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A lightning protection system costs around $1,500 on average
While lightning doesn’t tend to strike the same place twice, that doesn’t mean it won’t cause damage the first time. When a lightning bolt hits home, it can cost thousands of dollars worth of repairs. This is where a lightning protection system comes into play to help protect your home. The cost of a lightning protection system is between $400 to $2,600.
How Much Does a Lightning Protection System Cost by Type?
With lightning protection systems, you’re going to pay per rod. Typically, the larger your roof, the more rods you’re going to need to ensure there’s enough coverage. These rods then need to connect to a grounding system that sends the electricity into the earth for safe dispersal.
Copper and Aluminum
There are two common metal rods to choose from. These are:
Copper: $150 per rod
Aluminum: $70 per rod
Copper and aluminum are both metals that are able to withstand the extremely high temperatures of a lightning strike without disintegrating. A home that is 2,000 square feet will need around four to five rods.
Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Air Terminals
ESE air terminals cover a larger area than metal rods, so you may only need one. The terminals sit 6.5 feet above the building and emit the same ionized particles that channel from a lightning strike. The cost of an ESE air terminal is around $2,250 on average.
How Much Does a Lightning Protection System Cost Near You?
How much you pay for a lightning protection system largely comes down to where you live. The more storms you tend to get, the more you’re likely going to need to pay.
Common costs for a lightning protection system around the U.S. are:
- Florida: $1,500
Washington: $1,000
Illinois: $1,400
California: $270
Massachusetts: $550
New York: $850
Colorado: $900
Minnesota: $220
Texas: $2,600
Lightning Protection System Cost Breakdown
Beyond the number and type of rod, you need to consider labor, permits, and how easy the installation process is.
Labor
Labor will make up the majority of the cost of installation. When you hire a professional lightning system installer, they’ll make up around 40% of the total cost of the project. So if the total cost was $1,500, then labor made up about $600.
Permits
Depending on where you live, you may need to pull a permit since you’re adding height to your roof and you’re sending electricity into the ground. Permits can range anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on your local codes.
Ease of Installation
If your roof is a pain to get onto, then you’re probably looking at an increase in installation costs. Steep roofs may need extra equipment to work on, which could raise the price by about $500 extra. But if your roof is steep but decently small, you may make up the costs by needing fewer rods.
How Much Does a Lightning Protection System Cost to Install Yourself?
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Because you’re setting up a grounding system, this is a job best left to a UL-certified professional. If you don’t connect the rods correctly or the grounding system isn’t fully in place, you’re likely still going to receive damage from a lightning strike.
The cost of installing a lightning protection system yourself is around $2,200 between rods, mounts, conductors, cable connectors, fasteners, and a grounding piece. So in the long run, going the DIY route isn’t exactly worth it.
FAQs About Lightning Protection Systems
How else can you protect your house against lightning strikes?
Electronics tend to be the main items affected by a lightning strike. Utilizing outlet protectors and whole house surge protectors can prevent damage in the event that your lightning protection system fails. Individual outlet protectors cost about $35 on average and whole house surge protectors cost about $400.
How much does storm damage cost?
Repairing storm or wind damage costs about $8,000 per claim. There is typically damage to the structural integrity of the home, electronics, and even fire damage because of the heat of the bolt. To handle storm damage of any kind, you’ll want to hire a local storm damage repair company.
Are replacement rods easy to install?
In the event that a rod is hit with lightning and is no longer usable, replacement is easy. Simply order a replacement rod, unscrew the damaged ones, and screw on the new one.