Generally, homeowners don’t spend time thinking about the chances of electrical accidents around their homes. However, it should be perceived that if power lines or utility wires come in contact with roof shingles, then there are high chances of electrocution or immediate electrical shocks. Therefore, such a situation can turn out to be a massive risk for you as well as your family members. 

To assist you in understanding this problem, we at professional services for a home inspection in Bettendorf, have formulated this brilliant guide which can help you know more about the relation between electrical power lines and roof shingles. 

Fact: Roof Shingles & Power Lines Don’t Go Hand-In-Hand

In the USA, roof shingles are usually made out of asphalt. Asphalt shingles tend to be very durable, colorful and quite cost-effective. However, the main problem with asphalt shingles is the use of colorful, small ceramic chips on their surface that give asphalt shingles their overall durability & attractiveness. And when these ceramic chips come in contact with the outer covering of the electrical power lines, accidents can take place.

It should be noted that asphalt shingles generally have a very coarse, sandpaper-like surface. And the addition of ceramic chips makes the shingles sharp at the edges. Since utility wires have soft outer coverings when the wires brush against the asphalt shingles (due to movement of high-velocity winds), the outer insulation gets damaged and the inside bare wires get exposed. 

What Can Happen Due To This Issue?

If you need to understand the overall severity of exposed wires, you need to first know about the electricity that is flowing through them. You must learn that these utility wires don’t have any fuses, ground wires or circuit breakers in place. So, there are no provisions to protect humans coming in contact with such electrical power lines, ultimately leading to electrocution or shocks. 

That’s not all though because even the roof of your house will not be protected except the ceramic surface of the asphalt shingles, which are fortunately not flammable by any means. But, the surface that lies beneath the ceramic surface is flammable. So, even though bare electrical wires brushing against your asphalt shingles might not start a fire today, but it can definitely do tomorrow or any other day, especially in windy situations.

Can You Repair This Problem?

According to professional home inspectors, it’s quite easy to solve such a problem. You need to get in touch with the technicians of the electrical company who is providing the energy source because they’re only authorized and experienced to perform such repair procedures. 

And that brings us to the end of our discussion. We hope you enjoyed our recommendations and in case you need any assistance with home inspection services, don’t hesitate to contact us.