About Lightning Rods

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Lightning can strike unexpectedly at any time, resulting in fire, damage, injury, or even death. Lightning is a bolt of energy, created by friction in the sky, and it aims to reach the ground as fast as possible. Structures or people in the way are inconsequential. If a house or other structure, such as yours, is in the way, the house could either burn or explode. There is no way to stop lightning, but fortunately we can redirect it safely to the ground.

Lightning rods are a simple concept, but they require a skilled technician to install. Basically, they sit on the roof of a building and are attached to highly conductive cables of either copper or aluminum alloy. The cables follow a direct path to the ground. When lightning strikes, the energy moves through the rods and cables without creating the friction that can lead to fires and destruction. Once in the ground, the energy disperses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Will lightning rods protect my appliances as well as prevent structural damage?

Yes, if your structure is struck by lightning, lightning rods will keep the energy from reaching the circuitry of the building and will not fry your appliances or equipment. However, your appliances are still at risk of being damaged if lightning strikes an off-site power grid that supplies your building. For this reason, we can also install surge protection for your electrical service equipment.

How will lightning rods affect the aesthetics of my building?

These days, lightning rods and cables can be installed in such a way so they are hidden and do not interfere with the aesthetics or architecture. Alternatively, decorative lighting rods are available if you prefer to show off your lightning rod system.

Do lightning rods attract lightning?

Lightning rods attract lightning that is in a close proximity to the house, and then channel it through a safe path to the ground without damaging the house.

Are there any risks or dangers associated with having a lightning protection system installed?

When there are other buildings or structures that are connected electrically or through other conductors to the one with the lightning rod system, and those structures are not protected, there is a risk that lightning could strike those structures and it could affect your structure. We recommend that all structures that are connected to your structure in this way be included in the lightning protection system.

Additions or changes after the lightning rod system is installed, that include conductors that are linked to your structure with lightning rods, can also cause problems. When making additions or changes to your building after lightning protection is installed, we recommend that you call a certified lightning installer to inspect it for safety.

All of our installations are done according to Underwriters Laboratories Standard 96-A and National Fire Protection Association Code 780. In addition, all of our materials are approved by Underwriters Laboratories as well.

Do my trees protect my house?

Trees are poor conductors for lightning. They can either be damaged by a direct lightning strike, or the lightning can jump from the tree to the house, causing damage to the house. Therefore, trees will not protect your house from lightning. We have even installed lightning rods in trees, upon request, to protect them from lightning damage.

How much does a lightning protection system cost?

Cost varies widely based on the size, shape, type of building, and type of materials used. Contact us for a free estimate.

How long does it take to install a lightning protection system?

The duration of installation and time-to-completion also varies depending on the size of the job. Custom installation for an average house will take 2-3 days on-site, with the job completed about 2-4 weeks from the time of the initial estimate. Larger industrial or institutional jobs can take up to a year to complete from the time of the estimate, with an average of 30-40 days on-site.

What are the steps involved in installation?

Step 1: Initial estimate visit

Step 2: We submit a proposal to you with a brief description of the components of the job and cost estimates.

Step 3: Air terminals are mounted on the house.

Step 4: Air terminals are interconnected with conductor cables, which can be concealed inside the house or installed on the exterior of the house.

Step 5: The cables are run to the ground and are attached to a 9 foot, copper-clad, steel ground rod. The ground rod is buried just below the finished grade around the house.

Step 6: All electrical and telephone grounds, water pipes, and other metal objects located near the conductor cable are bonded, in accordance with code.

Step 7: The electrical service equipment are surge protected to prevent damage to the electrical system that may enter the house through the electrical grid.

Questions? We'd be happy to answer any further questions if you contact us.

Decorative lightning rods and rebuilt peak installed after lightning strike.

Decorative weathervane rod

Air terminals on top of industrial roof vents

Grounding the cables

Links and Resources

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East Coast Lightning Equipment

National Fire Protection Association

Underwriters Laboratories

Vulcan Supply, Decorative Finials and Weathervanes