Would you worry about lightning if your house had a metal roof?

Has anyone actually had issues with insurance because of the wiring or roof material? Curious if that’s ever come up for folks.

Insurance companies definitely care about old wiring - especially knob-and-tube or anything not up to code. That’s usually a bigger red flag for them than a metal roof. Metal roofs are actually less likely to catch fire from lightning than asphalt, since the metal disperses the charge. But if your wiring’s outdated, that’s where you might run into trouble with coverage or higher premiums. Anyone else get hassled about the roof itself? I’ve only seen pushback when it’s the electrical.

I’ve actually seen insurance companies get picky about metal roofs, but it’s not super common. Sometimes it depends on the type of metal and how it was installed. If it’s an older standing seam roof with visible rust or signs of patchwork, they might flag it as a maintenance risk. I’ve had clients get asked for proof of installation or even a roof inspection before renewal. Not as often as with old wiring, but it does happen - especially if you’re in a hail-prone area or somewhere with heavy snow loads.

One thing that gets overlooked: some insurers have weird rules about “non-standard” roofing materials. Metal is getting more popular, but in certain regions, underwriters still treat it like an oddball choice. I’ve seen folks in rural areas get hit with higher deductibles for metal roofs, supposedly because of replacement costs after hail. Doesn’t always make sense, but that’s insurance for you.

As for lightning, I agree - metal roofs don’t attract strikes, and they’re less likely to catch fire than wood shakes or asphalt. But I’ve run into a couple of adjusters who just didn’t understand that and tried to argue otherwise. It’s rare, but sometimes you have to push back with actual data.

Wiring is definitely the bigger headache overall. If you’ve got aluminum branch wiring or anything pre-1960s, expect questions and maybe even a demand for upgrades before they’ll write a policy. But don’t assume the roof is always a non-issue - depends on the company and sometimes just who’s reviewing your file that day.

Funny enough, I had one client whose insurer wanted photos of the attic insulation because they thought the metal roof would cause condensation problems. That was a new one for me... but it goes to show, you never really know what they’ll focus on until you ask.

As for lightning, I agree - metal roofs don’t attract strikes, and they’re less likely to catch fire than wood shakes or asphalt. But I’ve run into a couple of adjusters who just didn’t understand that and tried to argue otherwise.

That’s been my experience too. The science is pretty clear - metal roofs don’t increase your odds of a lightning strike, and if anything, they’re safer since metal disperses the energy and isn’t combustible. Still, it’s amazing how often you run into people (including insurance folks) who are convinced otherwise. I had one adjuster try to tell me my standing seam roof was a “lightning magnet,” which just isn’t true.

If you’re budget-minded like me, the bigger concern is what the insurer decides to nitpick. My policy renewal last year asked for photos of the roof and attic insulation, supposedly because of “potential condensation.” Never heard that one before, but I sent them over and didn’t hear back.

Wiring is where I’d focus if you’re looking to avoid headaches. Old aluminum or knob-and-tube will get flagged way faster than any roof material in my experience. Metal roofs are usually an upgrade, but you never know what will catch someone’s eye on the paperwork.

Had a similar run-in with an adjuster last year - he was convinced my metal roof was a liability for lightning, even though I tried to explain it’s actually safer than most. Funny thing is, I’ve inspected plenty of homes after storms and it’s almost always the wiring or old trees that cause real trouble, not the roof itself. Metal’s just not the fire risk people think. I’d take a metal roof over old shingles any day, especially in storm country.

- Gotta say, I’ve heard this a lot: “metal roof = lightning magnet.” It’s just not how it works.
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“it’s almost always the wiring or old trees that cause real trouble, not the roof itself.”

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen more attic fires from old knob-and-tube wiring than any roof material.
- Metal actually helps disperse the energy if lightning does hit. It’s non-combustible, so it won’t catch fire like wood shakes or even some old asphalt shingles.
- If you’re in storm country, I’d take metal every time. Shingles blow off, tiles crack, but metal usually just shrugs it off.
- Only thing I’d add: make sure your roof is properly grounded. Not everyone does this, but it’s cheap insurance.
- The only “downside” is noise in a heavy rain, but some folks actually like that. I’ve had customers ask if I can make their new roof louder - no joke.
- Bottom line: I’d worry more about that big oak tree leaning over the house than the metal roof itself.