Did you know that roughly one hundred bolts of lightning strike the ground every second? With so much lightning in the world, it seems practical to take every precaution to protect yourself and buildings.
If that’s the case, then why are there so many steel buildings in rural areas? Do metal roofs attract lightning?
Believe it or not, steel buildings do the exact opposite — they resist the lightning. In this article, we’ll explain how they work and why you should consider them. Let’s get started!
So Do Metal Roofs Attract Lightning? No!
It’s a common mistake to believe that metal attracts lightning. It doesn’t attract lightning — it conducts it. It doesn’t matter what type of material it is — lightning will hit it all indiscriminately.
What does matter is how high up a building is. Lightning is much more likely to strike objects that are high up.
That’s why huge buildings like the Empire State Building require massive lightning rods to absorb the energy and divert the lightning. Otherwise, the building itself would be struck which is unsafe both structurally and for the inhabitants.
Why Are Metal Roofs Better Than Wood?
Now that we know we know that metal doesn’t attract lightning we can explore why it’s a great material for roofs. You might be thinking that wood would be a better material since it comes with a higher electrical resistance.
But wood is too resistant — when lightning hits it ricochets back off of it. This flash of reflected lightning can hit people or objects and cause fires.
So why are metal roofs better? When properly grounded lightning hits the roof, which then travels rapidly through the framing and safely into the ground.
If you’re interested in a metal roof, then consider metal buildings offered by dependable local companies like The NC Builders.
Extra Precautions You Can Take To Prevent Lightning Damage
If there are electrical components in your metal roof building, then you may not want the lightning running through your building frames. This can cause an electrical overload and potential fire. The solution is a lightning rod.
A lightning rod protects a building by absorbing the lightning bolt and transferring it to the ground through a wire. This, in turn, protects any electrical systems or individuals in the building.
However, we don’t recommend installing a lightning rod yourself. As this MIT article notes many things can go wrong with even the slightest miscalculation. When the stakes are life and death, it’s always best to go with a professional instead.
Want More Articles On Home Improvement? Check Out More Sky Five Properties’ Blog Posts
We hope this article helped you answer the question ‘do metal roofs attract lightning?’. When properly grounded, these structures are safer than many other types of roofing.
If you want to learn more about home improvement — as well as other real estate and personal management subjects — then make sure to keep reading Sky Five Properties’ blog.
