How Do You Know If Lightning Hit Your Roof?

After a thunderstorm, walk around your home and examine the roof from the ground first. Use binoculars to look for dark scorch marks, which often appear as black streaks or spots. Lightning can leave burn marks along the roof's edge or where it traveled through metal flashing.

Check for cracked, shattered, or missing shingles or tiles. A strike can cause tiles to explode or crack from the sudden heat. Look for small round holes that might indicate a direct hit. Also inspect gutters and downspouts for dislodged debris or bent metal that could result from a strike's force.

Lightning can travel through wiring and damage appliances, outlets, and your electrical panel. Check for tripped breakers, blown fuses, or appliances that stop working after a storm. If you notice flickering lights or a burning plastic smell, turn off the main power and contact an electrician.

Your home's grounding system may also show damage. Look for scorch marks near the grounding rod or where the utility line enters the house. Do not attempt to inspect the electrical panel yourself if you see signs of burning. Call a professional electrician to assess the system.

You should call for help if you see any signs of a strike, even if there is no visible leak. Hidden damage can lead to mold or structural issues later. The pros can use moisture meters and infrared cameras to find water that is not yet visible.

If you live in Cincinnati, keep your insurance policy handy in case you need to file a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. The pros can document the damage for your records, but they do not handle claims. For roof leaks, they may recommend a roof leak water damage cleanup service if water has already entered your home.