Will Metal Roofs Attract Lightning

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.

Will metal roofs attract lightning.

There is a perception or at least a suspicion that a metal roof will increase the likelihood of lightning striking the building. For what lightning rods are used. Unfortunately this is a widespread myth. The metal construction association notes that metal roofs do not attract lightning.

Unfortunately the material a homeowner selects for their home s roofing does not impact the probability of a lightning strike. Structures that cover a large area of ground. 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. So next time someone asks you about your roof and whether or not it attracts lightning you can share this myth busting knowledge.

While metal roofs help protect your home and family from damage and injuries due to lightning they don t lessen the probability that a bolt of lightning could strike your home. Generally speaking metal roofing is quite safe. Metal is one of the best materials you can consider for your roof. It holds no extra attraction to lightning.

From what we understand about lightning it s clear that metal roofing is no more likely to attract lightning than other roofing materials. Metal roofs do not attract lightning. First off lightning rods are intended as a precautionary measure against lightning not something that attracts them. Metal roofs and lighting the misconception that metal roofs attract lightning is probably because metal itself is known as a good conductor of electricity and people therefore assume that a metal roof must attract lightning.

The short answer is no metal roofing is not dangerous and does not naturally attract lightning strikes. It has been observed that installing a metal roof makes building owners think more about lightning and the dangers of lightning strikes. Lightning rods are made of metal so it must mean that metal roofs attract lightning as well right. Even so metal roofs do not attract lightning and are not struck any more frequently than other roofing materials.

So the likelihood of a lightning striking your home business or agricultural building depends on its height and size rather than the building materials you use. 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. After all metal is highly conductive just like the materials used in lightning rods that are used to attract lightning strikes so doesn t it stand to reason that the metal roof will attract lightning too.