Metal Roof and Lightning Rod: Do You Really Need One?

Today, metal roofs are popular. But are they safe? The specialists of the company Roofing & Siding in Cape Cod, who perform roofing work and roof maintenance, share useful information about the safety of such constructions from the point of view of risks caused by lightning.

Fire resistance of roofing materials

The non-profit organization Underwriters Laboratories, founded in 1903, specializes in testing and certifying roofing materials. Testing UL 790 – is the national standard of fire resistance. According to it, roofs are divided into the following classes:

Such materials have passed strict tests, and provide a high level of protection against penetration of fire into the house even without additional roof insulation.
Roofs of this class have moderate resistance to flame. And some coverings, for example, shake and wooden shingles, require additional treatment with fire-resistant chemicals.
These materials are able to withstand weak flame. This group includes wood-particle boards, plywood, shake not treated with fire-resistant product.

Which roofing material is best suited for protection from lightning?

Let’s consider different covering options:

Concrete or clay tile. It belongs to fire resistance class A, but it is fragile – it is easily damaged after hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, and strong winds.
Asphalt shingles. Inexpensive, popular among homeowners, attractive, but do not conduct electricity and ignite quickly due to the presence of petroleum-containing components. This is not the best option for regions where thunderstorms are frequent.
Wooden shingles. They ignite and burn quickly, especially without fire-resistant treatment. If you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms or wildfires, then the insurance company is unlikely to insure the house, and living in it will be dangerous.
Metal roofing. Metal does not attract lightning, which significantly reduces the risk of strikes. Also, the material conducts electricity and is non-combustible (fire resistance class A), and with special protection and grounding the roof will distribute the electrical force and direct it to the ground. Metal roofing is the most safe, resistant to thunderstorms and other natural and atmospheric impacts.

Industrial strength and durability of metal roofing

In the USA, metal roofs are the second most popular material for roof cladding. It has the following advantages:

Durability: the covering serves 2–3 times longer than, for example, asphalt shingles.
Beneficial insurance. A metal roof can reduce the price of insurance by 20–35% (depending on the specific insurer).
Energy efficiency. The roof reduces air conditioning costs by 25%, and also reduces heat loss and, accordingly, heating expenses.
Return on investment. A metal roof increases property value by about 5–6%.
Resistance to natural and weather events – hurricane winds, hail, fires, icing, snow, rain.

How metal roofs actually keep you safe

The protective ability of a metal roof is provided by the following properties:

non-combustibility;
distribution of current across the surface of the roof, preventing the accumulation of electricity in one place;
directing lightning to the ground by a safe path;
a high level of fire protection, proven by strict testing.

Thus, when lightning strikes, the electrical discharge spreads across the roof, and does not form points of ignition. The roof plays the role of a blanket that protects your home.

How a lightning rod works

A lightning rod is fixed at the highest point of the house. It is connected to the ground surface with the help of an electrode or a conductor that lays out a route for the lightning. The electricity that is created during a thunderstorm enters the lightning rod and does not go through the building, but disperses, going into the ground.

The fittings are made from copper alloys or pure copper, and from other conductive metals. Such parts can have the form of flat strips, hollow or solid rods, and even brushes.

Is it necessary to install lightning rods on a metal roof?

If thunderstorms are a frequent phenomenon in the region where you live, then it is better to consult with specialists on the issue of installing a lightning protection system, which will be useful for any type of roof, including a metal one. Although a metal roof does not have to be equipped with a lightning rod, if it is the highest point in the whole area, then it is better to take care of installing a lightning rod.

Installation of a lightning rod on the roof

The installation of a lightning rod should be entrusted to professionals, such as the team of Roofing & Siding in Cape Cod. Simply fixing a sharp rod on the roof is not enough. Specialists will come to the site, perform an inspection, and choose the best solution.

A comprehensive protection system includes the following elements:

Lightning rods. They are called air terminals and are installed on the highest areas of the roof.
Cables that conduct electricity. These wires direct the current into the ground.
Grounding mechanisms, for example, grounding rods. They are buried in the soil around the perimeter of the house.
It is important that the installation is done correctly, with compliance to safety rules, with full preparation for installation.

Q&A

Is metal more vulnerable to strikes?

No. Metal is a conductor, but it does not attract lightning, and when it is struck it conducts electricity. A metal roof distributes the energy of the current well, does not burn, and with proper installation provides effective grounding. Such a roof protects the home well during a thunderstorm.

Are metal roofs safer during thunderstorms?

Yes, metal roofs are safer than other materials. This is explained by their fire resistance and minimal ignition risks, strength, and resistance to extreme weather conditions, as well as effective grounding – the diversion of electricity into the ground.

What will happen if lightning strikes my metal roof?

When lightning strikes, a metal roof will safely distribute the energy through the structure, will not catch fire and will not heat up red-hot. On the contrary, it will divert the electricity, protecting the building. Such a covering is the safest from the point of view of lightning protection, even in regions with frequent thunderstorms.

Dmitry Labkovich

Since 2002, I have dedicated my career to construction, starting as a cleanup worker and laborer. Despite tough conditions, I quickly mastered roofing and siding, and within six months, I was handling complex tasks. Later, I became a subcontractor, growing the business with a partner and expanding our team.

In 2011, I founded Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston. At the same time, I continued working with major firms, building a reputation through high-quality work and excellent service. In 2010, I joined the Coast Guard Reserve, which helped me develop leadership skills. Before my deployment in 2018, I built a reliable team that ensured steady company growth.

Today, Roofing and Siding of Cape Cod and Boston is a team of 30+ professionals, all OSHA-certified. We continue to expand while maintaining top-quality standards and exceptional customer service.

**Experience & Expertise**

- 20+ years in the roofing and siding industry
- Hands-on experience from laborer to business owner
- Managing a team of 30+ professionals
- Business development and client relations

**Education & Certification**

- Practical training in roofing and siding techniques
- OSHA safety certification
- Coast Guard Reserve service experience
- Ongoing professional development in construction

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