As a homeowner, your main goal should be staying one step ahead of repair issues. Things like preventative maintenance and routine home inspections can help you accomplish this goal. When confronted with problems involving your home’s electrical system, hiring professionals to address these issues is crucial. If you need help with things like changing damaged outlets or replacing frayed wiring, call Travis Electrical Service for your electrical repairs in Oak Grove, KY.
In some cases, damage to your electrical system will be caused by outside forces. The United States is currently in the midst of hurricane season. During this time of year, severe storms are quite common in many states. Here are some of the most common electrical problems caused by severe storms.
Power Surges Can Do Lots of Damage
Every year, severe storms do billions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes and businesses in the United States. Thunder and lightning are usually present during severe storms. If lightning strikes around your home, it can do lots of damage to your electrical system. The explosive surge caused by lightning strikes can damage your electronics and appliances. If you live in an area that is a virtual magnet for lightning, then you need to take precautions.
One of the best things you can do to mitigate the risk caused by this act of nature is to install a lightning arrester. This component will help to detour the electricity caused by a lightning strike away from your home. The electrical surge will be directed into a safe ground component. Working with an electrician that has experience installing these specialized devices is a good idea.
Loss of Power Due To Downed Trees
When severe storms move into your area, you will experience high winds, lightning strikes, and torrential rainfall. If the wind a storm produces gets high enough, it can lay waste to some of the trees around your home. In some cases, these trees will demolish the power lines that provide electricity to your residence. Getting this damage fixed can take a long time.
If you want to reduce the chances of downed trees taking out your power lines, then you need to have your trees trimmed regularly. An experienced tree service will have the equipment and manpower needed to get your trees trimmed in a hurry. You need to make sure that any limbs hanging over your home are removed. If left in place, these limbs can do severe damage to your roof.
You also need to think about getting a backup generator installed to avoid being without power after a bad storm moves through your area. These generators will allow you to keep vital electrical components running even when the local power grid is down. An electrician can help you choose a new generator and will have no problem getting it installed.
Electrical Shorts Caused by Torrential Downpours
If a storm brings heavy rainfall into your area, your roof will have to function to prevent water damage. Roofs that are leaky can cause lots of problems for your electrical system. If water is allowed to flow freely into your home, it might make its way into certain electrical components.
The only way to avoid this problem is by inspecting your roof and fixing any leaks it might have. The money spent on these repairs will be worth it, considering the problems it can help you avoid in the future.
The best way to prevent the electrical problems mentioned in this article is by adequately preparing for storms. Making a checklist and addressing any vulnerabilities your home has is a great way to keep your electrical system functional throughout the storm season.
