Are You Safe Inside a Metal Building During a Lightening Storm? (2024)

Steel buildings are a versatile, durable option for many industrial, commercial, and personal projects. Whether you need storage for vehicles, a manufacturing facility, or a cozy, modern home, a steel building can meet your needs–and exceed your expectations.

More people are turning to steel buildings now than ever before. As new people begin to look at steel structures’ capabilities, the question comes up over and over again: Are metal buildings safe?

The simple answer is yes! Steel buildings are incredibly safe, stable, and durable. People use steel buildings to store airplanes, provide shelter in storms, house massive production lines, and so much more. And skyscrapers–the tallest and most prominent buildings–are constructed from steel.

But what happens to a steel building in a lightning storm? Keep reading to learn how steel buildings provide reliable, durable shelter in all kinds of weather. If you’re considering a steel building for your next project, contact the experts at Titan Steel Structures today to get started.

Are Metal Buildings Safe During a Lightning Storm?

Metal buildings are very safe in many extreme weather conditions–including lightning storms. In fact, science shows us that a metal building may actually be the safest place to be during a lightning storm.

First, steel is an excellent electrical current conductor. When lightning strikes a properly grounded steel building, the electricity passes directly through the steel frame and into the ground. The structural components of steel buildings are fire-resistant, which means the structure can withstand a lightning strike without catching on fire or being damaged.

Some people might imagine that steel buildings are more likely to be struck by lightning, but this isn’t the case. Lightning is more likely to hit trees or tall buildings–and many tall buildings are metal. However, there is no more risk of a steel building being struck than any other structure.

When lightning strikes a wood structure, electricity can’t pass through the wood efficiently. In some cases, the energy can be directed out and away from the building, putting nearby people and structures at risk. They are also more likely to catch fire.

Are Steel Buildings Safe In Dangerous Weather Conditions?

Steel buildings provide excellent shelter in a wide range of weather conditions–even dangerous ones. Here is an overview of how steel buildings can protect people and products, even when the weather is at its worst.

Tornadoes

Many regions in the United States get tornadoes from time to time. But these swirling storms are most common in a band of midwestern states–and people there must be prepared for them. If you live in an area with the potential for tornadoes, you can feel confident that a steel building can stand up to them.

Metal buildings are built to withstand high winds. Instead of breaking or splintering, as wood does, steel can bend, allowing it to stay standing even in the harshest winds. And unlike wood and other materials, steel buildings can withstand the impact of flying debris.

Blizzards

Snow storms can be beautiful, but the damage they can cause is anything but. High winds, plunging temperatures, and heaps of snow are no match for a metal building. While the weight of snow and seeping moisture can cause severe structural damage in a wood building, a steel building will resist this damage and retain its strength in whatever Mother Nature can dish out every winter.

Floods

Flooding can cause severe structural damage. Water soaks and seeps into wood and other porous materials when it sits for long periods. Mold and mildew grow, causing widespread damage–and often resulting in the need to re-build.

A metal building will not absorb water and can resist mold, rust, and other types of water damage.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes and other large, destructive storms include a storm surge, which is a large swell of water that can flood huge coastal areas. Unlike wooden structures, a steel building will not absorb water or be susceptible to mold and rot after the water recedes.

Metal buildings are constructed to withstand high winds and flooding, making them ideal for areas prone to hurricanes or tropical storms. They are so effective at resisting the damaging effects of hurricanes that insurance companies often offer lower rates for insuring metal buildings.

Wildfires

Wildfires can spread quickly and destroy everything in their paths. Metal buildings are naturally fireproof, meaning they can withstand even an intense fire.

Earthquakes

An earthquake isn’t a weather event, but it is a naturally occurring event that can be incredibly destructive. Steel buildings can bend and flex in an earthquake, allowing them to absorb the impact of the tremors instead of splintering.

Get a Customized Quote Now

Reach out to the experts at Titan Steel Structures now to explore our range of pre-engineered steel building kits or get a customized quote for your project. Our team is ready to help you bring your idea to reality by constructing a steel building that meets your needs. Let us show you why steel can exceed your expectations. Call us now to get started.

Are You Safe Inside a Metal Building During a Lightening Storm? (2024)

FAQs

Are You Safe Inside a Metal Building During a Lightening Storm? ›

In the case of a metal roofed building, any electricity from a lightning strike will be safely transferred to the ground below so occupants will be unaffected. Plus, metal's inflammable nature means your home will be even more safe should the rare chance of a lightning strike actually take place.

Is it safe to be in a metal building during a thunderstorm? ›

The structural components of steel buildings are fire-resistant, which means the structure can withstand a lightning strike without catching on fire or being damaged. Some people might imagine that steel buildings are more likely to be struck by lightning, but this isn't the case.

Can lightning strike metal inside a house? ›

Once in a structure, lightning can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio/television reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.. Stay off corded phones.

What is the safest place indoors during lightning? ›

Stay away from windows and doors as these can provide the path for a direct strike to enter a home. Do not lie on the concrete floor of a garage as it likely contains a wire mesh. In general, basem*nts are a safe place to go during thunderstorms.

What is a safe building to be in during a thunderstorm? ›

The safest location during a thunderstorm is inside a large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring. These include shopping centers, schools, office buildings, and private residences.

Is it safe to be under a metal gazebo in a thunderstorm? ›

Avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. These structures won't protect you from lightning.

What happens to metal when struck by lightning? ›

Metal does not attract lightning, but it provides a path for the lightning to follow. Most indoor lightning casualties and some outdoor casualties are due to conduction. Whether inside or outside, anyone in contact with anything connected to metal wires, plumbing, or metal surfaces that extend outside is at risk.

Does a metal building need lightning protection? ›

Metal roofs are no more attractive to lightning than any other type of roofing material. While a building's structural steel will conduct lightning, it is the bonding, interconnection and grounding provided by a lightning protection system (LPS) that will dissipate lightning's harmful electricity safely to the ground.

What are 5 things you should avoid doing in a lightning storm? ›

Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Is it possible to be struck by lightning indoors? ›

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), seeking shelter indoors during a thunderstorm is the safest way to protect yourself from lightning. However, protecting yourself by going inside isn't as foolproof as some may believe. “The odds of getting hit by lightning inside are minimal, but it's not impossible.

Should I close my blinds during a thunderstorm? ›

Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Is it safe to shower indoors during a lightning storm? ›

It is not safe to shower during a thunderstorm. If lightning strikes a building, it may travel through water pipes and increase the risk of electrocution. To lower this risk, people should avoid all water-based activities during a thunderstorm, including bathing and washing the dishes.

Which is the most unsafe place during lightning? ›

Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, or when dark clouds are observed, quickly move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle and remain there until well after the lightning storm ends.

Where should you be if you can t get inside a building during a thunderstorm? ›

It's best to get as low to the ground as possible; you do not want to be the tallest thing around in a thunderstorm. "If there is no shelter available, it's best to find a low spot," said Duffey. "You'll want to find somewhere like a ditch or a depression."

Are steel buildings safe? ›

Durable steel structures perform well under high winds due to their ductility, which is the ability to bend without breaking. Steel is able to absorb more energy than its less sturdy counterparts, meaning your facility is safe under the most extreme conditions.

What not to do inside during a thunderstorm? ›

If You Are Inside a Building
  • Stay away from windows and doors. ...
  • Avoid using a corded telephone, except for emergencies. ...
  • Avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes, or doing laundry. ...
  • Avoid contact with metal objects (yard equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.).

Are metal buildings safe in a tornado? ›

No matter where you live and work, a metal building is a safe and cost-effective choice for your project. Especially in tornado-prone areas, you can count on a strong steel structure to stand up to heavy storms with more protection than other building materials.

Can lightning go through a metal roof? ›

Extensive research has proven that metal roofing is no more likely to attract a lightning strike than any other type of roofing material. In fact, as a non-combustible material with the highest Class A fire-resistance rating, metal roofing is one of the best materials for homes in lightning-prone regions.

Is it safe to sleep in a metal bed during a thunderstorm? ›

Myth: Structures with metal, or metal on the body (jewelry, cell phones,Mp3 players, watches, etc), attract lightning. Fact: Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes.

Where should you avoid being during a thunderstorm? ›

Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes
  • Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
  • Never lie flat on the ground. ...
  • Never shelter under an isolated tree.
  • Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
  • Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.

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