visible breaks and patch gaps quickly. Every situation receives custom repair plans handled by tile or metal specialists.
Review contractor qualifications
Ask for licenses, proof of insurance, and Google reviews. We offer quotes upfront, with before-and-after photos so you know your roof is truly fixed.
Schedule ongoing inspections if needed
For damaged framing or severe hits, checks might be required post-repair. We provide timely reports, ensuring no lasting compromise is left behind.
Estimating Costs and Insurance Impact
Tree removal costs vary widely
Expect anywhere from a few hundred to thousands, depending on whether cranes, complex rigging, or stump grindings are included.
Emergency weekend jobs may also lift pricing slightly.
Roof repairs depend on materials and impact
Standard damage might cost less than full replacements.
However, cracked supports or extensive leakage mean partial rebuilds, especially for tiled designs.
Insurance may cushion expenses
If you’ve got the right policy, roof replacement, emergency lodging, and even cleanup may be covered.
We work with major insurance companies and know the process in detail.
Save receipts and communicate with your insurer
Hold onto reports, letters, and receipts.
These documents are key when your insurer reviews final compensation or needs clarification.
Preventing Future Roof Incidents
Schedule Regular Tree Checks
It only takes one storm and one weak branch to cause major roof damage. TomKat Roofing recommends annual tree assessments to spot dying limbs before nature brings them down.
Trim Back Overhanging Branches
Branches hanging too close to your roof drop leaves, block gutters and speed up rot. Keep them at least 2–3 metres clear of your home. If you are unsure, TomKat can connect you with trusted arborists for safe trimming.
Watch for Shifting Trees and Roots
A leaning tree or shallow roots are warning signs. If you notice a tilt after heavy rain, get it checked. TomKat Roofing works with experienced professionals to inspect risks before they become disasters.
Strengthen Your Roof for Storms
Stronger materials mean fewer worries. TomKat Roofing upgrades shingles, seals and even switches homes to durable metal roofing. Most upgrades in Sydney are completed within a week, giving your home added protection year‑round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a house withstand a tree falling on it?
Most can if the tree’s small and impact is light. But older structures or large trees require deep inspections right away.
Can I stay at my property after tree damage?
If any part of the roof is unstable, find somewhere else to stay. Your safety takes priority before worrying about anything else.
When should I worry about a nearby tree falling?
If it leans, loses bark, or drops branches often, have it checked. Cracked soil near roots can also signal trouble ahead.
Are tree branch impacts covered under home insurance?
Yes – especially those caused by sudden storms. But you’ll need photo proof and may need to show you maintained the tree beforehand.
What are the long-term risks of ignoring damage?
Leaks grow bigger. Mould sets in. Diseased timber loses strength. Fix early or pay more down the line.
Suddenly, Your Safe Haven Doesn’t Feel So Safe
One minute you’re inside, listening to the rain, the next there’s a massive crash above your head. It’s more than just noise – it’s disbelief, fear, and that sinking feeling in your chest all at once. When the weight of a fallen tree lands on your roof, everything feels uncertain.
But staying calm is key. Quick steps can keep things from getting worse. First, make sure everyone’s safe and move out if needed. Then it comes down to two things: stopping further damage and calling in the right help without losing time – or – just sleep over it and lead it to more disasters which is not ideal.
At Tomkat Roofing, we’ve seen it all and fixed it fast. Sydney storms don’t wait, and neither do we. Call us today and let’s sort it out together.
