If you are in an area where there are heavy storms and lightning, you might be wondering if your metal roof could attract lighting and in turn cause damage to your home and the people inside. This is a common concern.
This article will cover if metal roofs really attract lighting and what you can do to make sure your home is safe when storms come.
Do Metal Roofs Attract Lightning?
Metal roofs are made from non-combustible materials which means it is not any more likely to attract a lightning strike than other types of roofing materials. If your roof has combustible materials on it such as wood petroleum-based asphalt shingles it will easily get struck by lighting and catch on fire which makes metal roofs a much safer choice.
Metal roofs can make lighting strikes much less dangerous since metal is noncombustible and conductive. If your roof does happen to get struck, the lightning will be able to spread out instead of making a hot spot that is easier to catch on fire.
The metal also makes it easier for the lightning to go into the ground rather than being brought into the home.
Are Non-Metal Roofs Less Likely to Be Struck by Lightning?
Non-metal roofs are not less or more likely to be struck by lightning. Many people think that metal roofs are more likely to get struck by lightning, but this is a myth. You can safely have a metal roof without having problems with lightning.
Some people even state that having a metal roof makes your home less likely to get struck by lighting, not more. When lighting does strike metal roofs the risk of fire is small because metal is conductive and provides the lightning strike a path into the ground rather than into the home.
Are Lightning Rods Required on a Metal Roof?
Lighting can strike a roof regardless of the material of the roof. In almost all cases, you do not need lighting rods on your metal roof. Metal roofs do not attract lightning any more than other types of material so getting a lightning rod installed is not necessary.
The only time you might want to get lightning rods or a lightning safety system installed is when your home is at the highest point in the area. You should do this regardless of the materials the roof is made out of.
What Happens When Lightning Hits a Metal Roof?
When lightning hits a metal roof, it will likely hit the ground outside the home. This is because the lighting is conductive and provides a path for the strike to go outside the home and into the ground.
In most cases, the strike will be redirected and will not go into your home or cause damage to the home.
Should a Metal Roof Be Grounded?
A metal roof does need to be grounded. Many people think they need to ground their roofs because metal roofs are known to conduct electricity. If you want to ground your roof, you can. Grounding it will not cause additional risks in the case of a strike.
However, since metal roofs provide a way for electricity to be brought into the ground rather than into the house, you don’t need to ground it.
Are Metal Roofs a Good Option for Thunderstorms and Thundershowers?
If you live in an area where there are many thunderstorms and thundershowers occur, selecting a metal roof is a great choice for your home. They stand up better to hail and severe weather so you will spend less time fixing and repairing your roof.
They also have many other benefits including lowering your energy bills and being fire resistant.
Final Thoughts
Although metal roofs are electrical conductors, they do not cause electricity to strike any more than roofs of other materials. You can have a metal roof in areas where there is inclement weather and still have a safe home.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.