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How Do You Inspect Your Home After a Nearby Lightning Strike?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Start with a Visual Walk-Around

Begin outside. Walk the entire perimeter of your home and look for scorch marks on siding, brick, or rooflines. Check the roof for lifted or broken shingles, and inspect gutters for debris that might have shifted. Look at the foundation for new cracks, especially near corners where lightning can travel.

Inside, examine walls and ceilings for fresh cracks, especially along corners and around windows. Check for water stains or damp spots, which can indicate a surge damaged a pipe or roof seal. If you find any, note the location and size. This helps you track whether the damage worsens over the next few days.

Check Your Electrical System

A nearby strike can send a power surge through your wiring. Turn off sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and routers until you inspect them. Look at outlets and switches for scorch marks or a burnt smell. If you see either, do not touch them and call an electrician.

Check your breaker panel for tripped breakers or a main switch that has flipped. Reset any tripped breakers, but if they trip again, that signals a deeper problem. Also, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they do not work, replace their batteries or the units themselves.

  • Look for scorch marks on outlets and switches.
  • Smell for a burnt odor near the panel.
  • Test every breaker by switching it off and on.
  • Inspect power strips for melted plastic or burn holes.
  • Check your surge protector's indicator light if it has one.
  • Listen for buzzing sounds from outlets or the panel.

Inspect Plumbing and Appliances

A surge can affect water heaters, sump pumps, and other appliances that use both electricity and water. Look under sinks and around the base of appliances for puddles or dampness. Check the water heater's pressure relief valve for leaks, and listen for unusual hissing or dripping sounds.

Run your washing machine and dishwasher on a short cycle to see if they function normally. Watch for error codes or strange noises. If you notice a water leak, shut off the water supply to that appliance and call a plumber. Water damage from a surge can be slow, so check these areas again after a day.

Look for Hidden Water Damage

Lightning can cause a roof leak that is not obvious from inside. Check the attic for damp insulation, stained rafters, or puddles on the floor. Feel along walls for cold spots or softness, which can indicate trapped moisture. Look at the ceiling for bubbling paint or sagging drywall, both signs of water intrusion.

If you find water damage, do not ignore it. Moisture can lead to mold growth within a day or two. The pros can assess the extent and help with drying and repairs. They also check for hidden damage in wall cavities and under flooring that you might miss.

  • Feel walls for soft or spongy spots.
  • Check ceiling corners for brown rings or stains.
  • Look under carpets and rugs for dampness.
  • Inspect baseboards for warping or peeling.
  • Sniff for musty odors in basements and closets.
  • Check window frames for condensation or rot.

Decide Whether to Call the Pros

Some damage is obvious, like a broken window or a scorched outlet. Other damage is hidden. If you see water stains, hear buzzing, or smell smoke, call an electrician or a water damage professional. They have tools to detect moisture and electrical issues that are not visible to the eye.

If you live in Newark, keep your shutoff valve location written down in case you need to stop a leak quickly. For water damage from a surge or a resulting roof leak, the pros can perform a thorough inspection. They can also help with cleanup and repairs if needed. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

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Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.

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Frequently asked questions

How soon should I inspect my home after a lightning strike?

Inspect as soon as it is safe to do so, ideally within a few hours. Delaying can let hidden water damage worsen and mold start. Start with a walk-around and check for immediate hazards like gas leaks or sparking wires.

Can a nearby lightning strike cause water damage?

Yes. A strike can surge through plumbing and cause pipes to crack or seals to fail. It can also damage your roof, leading to leaks. Check for water stains and dampness in the days after the strike.

What should I do if I find water damage after a strike?

Shut off the water supply if you see an active leak. Move furniture away from wet areas and place buckets under drips. Contact local water damage pros to assess the situation and begin drying and repairs.

Call Now (973) 846-1705