How Do You Check for Hidden Lightning Damage?

Walk through your home and look for obvious signs. Check power outlets and light switches for discoloration, melting, or a burning smell. Inspect electronics and major appliances for failure to turn on or unusual behavior. Look at your home's exterior for damaged siding, cracked masonry, or blackened areas where lightning may have struck.

Examine your roof, gutters, and any metal fixtures like antennas or conduits. Look for pitting, melted sections, or charred wood. Don't forget to check your yard for damaged trees or disturbed soil near grounding rods. This visual check helps identify the most likely paths the electrical surge traveled through your property.

Lightning can follow metal pipes, causing damage far from the strike point. Check all visible plumbing lines for pinhole leaks, especially near water heaters and under sinks. Listen for hissing sounds near gas lines and check your gas meter for any signs of impact or irregular pressure readings. If you suspect any issue, contact your utility company immediately.

In regions with intense seasonal storms, lightning surges can travel through well casing pipes or irrigation systems. Inspect areas where pipes enter your home's foundation. Look for moisture or corrosion on pipe fittings, which can indicate electrical current has passed through and weakened the metal.

If you find any signs of electrical damage, scorching, or persistent appliance failures, call a qualified electrician first. For any resulting water damage from leaking pipes or fire suppression systems, local water damage pros can assess and dry the affected materials. These situations often require coordination between different trades to fully restore your home.

Document all damage with photos and notes for your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A comprehensive inspection by pros provides the documentation needed for a claim. They can identify the full scope of damage, which helps prevent future problems like mold growth within damp wall cavities.

• Contact an electrician for any electrical concerns or appliance failures.
• Call local water damage pros for moisture from leaks or firefighting efforts.
• Hire a general contractor for repairs to structural framing or masonry.
• Consult a mold professional if damp materials are not dried within 48 hours.
• Keep detailed records and photos for your insurance claim process.
• Prioritize safety by turning off power to damaged circuits until inspected.