For most homeowners, lightning during a storm is merely a visual spectacle. However, the sad reality is that while rare, lightning strikes can cause significant damage.
There are few greater examples of the power of Mother Nature than lightning. Lightning results in a huge discharge of electricity, and when this comes into contact with property, the results can be devastating. Here are some of the more common types of home damage associated with lightning strikes.
Housefires
The average household appliance is powered by approximately 120 Volts and 15 Amps of electricity. Even this amount of electricity is more than enough to cause heat and potential house fires. Lightning, on the other hand, averages about 300 million volts and 30,000 amps. When this amount of electricity directly hits a structure, the damage can be immense.
A lightning strike can generate temperatures of up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. For some perspective, this temperature is around five times greater than the temperature of the surface of the sun. A house fire can be caused instantaneously and it can spread within a matter of seconds.
Electrical damage
A lightning strike also causes a surge of electricity that is far greater than household electrical appliances can handle. Not only that, but the strike can damage the fundamental electrical components of a household, such as the wiring.
After a lightning strike, a homeowner may need to replace all of their electrical goods and the wiring in the house. They could be left without heating, hot running water and other essentials for some time.
If your house has been damaged in a storm, then you’ll need to make an insurance claim. This can be tricky and there may be delays and issues with lowball settlements. To ensure that your rights are respected, it will be beneficial to have legal guidance behind you.