A lightning strike is as eye-catching as it is dangerous. While a direct strike on a roof in Oklahoma is relatively rare, Oklahoma does see a lot of thunderstorms, so there’s a higher chance of lightning activity here than in some other states. That said, lightning damage is still possible, and being prepared is never a bad thing. At Roof Pro Local, we always encourage homeowners to be proactive when it comes to protecting their roofs from elements, including stray lightning strikes. Here, we’ll discuss the science of lightning and your roof, what can happen if it strikes your roof, and what you can do to keep your home protected.
What Happens if Lightning Strikes Your Roof?
Most people don’t worry too much about lightning strikes because they’re quite rare, but they do happen. If you’re wondering about the effects of your home being struck by lightning, here are some of the likely scenarios:
Physical Damage to Roofing Materials
When a lightning bolt hits your roof, it brings intense heat that can instantly burn or damage your roofing materials. If you have traditional asphalt shingles, the heat could cause significant damage and lead to shingles melting, curling, or even igniting. Metal roofs, though more durable, can still be affected by the impact and heat. However, they are generally less flammable.
Damage to Underlying Structures
A lightning strike doesn’t just impact the outer surface of a roof—it can also cause harm to the materials underneath. The strike sends a shock wave through your roof, and this can travel down into your attic or even through the walls of your home. Depending on the intensity of the strike, this can crack wooden beams, dislodge chimney bricks or roof flashing, split tiles, leave hidden damage, or even weaken the framing of your home.
High Risk of Fire
Fire is one of the biggest dangers associated with lightning strikes. If lightning causes a fire, it can spread quickly and do serious damage to your home. Even if the strike itself doesn’t start a fire, the heat it generates can smolder, causing fires that start hours later.
Damage to Electrical Systems
Sometimes, lightning will travel through your home’s electrical wiring or pipes. This can fry appliances, cause electrical damage, and even affect plumbing if the strike conducts through metal pipes. If your home’s wiring is affected, it can lead to pricey repairs and might put you at risk for other electrical hazards if the issues aren’t addressed right away.
How Likely Are Lightning Strikes?
Most people don’t worry too much about lightning strikes because they’re quite rare, but they do happen. If you’re wondering about the effects of your home being struck by lightning, here are some of the likely scenarios:
Physical Damage to Roofing Materials
When a lightning bolt hits your roof, it brings intense heat that can instantly burn or damage your roofing materials. If you have traditional asphalt shingles, the heat could cause significant damage and lead to shingles melting, curling, or even igniting. Metal roofs, though more durable, can still be affected by the impact and heat. However, they are generally less flammable.
Damage to Underlying Structures
A lightning strike doesn’t just impact the outer surface of a roof—it can also cause harm to the materials underneath. The strike sends a shock wave through your roof, and this can travel down into your attic or even through the walls of your home. Depending on the intensity of the strike, this can crack wooden beams, dislodge chimney bricks or roof flashing, split tiles, leave hidden damage, or even weaken the framing of your home.
High Risk of Fire
Fire is one of the biggest dangers associated with lightning strikes. If lightning causes a fire, it can spread quickly and do serious damage to your home. Even if the strike itself doesn’t start a fire, the heat it generates can smolder, causing fires that start hours later.
Damage to Electrical Systems
Sometimes, lightning will travel through your home’s electrical wiring or pipes. This can fry appliances, cause electrical damage, and even affect plumbing if the strike conducts through metal pipes. If your home’s wiring is affected, it can lead to pricey repairs and might put you at risk for other electrical hazards if the issues aren’t addressed right away.
How Likely Are Lightning Strikes?
The truth is that there’s no way to completely prevent lightning strikes, but there are steps you can take to make your home safer and reduce the risk of potential damage. Take a look:
Install Lightning Protection Systems
A lightning protection system (LPS) can be a great investment if you live in an area that always experiences severe thunderstorms. An LPS uses a series of lightning rods and cables to channel the energy from a lightning strike safely to the ground, bypassing your roof and home’s internal structures. A lightning rod works by offering a path of least resistance if a strike occurs and doesn’t attract lightning.
Ground Your Home’s Electrical System
Grounding systems are important for electrical protection. It guarantees that the excess electrical energy from the lightning strike is directed safely to the ground, lowering the risk of fire and electrical damage. Most modern homes are grounded, but it’s a good idea to have a professional check if you’re not sure.
Use Surge Protectors
A direct lightning strike can cause power surges which can travel through your home’s electrical system. This power surge can damage appliances and electronics; to prevent this, you can use high-quality surge protectors. Additionally, whole-house surge protectors can be installed in your home’s electrical panel to protect all the appliances and electronic devices inside your home from electrical surges.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Regular maintenance and roof inspections are always a good idea, but they’re especially important if your roof is older or has existing damage already. Weak spots in your roof can make it more vulnerable if it gets hit, so it’s best to work with experienced professionals like our team of roofers at Roof Pro Local. When you choose our residential roofing services, we’ll check for any vulnerabilities and repair weak areas to help your roof stand up to whatever nature throws its way.
Which Roofing Materials Can Handle Lightning Strikes Best?
Not all roofs handle lightning the same way, and the materials used in your roof can really affect how well it withstands lightning strikes. Here’s a quick rundown of how different roofing materials hold up to lightning:
Metal Roofs: Contrary to popular belief, a metal roof is actually safer during a lightning storm. Metal is non-combustible, meaning it’s less likely to catch fire from the heat of a lightning strike.
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt roofs are common and affordable, but they may not be as resistant to heat. If your home has an asphalt roof, regular maintenance and quick repair of any existing damage can help minimize the impact of a lightning strike.
Tile and Slate Roofs: While tile and slate roofs are durable, they can be brittle. If struck, they might crack or break, especially if they’re older. These materials are often a good choice, but they usually require a little extra care after severe weather events.
What to Do if Lightning Hits Your Roof
If you’re unlucky enough to experience a lightning strike, knowing what to do afterward can go a long way in keeping your family safe and addressing the damage your home received from a direct hit.
Check for Fire: Make sure there’s no fire, smoke, or smoldering on or near your roof. If you see any signs of fire, call 911 right away. Even if the fire looks small, it’s still safer to let the professionals properly handle it.
Inspect for Visible Damage: If you can safely do so, take a look around the exterior of your home for any obvious signs of damage. Look for things like melted or missing shingles, damaged siding, or cracks in the walls.
Check Plumbing and Electrical Systems: If lightning struck your home, your electrical and plumbing systems could also have been affected. Consider having an electrician or plumber inspect these systems for any issues that may not be immediately obvious.
Call a Roofing Professional: Even if everything looks okay from the outside, there could still be internal damage. It’s a good idea to contact a roofing professional like Roof Pro Local to take a look at any hidden damage, especially to the framing, beams, or attic space. Our expert team can provide a detailed inspection and recommend any necessary repairs to keep your roof in peak condition.
Stay Prepared With Roof Pro Local
Getting directly hit by lightning strikes may be relatively rare, but staying prepared can still make a big difference. If your roof has seen its fair share of Oklahoma storms or you’re ready to take some preventative measures, Roof Pro Local is here to help with our roof protection plan!
Give us a call today for the best protection plans and roof repairs. Let our experts keep your roof in the best shape possible—come rain, shine, or lightning strike!
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