WHAT IS LIGHTNING PROTECTION?

A lightning protection system is used to protect your home, barn, commercial building, or church from lightning damage.

The goal of a lightning protection system is to prevent the loss of a building and any of its contents to fire and structural damage.

WHAT IS SURGE PROTECTION?

When a utility pole or transfer station gets struck by lightning, damaging surges can travel through the wires into your building.

A surge protection systems can actually stop these surges at the point where the utilities enter your building.

HOW DOES A SURGE PROTECTION SYSTEM INTEGRATE WITH A LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM?

Surge protection makes your lightning protection system effective even when your building does not suffer a direct lightning strike. By preventing the lightning-induced surge from ever entering your structure, the system eliminates violent surges that cause damage to your computers, data centers, and other electronics.

WILL A LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM BE NOTICEABLE?

Absolutely not. Our systems are designed to be nearly invisible from the ground. Cables can be completely concealed during new construction, or hidden in and around building elements on existing buildings.

CAN ANY OUR ELECTRICIAN OR BUILDER INSTALL A LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM?

An improperly installed lightning protection system can often be more dangerous than no lightning protection at all. Lightning protection is a specialized trade requiring trained, licensed technicians with knowledge of multiple codes and specialized equipment. Most electricians, contractors, and roofers are not qualified to install lightning protection.

WHAT DOES UL CERTIFED MEAN?

Western Reserve Lightning Rods are a UL Certified lightning protection system installer; this means that we can provide you with an independent UL Certificate of Inspection (formerly called a UL Master Label). Many insurance companies require a UL Certificate of Inspection to certify your home or building. This can result in you being able to take advantage of available discounts on your insurance.

OUR BUILDING ALREADY HAS LIGHTNING PROTECTION.

CAN YOU CHECK IT FOR US?

Absolutely. Western Reserve Lightning Rod does lots of inspection and reconditioning work.

A NEW ROOF WAS JUST PUT ON OUR HOUSE OR BUILDING.

DOES THIS IMPACT OUR LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM?

Yes it does. Many times, when a new roof is installed, the roofers will attempt to dismantle and then reinstall the lighting protection system. This should be avoided at all costs as it may leave you feel secure yet being unprotected. Western Reserve Lightning Rod Company can work closely with your roofing company of choice to ensure that the lightning protection system is secure and capable of handling a lightning strike after a new roof is installed.

WILL TALL TREES AND HIGHER HOMES AND BUILDING PROTECT ME FROM LIGHTNING?

No. Lightning is extremely unpredictable. It can often strike a low-lying structure while never touching a nearby tree or taller building. Plus if lightning does strikes a tree, nearby unprotected buildings are often damaged by side-flashes.

DO YOUR LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS PROTECT ANY OF THE TREES NEAR MY STRUCTURE?

If you have large or historic trees near you, they can receive their own lightning protection as part of your overall system.

Have additional questions not covered in our lightning protection FAQ? Feel free to contact us!