Lightning strikes are terrifying forces of nature that can deal considerable damage to our properties and endanger our loved ones. Because of the sheer hazards of lightning, many homeowners are concerned about how a flash affects their homes.
Are metal roofs more susceptible to lightning strikes and damage? Homeowners may be concerned about the risks that this type of roofing can carry, especially when there’s a thunderstorm.
At first, this notion may seem to make sense because metal is a highly conductive material, which explains its use in lightning rods. However, this is not the case; metal roofs are not any more susceptible to being struck by electric bolts. It’s best to understand how and where lightning strikes to have a clearer picture of the relationship between lightning and metal roofing.
What Factors Affect Lightning Strikes?
Lightning happens when clouds rapidly discharge static electricity. The electrons will then either strike the ground or other clouds. Electricity seeks the path of least resistance to discharge. For this reason, lightning often strikes the object closest to the cloud of its origin. It will likely hit a taller building than a shorter one regardless of the material used to build the structure.
Overall, four main factors determine the damage a lightning strike can do. These are:
– Geographical Location: Intuitively, electric discharges primarily affect areas with high amounts of lightning activity.
– Topography: Structures in higher altitudes are more likely to be struck than those in lower areas.
– The Height of the Building: Taller structures offer the easiest path for electricity to travel before hitting the ground.
– The Surface Area of the Structure: Bigger, more expansive buildings provide larger targets than smaller ones.
The idea that steel rods attract lightning is a common misconception—they only provide a safe route for the electric charges to travel to the ground if an electrical discharge hits the building. For the same reason, a metal roof does not necessarily attract electricity.
What Happens If Lightning Strikes a Metal Roof?
When lightning does strike a metal roof, the material provides more protection than its non-metal counterparts. Asphalt shingles and wood shakes will not offer much defence against discharges because they are flammable materials. When large amounts of electricity hit them, they will likely cause a house fire—not an ideal outcome. Furthermore, the energy can jump to other parts of the home, endangering the residents.
If lightning strikes a metal roof, the material’s conductivity safely contains the electricity. Metal roofing usually has protection systems to help spread electricity and deliver it safely to the ground. The multi-layered alloys also offer additional protection because they can resist the impact of the strike, keeping your home and its residents safe.
Protect Your Home with Edmonton and Alberta’s Metal Roofing
Lightning can undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with, and its effects can be devastating. While many homeowners are concerned about the impact of this phenomenon on metal roofs, the science makes it clear that you don’t need to worry.
Metal roofing does not attract lightning more than other materials. Rather, it provides additional protection if this destructive force of nature strikes the structure. It offers a safe way to handle unpredictable weather events—rain or shine.
If you’re looking for metal roofing in Edmonton and Alberta, Alberta’s permanent roofing has you covered. Our professionals will provide you with timely and high-quality services to ensure your home’s protection. Contact us and get a free quote today!