Well now, Albert Barnwright here. If you’ve got yourself a pole barn with a good wood frame and that sturdy metal roofing and siding, it’s only natural to wonder what happens when a big thunderstorm rolls in. Folks often ask me, “Albert, is my barn safe with all that metal? What about lightning?” Those are important questions, especially when you’ve got animals, equipment, or even family to think about. Over here at DIY Pole Barns, we want to help clear up any confusion and give you some peace of mind about your building’s safety when the weather turns mean.
Does That Metal Roof Call Down the Lightning?
Let’s get this straight right off the bat: that metal roofing and siding on your barn don’t attract lightning any more than other building materials do. Now, lightning, she’s a bit particular – it’s mostly drawn to the tallest thing it can find in an area, or whatever stands out the most. So, whether your pole barn might get struck has more to do with how tall it is and where it’s sitting, than the fact it’s got a metal skin.
What If That Bolt Does Hit Your Barn?
Alright, say lightning does decide to pay your barn a visit. If it hits, that metal roofing and siding will carry the electricity along its surface. Now, because your barn’s frame and posts are made of wood – and wood isn’t a good conductor of electricity, mind you – that metal exterior doesn’t have a built-in, natural path to send all that energy safely into the ground all by itself.
But here’s the important part: even so, the risk to people, animals, and your equipment inside is still very low. That metal skin actually does a good job of keeping the electrical energy on the outside of the building, which makes it less likely to get inside where you are. So, yes, your barn still offers you a safe place to shelter during a storm.
Are Folks, Livestock, and Equipment Safe Inside Then?
Yes, sir, they are. Your pole barn is a safe place to be when the thunder starts rumbling. As I said, that metal roofing and siding help protect what’s inside by guiding that electrical energy mostly around the outside of the building. Now, common sense still applies. Just like in any building during a storm, it’s best to avoid touching metal surfaces, any plumbing, or electrical panels while the lightning is flashing. Your animals and equipment are certainly better off tucked inside the barn than out in an open field. And if your barn has electrical wiring, make double sure it was installed according to code, and it’s a good idea to use surge protectors for any sensitive equipment to guard against power spikes.
Talkin’ ‘Bout Grounding Your Barn
Since your barn’s frame and posts are wood, they don’t really do the job of electrical grounding by themselves. Wood, you see, is an insulator; it doesn’t offer a good path for lightning’s energy to dissipate safely into the earth. Some barns might have metal anchors or brackets set in concrete footings. If those are properly connected to your metal roofing and siding, they can help create a bit of a grounding path.
But the most dependable way to protect your barn is with what we call a dedicated grounding system. This usually means a copper wire that’s attached to your metal panels and then connected to ground rods driven deep into the earth. Now, building codes don’t always require grounding for every pole barn, but I tell you, it’s a smart safety upgrade. It’s especially worth considering if you live in an area that gets a lot of lightning, or if you’re storing valuable equipment or animals inside.
Those Lightning Rods – Worth a Thought?
You might’ve seen lightning rods, or “air terminals” as some call them, on buildings. These can give you an extra layer of protection. They work by attracting a lightning strike and then channeling that powerful electricity safely down into the ground. They’re not a must-have for every single barn, but they’re certainly worth thinking about for taller buildings, or barns that stand out in an open area, or those that house valuable animals or important equipment.
Simple Safety Habits When Storms Brew
To keep your barn and everyone inside it safe when a storm kicks up, just follow these straightforward precautions:
- Make sure people and animals are tucked inside until the storm has passed.
- During lightning, try not to touch metal surfaces, plumbing, or electrical panels.
- Be certain your barn’s electrical system is up to code and, like I said, protected with surge suppressors.
- If you store flammable materials like hay, it’s wise to keep them stored separately if you can, just to reduce any fire risk.
- And it’s a good idea to have your grounding system, if you have one, checked out every now and then by a qualified electrician.
The Long and Short of It
So, here’s the bottom line: your wood-framed pole barn with its metal roof and siding is indeed a safe place to take shelter during a thunderstorm. That metal doesn’t attract lightning, and while the wood frame itself doesn’t ground the building, it still offers good protection to everyone and everything inside. Adding a proper grounding system, and maybe lightning protection if your situation calls for it, can make it even safer, no doubt. But even without those extras, your barn is a secure spot when the skies get angry.
If you want to learn a bit more about keeping your pole barn safe or look into some of these upgrades, you can always check out the other helpful articles on the DIY Pole Barns blog, or just reach out to our team. We’re here to help you build smarter, safer, and stronger – so you can worry less and focus on what matters most, whether it’s raining or shining.
With a little bit of knowledge and these simple precautions, you can trust that pole barn of yours to keep you and your property safe right through any storm.
You take care now,
Albert Barnwright
Get Your Custom Quote Here
Don’t hesitate to contact DIY Pole Barns today to learn more about our products, our installation support, and just how we can help you build that space you’ve always wanted.
Call our knowledgeable staff at 800-622-4242. If you’re ready to build your pole building, lock in a quote with DIY Pole Barns using our Instant Quote tool!
Connect with us on social media!