If you live in wildfire-prone areas like California, Colorado, or Arizona, you already know the risk. But knowing it and experiencing it are two different things. One minute, your home is safe. The next, embers are flying, smoke is everywhere, and your roof—your first line of defense—is taking serious damage.
After the fire passes, the question hits: Now what? The roof is either partially destroyed, weakened, or completely gone. And while the instinct might be to climb up and check the damage yourself—don’t. Wildfire-damaged roofs are unpredictable, and the last thing you need is to make a bad situation worse.
Step 1: Stay Safe & Assess From the Ground
Before doing anything, check if it’s even safe to be near your home. Structural damage from fires isn’t always obvious, and weakened beams or smoldering areas can collapse unexpectedly. If authorities haven’t yet cleared your neighborhood for return, do not go back in.
Once it’s safe, inspect your roof from the ground. Look for:
- Missing or collapsed sections
- Burnt or melted shingles
- Holes where embers may have entered
- Sagging areas that indicate structural weakening
If you smell smoke or see lingering embers, call the fire department again. Fires can reignite hours or even days later.
Step 2: Call a Professional Roofing Company—Not DIY
Here’s where people make the biggest mistake: trying to fix it themselves.
Wildfire damage isn’t like regular storm damage. Fire weakens materials in ways you can’t always see. What looks like a “few burnt shingles” could mean the entire underlying structure is compromised. Walking on a fire-damaged roof is dangerous—one wrong step and you could fall through.
Instead, call a licensed roofing contractor with experience in fire damage. Not all roofing companies specialize in wildfire repairs, so make sure they understand:
- Fire-weakened structures and how to stabilize them
- Insurance claim requirements (more on that below)
- Fire-resistant roofing materials for rebuilding
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
The sooner you file a claim, the better. Wildfires can affect entire communities, meaning roofing companies and insurance adjusters will be swamped with calls.
When you contact your insurance, be ready with:
- Photos of the damage (from a safe distance)
- A list of immediate concerns (exposed areas, structural risks, leaks)
- Any previous roofing work records (if available)
Most policies cover wildfire damage, but read the fine print—especially on coverage limits for full roof replacements versus partial repairs.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage While Waiting for Repairs
Roofing companies might take days or weeks to get to you, depending on demand. In the meantime:
- If it’s safe, cover exposed areas with a tarp (or have a professional do it)
- Remove loose debris around the house to prevent secondary hazards
- If rain is expected, consider temporary waterproofing solutions
Some roofing companies offer emergency tarping services, so ask when booking your inspection.
Step 5: Rebuild Smarter—Fire-Resistant Materials Matter
When it’s time to replace your roof, consider upgrading to fire-resistant materials. Asphalt shingles might be the standard, but in wildfire zones, materials like:
- Metal roofing (high resistance, long lifespan)
- Clay or concrete tiles (naturally fireproof)
- Class A fire-rated composite shingles (look like traditional shingles but with better fire resistance)
…can make a huge difference in future protection.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Act Fast
If your roof has been damaged by wildfire, time is everything. Act fast, but act smart. Stay safe, document the damage, call professionals, and don’t take unnecessary risks trying to fix things yourself. A strong, fire-resistant roof isn’t just about repair—it’s about being better prepared for the next wildfire season.
Picture Credit: Freepik