What Types of Damage Can Thunderstorms Cause to Homes? | SERVPRO of Rock Hill and York County

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

What Types of Damage Can Thunderstorms Cause to Homes?

Thunderstorms are one of the more dramatic weather events, and they certainly make themselves known through the crashes and bright bolts of lightning. With all the chaos, you might wonder exactly how these storms can cause damage to your home so you can be aware of what to watch out for. 

There are several ways that a thunderstorm can lead to issues around the house, including lightning damage, flood damage and the development of water leaks. Being aware of what can happen is the best way to keep yourself and your home safe and damage-free when the next band of storms rolls through. 

Lightning Damage Thunderstorms are caused by electrical charges in the air, which produce the lightning and thunder we can see and hear—meaning every thunderstorm brings the potential for lightning damage as well. While many lightning bolts will strike from cloud to cloud, the ones that strike the ground can cause serious damage to buildings. Lightning that strikes on or near a home can send an electrical current through the wiring, which can lead to surges to electronics and even electrical fires within the walls. 

Flood Damage Floods can be caused for many reasons, but typically flash floods are caused by sudden, heavy rainfall that overwhelms an area, and they can cause serious damage. Flash floods are a big concern after thunderstorms because they can overwhelm any area—not just one that is considered vulnerable to flooding in general. They also often catch people off guard, so it is important to always tune into your weather radio if flash flooding is a possibility. While the physical damage they cause can be devastating, they can also be dangerous. 

Water Leaks Leaks around the house are extremely common after heavy rain, as the moisture can work its way into small vulnerabilities that homeowners were not aware of. Check your roof after every big storm to look for missing shingles, as that may be an indicator that there is a leak underneath. Also check around windows and doors to ensure their seals have held up and be sure there is no pooling water in your gutters or around your foundation. 

If you have received storm damage to your home, you can count on us to help. Contact us at (803) 324-5780 today to learn more about our storm damage restoration process.