ZEO Roofing did some repair work on this lightening strike to a Lake In The Hills (Illinois) home last year. The lightening struck the house’s chimney and caused additional damage to surrounding roof elements. ZEO Roofing had to build the chimney bricks back up as well as replace flashing, shingles and gutters. While on the roof we also found the rubber pipe jackets that protect the PVC pipes were worn so we replaced as well.
According to an article by Dr. Ronald B. Standler entitled “Consulting on Lightning Damage or Injury” found at http://www.rbs2.com/blitz.htm. “There can be damage as a result of a direct lightning strike. Such damage includes damage to roofing materials, structures such as chimneys, heating or air conditioning units located on the roof or exterior of a building, or fires caused by lightning igniting combustible material, such as wood-frame buildings or flammable liquids or vapors.”
The plastic plumbing pipes which extend from roofs is protected by a rubber seal (boot or gasket) called pipe jackets. Cracks in these roof pipe jackets can cause water seepage and ultimately damage ceiling, walls and personal belongings. After replacing the boots we also added caulk for additional protection from water seepage.
Lake in the Hills was once referred to as a “sleepy lakeside village of cottages and small ranches” in Wikipedia. “The village is most known for its rampant residential growth which occurred most heavily in the 1990s.”
This village in located in McHenry County, Illinois northwest of Chicago. The town borders on Cary, Algonquin, Lakewood and Huntley. It is south of Crystal Lake and north of Elgin.
As an aside, in doing a Google search for “lightning strikes and chimney” I found nearly 200,000 results.
If you suspect lightning or other damage to your roof, call ZEO Roofing at 224-400-9500 for a free roofing inspection*.
Read more about Emergency Repair service.
* Our Free, no obligation roofing inspection is a one time per address offer.