With Texas being in the top ten states for lightning activity, it is an apparent element to consider when purchasing a roofing material, and metal roofs are especially important. Lightning is silent, but it’s also lethal. Lightning kills around 40 individuals in the United States each year (based on data from 1990-2019). In today’s column, our Garland roofing service will go through the distinctions if your home is ever hit by lightning.
Metal and Lightning
Lightning, as we all know, is a condensed form of electricity at a specific point. It is also common sense that electricity travels at varying speeds through different materials, with electricity traveling swiftly through metal and even faster through the water. The more conductive a substance is, the faster electricity passes through it. That is generally where common knowledge ends, and where we would like to go into further detail. Obviously, electricity moves differently through different materials: quickest via water, fastest through metal, and slowest through the wood. However, it travels differently through different materials.
What Effect Does Lightning Have on a Metal Roof?
Steel, copper, and aluminum are the most widely used metals for roofing, however, copper is the most conductive, followed by aluminum, while steel is the least conductive. That is, a copper roof will enable electricity to travel through it faster than an aluminum or steel roof. If the electricity is traveling quicker through the roof, it will move faster when it enters the remainder of the home, beginning with the wood or steel structure. The heat that is produced when electricity slows down rapidly is near-certain to ignite anything combustible. That is not to say that if a copper roof with a timber structure is struck by lightning, it will invariably burn to the ground. This is only a basic summary of how electricity moves, which can help you choose which metal roof is ideal for your home’s needs.
Lightning Rods Can Assist in Reducing the Impacts of a Strike
With a better understanding of how lightning affects metal roofing, you can make a more informed decision about your new roofing material. As for the type of roof, scientists say that lightning rods with strong, well-grounded wires are by far the best way to protect your home from lightning strikes. Other modifications will aid the lightning rod and avoid harm.
Our Garland Roofing Service is Dependable and Reliable
Jon Wright Industries has the knowledge, skills, and certifications to professionally install your new roof, windows, siding, or solar panels. All of our home renovation projects are conducted in accordance with local codes and are guaranteed by the industry’s finest warranties. You needn’t look any further. For a FREE Estimate, call Jon Wright Industries at (866) 887-7663 now!