I get the logic, but I’m actually a bit more cautious about relying on “basic grounding” alone. When I looked into metal for my roof, the additional cost for proper lightning protection (not just assuming the roofers did it right) was more than I expected. Plus, insurance premiums in my area went up with a metal install, supposedly because of “increased risk”—which doesn’t really make sense to me, but that’s what they said. I do agree that old wiring and tree limbs are bigger fire hazards overall, but I wouldn’t just assume every new metal roof is set up to safely channel a strike. Sometimes corners get cut to save money...
I wouldn’t just assume every new metal roof is set up to safely channel a strike. Sometimes corners get cut to save money...
That’s what worries me too, honestly. I’ve seen a couple installs where the grounding was basically an afterthought—like, “eh, it’s metal, it’ll be fine.” Did your roofer actually walk you through their lightning protection plan? Or was it more of a “trust us” situation? I’m curious if anyone’s insurance actually explained why they think metal is riskier. Seems backwards since metal doesn’t burn, right?
I actually asked my installer about grounding and got a kind of vague answer, which didn’t inspire much confidence. It’s weird—my insurance barely mentioned lightning risk, just higher premiums for “non-standard” roofs. Anyone else get that? I figured metal would be safer, not riskier.
I figured metal would be safer, not riskier.
I’ve had a few clients with metal roofs and honestly, the insurance “non-standard” label seems more about the material itself than actual lightning risk. Funny thing is, metal conducts electricity, but it’s not any more likely to attract lightning than asphalt or tile. In fact, it can help disperse a strike safely if the system’s grounded right. Did your installer actually mention if they used grounding rods or just kind of brush it off? I’d push for a clear answer there.
About premiums, I think some companies just don’t want to deal with roof types they’re not used to. In my area, hail damage is a bigger deal with metal than lightning, but every insurer seems to have their quirks.
metal conducts electricity, but it’s not any more likely to attract lightning than asphalt or tile. In fact, it can help disperse a strike safely if the system’s grounded right.
That’s exactly what I’ve read too, and honestly, it makes sense. The “non-standard” label from insurers just feels like a catch-all for anything outside their comfort zone. I get why they’re cautious, but it’s not really about actual risk—more about what they’re used to insuring.
I will say, though, I’ve seen a few metal roofs installed with zero mention of grounding, which is just lazy. If you’re going to put up a giant metal sheet, at least make sure it’s properly grounded. Otherwise, yeah, you’re asking for trouble.
Hail is a bigger headache where I am too, but I’d still take metal over asphalt any day. Less waste, lasts longer, and if you care about sustainability, it’s a no-brainer. Insurance companies just need to catch up with the times instead of penalizing people for making smarter choices.