Installing lightning protection

Re-discovering the importance of installing a lightning protection system

Almost every home had a lightning protection system installed on it in the 1880s even through the 1910s until the great depression. It was considered a status symbol to have one installed on your home. After the depression it became less common for lightning protection to be installed on homes as metal prices were too high. Remember that no electronic equipment existed in 1900, todays electronics require a complete lightning protection system that includes both a lightning rod system coupled with whole house high quality surge protection devices (SPD). Over the past few years we have seen a steady increase of people that insist on having their homes and businesses protected with a lightning protection system that is highly effective at protecting these new infrastructures.

Decrease in insurance claims with lightning damage

The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) have stated that there has been a steady decrease of lightning claims since 2004. The decline of almost 46 percent in the eight-year period (2008 -2012), could be attributed to more people installing lightning protection systems. While there is a significant decrease in the number of claims, the amount of the claims has gone up drastically, from around $2,500 to well over $6,000 in the same eight-year span. The increase in cost is due to the huge increase in home electronics. The I.I.I. recommends to reduce the risk of lightning damage to have a lightning protection system installed by a UL and LPI certified company.

Increase in storms with high density lightning strikes

More and more electrical or thunder storms are producing high density lightning strikes. That means that there are more lightning strikes in a smaller area in a short period of time. As these types of storms increase, so does the risk from being struck by lightning increases. Many homeowners have noticed this increase and have taken the steps to protect their home and families from natures most deadliest force – lightning.

Source: Insurance Information Institute. June 25, 2013.

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