Throughout history, people have associated metal and electricity. Electricity can be harnessed through metal wires conducting it, and it’s also possible to generate electricity using metal coils. Nevertheless, these relationships have also been debated as to whether they’re complimentary or dangerous, especially when it comes to metal roofs and lightning. In this article, we will go in-depth to investigate whether metal roofs attract lightning strikes, and if so, what are the implications.
Most people believe that metal roofs attract lightning more than any other roofing material. This belief isn’t unfounded, but it’s also not entirely factual. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that metal roofs aren’t any more prone to lightning strikes than other types of roofing materials.
It’s also a common misconception that a metal roof will increase the risk of a lightning strike, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. If anything, tall trees, radio towers, and other elevated metallic objects are more vulnerable to lightning strikes than low-lying metal roofs.
Despite the facts, there are still fears surrounding metal roofs and lightning strikes, making them less popular than their counterparts. The fear of fire damage is also another associated myth and the fact is, a metal roof won’t combust when struck by lightning.
Lightning strikes are difficult to predict and can occur in any location. However, there are some elements that make certain structures more prone to being struck by lightning. According to the NFPA, structures that fit the following criteria are more vulnerable to lightning strikes:
Height: Tall structures such as trees, radio towers, and antennas are at a higher risk of being struck by lightning. It’s also important to consider the structure’s height concerning its surroundings; if it is the tallest in the area, it’s prone to a lightning strike.
Material: Materials such as metal, steel, and aluminum are better conductors of electricity and more prone to lightning strikes. But this means that metal and other metals alone won’t attract lightning.
Location: Structures situated in high-risk areas such as thunderstorm-prone regions are more likely to be struck by lightning.
A metal roof itself won’t attract a lightning strike just as much as any other roofing material. It’s vital to consider other factors that might make a structure more prone to these strikes. Compared to other roofing materials such as shingles, metal roofs are more conductive, meaning they can conduct electricity more efficiently. But this doesn’t mean they attract lightning.
It’s essential to note that the attraction of lightning is not directly proportional to conductivity but on the relative position of the metal to the storm cloud. Metal alone doesn’t attract lightning, but its shape and location form electric fields that could pull lightning towards it.
Overall, it’s essential to dispel fears and myths surrounding metal roofs and lightning strikes. Structures with metal roofs aren’t any more likely than other roofing materials to be struck by lightning. If fact, because metal roofs are good conductors of electricity, they’re better able to divert a lightning strike to the ground, thereby reducing damage to the structure.
When considering roofing materials, one shouldn’t shy away from metal roofs because of fears surrounding lightning strikes. There’s no substantial evidence to show that metal roofs are more prone to lightning strikes. Instead, attention should be on other factors like the structure’s height, location, foliage proximity, and conductivity, among others. A properly grounded metal roof provides excellent protection against lightning strikes compared to other roofing materials. In conclusion, don’t let myths and misunderstandings overshadow the excellent benefits of a metal roof.
