- 16303 Hwy 99 Ste B-2, Lynnwood, WA 98087
- Call Us: 425-737-7760
- Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm / Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
If a windstorm damaged your roof or a tree fell on it, first get everyone safe and stay away from power lines. Then get the roof covered with an emergency tarp, photograph all the damage, call your insurer, and hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it.
Safety comes before the roof. Check for these hazards first:
Once everyone is safe, the goal is keeping rain out. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner advises homeowners to make emergency repairs, such as covering a damaged roof, once it’s safe to do so, and to keep receipts for any materials.
From inside, you can:
Leave the roof itself to a professional. A tarp that isn’t fastened and sealed properly will lift in the next gust. Our 24/7 emergency roofing service is there for exactly this. If a tree is still on the roof, a tree service usually needs to remove it before the roof can be covered or repaired.
Good records make the claim go faster. Before anything is moved or cleaned up, if it’s safe:
Hold off on permanent repairs. The Insurance Commissioner’s office says not to make permanent repairs until your insurer has seen the property and agreed on the repairs.
Usually, yes. Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, wind-driven rain and trees that fall on your home, though every policy is different. The Insurance Commissioner’s office explains the general picture in its guide to winter weather and insurance coverage:
Your deductible and policy limits still apply. For questions about how your insurer is handling a claim, the Insurance Commissioner’s consumer advocates can be reached at 1-800-562-6900.
Storm chasers usually show up uninvited after a big storm, push you to sign fast, and ask for cash. Some aren’t registered or bonded in Washington. The Insurance Commissioner’s office lists the warning signs of post-disaster fraud:
You have the right to choose your own contractor. Before you hire anyone, check their registration and bond with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries contractor lookup. For more on vetting roofers, see our guide on how to choose a roofing contractor.
Yes, when the county asks for reports. After large storms, Snohomish County Emergency Management has opened online damage surveys so residents can report losses. That information can help the county make the case for state or federal disaster aid. The county has been clear that insurance is still your first and best option, but reporting costs nothing and helps your neighbors too. Check the Snohomish County website after a major storm for current instructions.
Most wind damage needs a repair, not a new roof. Once the roof is secured and your insurer has inspected it, the real work can begin. Wind damage limited to a few missing or creased shingles is usually a straightforward roof repair. A tree impact that cracked rafters or sheathing, or wind damage across large areas of an older roof, may call for structural repairs or a full replacement. A good inspection report with photos helps you and your adjuster agree on the right scope.
If water is coming in, call for emergency tarping first to stop more damage, then call your insurer the same day. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
It depends on your deductible. If the repair costs less than your deductible, paying out of pocket may make more sense. A roofer’s written estimate helps you decide before you file.
We don’t recommend it during or right after a storm. Wet, damaged roofs are slippery and unstable, and a loose tarp can tear off and cause more damage. Inside steps like buckets and moving belongings are safe and helpful.
Signs include granules piling up at downspouts, new ceiling stains, damp insulation in the attic, or shingles that look lifted or creased. A professional inspection after any major windstorm is worth it, especially on a roof more than 15 years old.
A tree service usually handles removal. The Insurance Commissioner’s office notes that tree removal is generally covered only when the tree fell on a structure such as your home or garage.
If wind or a fallen tree has damaged your roof, call Skilled Roofing at 425-737-7760. Our team is based at 16303 Hwy 99 Ste B-2, Lynnwood, WA 98087, and has served homeowners across Snohomish and King County for more than 16 years. We’ll secure your roof, document the damage, and give you a clear plan for repairs. You can also request a free inspection once the storm has passed.
