Metal Roofing and Lighting Strikes: What You Should Know

One of the popular myths about metal roofing is that this type of roofing attracts and is otherwise more susceptible to lightning strikes. That would certainly be something for you to worry about, especially if you live in an area where lightning is common, except it is not true.

What is truth, and what is fiction? Are you safer or in more danger of a lightning strike by installing a metal roof? Forget what you may have heard. Here is what you should know about metal roofing and lightning strikes.

Metal Roofing Doesn't Attract Lightning

Some regions are more prone to lightning strikes than others, so geography is certainly a major contributing factor. Other factors that would influence the probability of a building being struck by lightning include topography, height of the building, and size.

Metal roofing does not influence the probability of a lightning strike. This is to say that your house is not any more or less prone to get struck by lightning if you installed a metal roof than if you did with any other type of roofing.

What to Expect With Metal Roofing

In the aftermath of a lightning strike, you will realize that there are definite advantages to installing metal roofing. As a roofing material, metal has some properties that make it inherently safer as it concerns the consequences of a lightning strike.

Here is a look at two primary reasons why metal roofing is a safer option.

Metal Is Electrically Conductive: The charges from a lightning strike will be conducted right through the metal roofing. This excellent conduction ensures there is no build-up of heat, as would be if the roofing material provided resistance against the passage of the charges. The lack of resistance reduces the likelihood of a fire starting after a lightning strike.

Metal Is Non-Combustible: Besides offering no resistance that would increase the risk of a fire, metal roofing is also non-combustible. This means that it does not burn and does not serve as a fuel source to help spread a fire should a fire result from a lightning strike.

Stay Safe

While metal roofing, for the reasons highlighted, is undoubtedly a safe option, ensure that you do more to protect your building. Talk to your roofer about lightning protection systems and other mitigation strategies you should have to protect against lightning strikes, as best matches your location and the prevailing conditions.

Contact a roofing service for more information.