Lightning’s always the first thing folks ask about when they hear “metal roof,” but honestly, in my line of work, I’ve seen way more trouble from water than from lightning strikes. I get the concern, though. I remember after a big thunderstorm rolled through my neighborhood a few years back, everyone was out checking their roofs for scorch marks or holes—especially the folks with new metal installs. Turns out, not a single one had any lightning damage, but three houses had leaks around their chimneys that nobody noticed until the next rain.
From what I’ve seen, metal roofs actually help dissipate the energy if lightning does hit. It’s like the whole surface acts as a shield, spreading the charge out and usually sending it safely to ground (assuming your house is properly grounded). I’ve never come across a direct lightning-caused fire on a metal roof, but I have seen some gnarly burns on old wood shakes and asphalt. The real kicker is, most damage happens to wiring or electronics inside the house, not the roof itself.
Leaks, though… those are relentless. Especially after hail or wind storms. I had a client last spring with a standing seam roof—beautiful install, but the vent flashing was done with cheap caulk. First big freeze/thaw cycle, and water started sneaking in. By the time they called me, there was mold in the attic and a ruined ceiling. That’s the kind of headache I see way more often than anything lightning-related.
Curious if anyone’s actually seen a metal roof take a direct hit and get damaged? Or maybe it’s more of an insurance thing—some companies around here still ask about “lightning rods” even though it seems kind of old school.
You nailed it—water intrusion is way more common than lightning damage with metal roofs, at least in my experience. I’ve managed properties with both asphalt and metal, and the only lightning-related headaches I’ve seen were fried electronics, not roof fires. Like you said, grounding is key. But leaks? That’s where things get messy fast, especially if flashing or sealants aren’t up to par. Insurance companies still asking about lightning rods cracks me up sometimes... feels like they’re stuck in the past.