Lightning is a destructive force of nature, and it can damage your roof under the right conditions. Lightning can damage your roof through a direct hit or it can cause damage indirectly. Here's a look at some types of damage lightning can cause and the roof repairs you may need.
1. Shingle Damage From Impacts
Lightning might strike a tall tree near your house and cause a limb or big branch to fall on your roof. The impact from the fall can cause damage to asphalt shingles. Plus, a strong wind that pushes the branches across your roof can lift shingles and cause the branches to scrape off granules. Lightning might strike your chimney too and blow off bricks that slam down on your roof. This can crack shingles and cause them to leak if not replaced.
A roof repair contractor might need to replace all the shingles damaged from impacts to ensure your roof won't leak in the future. However, it's also possible to repair shingles by filling in cracks, so the roofer has to assess the damage and determine the best way to make repairs that fit in your budget.
2. Deck Damage From Strikes
The deck immediately under the asphalt shingles can be damaged from the impacts too. If the deck cracks or receives damage, it's at a higher risk of leaking and will need to be repaired. A direct lightning strike can even blast a hole right through your roof deck.
This type of damage may require extensive repairs if the hole is very large. The damaged deck and shingles have to be removed and replaced with new materials. The roofer may need to make an emergency visit to place a roof tarp over the hole to keep out rain until repairs can be completed.
3. Fire From A Lightning Strike
Lightning is a common cause of roof fires. If lightning causes a fire on your roof, the entire roof may need to be replaced unless the damage is in a confined area. If only part of your roof is affected, the deck and shingles in the area will need to be replaced.
Sometimes a fire can start because of a direct hit and other times a fire may jump from a tree that was struck by lightning. You can resist the risk of a roof fire when you get a new roof by having Class A fire-resistant shingles installed.
If your home has a lightning rod or other means of directing lightning to the ground, the risk of a direct hit and extensive damage is reduced. However, trees and other tall objects near your home may still attract lightning and cause damage to your roof in an indirect way. It's good to keep your roof in good repair and use quality materials so your roof has the best protection from impacts and fire caused by lightning.
For more information, contact a residential roofing service.