Metal Roofing & Lightning: Is It a Smart Choice in Providence?

One of the first things that people will often ask about metal roofing in Rhode Island is whether it is dangerous because of lightning. While that is a perfectly reasonable question, the truth is that metal roofing is safe. Sheet metal roofing does not attract any extra attention to lightning, and they do not get struck more frequently than other types of roofing. Similar to any other building made with other types of roofing materials, if it were to get struck by lightning, the strike would transfer safely to the ground, and the occupants inside would be unaffected.

However, there is a clear benefit to metal roofing that can be extremely beneficial, especially if you are in an area where there are a lot of storms. Unlike traditional roofing materials, sheet metal roofing is inflammable and won’t catch on fire. This makes sheet metal roofing a great choice for lightning prone areas, as well as areas that frequently have wildfires. Metal roofing can also help you reduce expensive commercial roof repair as long as you stay on top of basic roof maintenance in Providence and the surrounding area.

How Lightning Works

If you aren’t fully convinced, it pays to have a basic primer on how lightning works. Most people know that metal is a conductor of electricity. However, lightning is attracted to high points, thin points, and structures that cover a large area of ground. Your risks of receiving a lightning strike on your commercial building would increase if you were the tallest building in the area or if your building was the largest square footage on the ground in the area as well. So the height and width of your building is more important than the type of roofing materials that you have used. Currently, there is no type of roofing material that is designed to reduce the chances of a lightning strike, so you are better off preventing the destruction that can come after a strike instead.

This is why metal roofing in Rhode Island is a great choice. The typical harm that comes from a lightning strike, especially for a commercial building, is the chance of fire. Depending on the type of roofing materials, the installation, and the age of the materials themselves, your roof could immediately combust. When compared to other materials that can catch on fire quickly, sheet metal roofing wins again, providing protection from the most destructive element of a lightning strike and protecting your business in the process. If your roof were to get struck by lightning, the strike would spread out across the largest area to diminish the impact. Due to the materials themselves, no fire would occur.

Metal Roof Maintenance in Providence

It is important to properly maintain your sheet metal roofing to keep it looking and functioning as it should. Preventive maintenance will prevent costly commercial roof repair and replacement, as well as help your new metal roofing in Rhode Island to last longer. An annual roof maintenance program should be performed to prevent debris from gathering on the roof. In fact, clear all gutters, downspouts, and drain boxes in the spring and the fall. Tree branches or any other items that might be touching the sheet metal roofing should be cut down and removed.

Consider hiring a commercial roof repair expert or the company that installed your roof for you to check for possible leaks and penetrations. They will also check for loose roof sheets, fasteners, and flashings, which can result in further damage if not repaired right away. Inspect your roof paint for large scratches and all closures or venting materials located under the transitions, ridge caps, valleys, and end walls should be checked as well. These are the areas that are most prone to damage and will require the most attention. If you have your commercial roof inspected at least once a year, you can prevent small issues from growing into much larger and more expensive problems.

Call A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing

If you are interested in learning more about sheet metal roofing in Rhode Island or if you already have a metal roof and are in need of commercial roof repair or roof maintenance in Providence and the surrounding area, give us a call at 401.654.4128. Our team can answer any questions that you might have about sheet metal roofing and can schedule an appointment for an inspection or to provide you with a FREE estimate for your next commercial roofing project.