Metal roofs don’t attract lightning, but if your house takes a direct hit, that energy’s gotta go somewhere.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen metal roofs help in some cases. They’re non-combustible, so even if lightning hits, the roof itself won’t catch fire like wood shakes or old shingles might. Sure, electronics are vulnerable, but I’d rather replace a TV than deal with a house fire. It’s not perfect, but there’s a tradeoff there.
That’s a good point about the fire risk—my neighbor’s old cedar roof actually did catch once during a storm, so I get the appeal of metal for that reason. Have any of you added a lightning rod or grounding system with your metal roof, or just left it as-is? I’ve heard mixed things about whether that’s really necessary.
I’ve got a metal roof and honestly, never bothered with a lightning rod. My electrician said the metal just spreads out the charge, doesn’t actually make strikes more likely. Been through plenty of storms—no issues yet, knock on wood (or metal, I guess).
I’ve heard the same thing about metal roofs not attracting more lightning, but I still get a little nervous during those big summer storms. My neighbor actually had a strike hit a tree right next to his house, and it fried a bunch of his electronics—didn’t even touch the roof. Makes me wonder if surge protectors are just as important as worrying about the roof itself. Anyone else ever deal with electrical damage from storms, even without a direct hit?
- I’ve got a metal roof and honestly, the lightning thing worried me at first too.
- Never had a direct hit, but last summer a power surge during a storm took out my old TV and router.
- Surge protectors helped with some stuff, but not everything—guess they’re not foolproof?
- Anyone else notice insurance rates change after electrical damage, even if it wasn’t a direct strike?
- Wondering if it’s worth investing in a whole-house surge protector or just stick with the cheap plug-in ones...
