Metal Roofs And Lightning

In fact as a non combustible material with the highest class a fire resistance rating metal roofing is the most desirable material for homes and businesses in lightning prone regions.

Metal roofs and lightning.

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. Fire is the most destructive element of a lightning strike because most roofs will immediately combust. Should your metal roof be struck by lightning the electricity will be spread out across a larger area which diminishes the immediate impact.

In this regard metal building materials far exceed traditional wood framed buildings due to metal s non combustible nature. The less its resistance to lightning the less likely a building will suffer damage. A metal building system with a conductive metal roof and a conductive metal structural frame gives lightning a low resistance path to the earth. 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.

Then the metal s fire resistant properties will protect your building even further. Structural damage stemming from lightning strikes depend on the building material s resistance to lightning. A metal building may survive a lightning strike with less damage than a similarly sized and located building made of higher resistance materials. Contrary to popular belief metal roofs can protect your home.

Lightning is attracted to.