Lightning causes damage to your home or business in several ways. First, lightning can reach temperatures five times hotter than the sun. As a result, this can start fires as well as produce smoke and charring.
Aside from directly starting a fire, a lightning strike may cause a surge through electrical wiring and systems. This could damage electronics and appliances or even cause sparks that start a fire or produce smoke.
The heat can also cause moisture within masonry and wood to superheat. As the moisture boils, it expands and creates a mini-explosion of steam. The steam is powerful enough to split trees, your roof or even foundation walls.
A lightning bolt also causes a powerful shockwave. This can damage concrete, brick, cinder block, plaster and stone and even break glass or crack your foundation.
Whether due to expanding steam or a shockwave, this type of lightning damage usually results in water damage. If not found and repaired immediately, it can result in mold as well.