Metal Roof Lightning

Metal roofs and lighting the misconception that metal roofs attract lightning is probably because metal itself is known as a good conductor of electricity and people therefore assume that a metal roof must attract lightning.

Metal roof lightning.

Lightning strikes on metal roofs are an understandable concern for homeowners considering an upgrade to a metal roof. Metal roofs do not attract lightning strikes. The concern about metal roofs attracting lightning strikes is most likely associated with the fact that metal can be an electrical conductor. A metal building system with a conductive metal roof and a conductive metal structural frame gives lightning a low resistance path to the earth.

Even so metal roofs do not attract lightning and are not struck any more frequently than other roofing materials. The reality is that a properly installed metal roof may actually be an advantage if a building is struck by lightning. When lightning strikes a metal roof it s conducted away fast toward the ground or another nearby conductor. A metal building may survive a lightning strike with less damage than a similarly sized and located building made of higher resistance materials.

Metal roofing materials are non combustible so if a metal roof does get struck by lightning it is less likely to result in a fire than some other types of roofing materials such as cedar shakes. The materials used in the construction of a metal roof specifically steel are obviously conductive however they do not attract lightning strikes according to the metal construction association. The concern about metal roofs attracting lightning strikes is most likely associated with the fact that metal can be an electrical conductor. Extensive research on lightning protection reveals that metal roofing is no more likely to attract a lightning strike than any other type of conventional roofing material.

Metal roofs are no more attractive to lightning than any other type of roofing material. Lightning is attracted to. Lightning is a powerful destructive force of nature and will strike a building regardless of its type of roofing. The only way to protect a building is with a properly designed and installed lightning protection system lps.

The metal construction association notes that metal roofs do not attract lightning. While a building s structural steel will conduct lightning it is the bonding interconnection and grounding provided by a lightning protection system lps that will dissipate lightning s harmful electricity safely to the ground. Even so metal roofs do not attract lightning and are not struck any more frequently than other roofing materials. Lightning produces intense heat and often this heat can cause fires on the roof or inside the house.