Unpredictable weather has been a major concern for homeowners and commercial property owners in Sheffield. Sudden downpours and thunderstorms are becoming increasingly risky, especially for building structures. While a thunderstorm is always accompanied by lightning, the need for lightning protection services has been growing rapidly. Lightning protection is no longer an optional safeguard; rather, it is a necessity for every commercial and domestic property. Especially for high-rise commercial buildings, this is a crucial investment. Thus, the demand for lightning protection in Sheffield has increased rapidly over the years.
What is the Link between Climate Change and Lightning Strikes?
When the temperature is warm, it leads to more moisture and instability in the atmosphere. When this is combined with thunderstorms and lightning, it becomes risky. Whenever the Earth’s temperature rises and it becomes warm, the lightning strikes generally increases. Hence, lightning means more than just a flash, and it puts buildings, infrastructure, and lives at risk. The occurrence of lightning strikes is relatively common, and property protection is necessary against them.
Types of Damage Caused by Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes can occur anywhere. It can occur near urban areas, rural farmlands, or coastal areas as well. Even a single strike can be dangerous and cause damage to the property and life. Here are a few types of damage that can be caused by threatening lightning strikes.
- Structural Damage
When lightning strikes, the power and heat generated can cause a blast on the brickwork, concrete or stone works on the property. These strikes are enough to shatter or crack, or even ignite, building materials. This occurs when the lightning strikes falls directly on the surface of the structure.
- Electrical damage
When lightning energy enters the property through the main lines, it creates a sudden surge in the voltage. Thus, the strike can burn the sensitive appliances and also cause an overload on the electric line. Excess load or voltage can cause the wires to melt and also make them unsafe to use.
- Fire hazards
Extreme heat is generated during the lightning strikes. This can cause damage to the wooden beams, roofs, and insulation materials. Fires caused by lightning are dangerous because these fires smoulder inside the walls and loft spaces, and the fire breaks out and causes damage before it is noticed.
What is the Role of a Lightning Protection system?
These modern-day systems are more than metal rods and rooftops. They are precisely engineered components that safely channelise the energy from the strike to the ground and minimise the damage that is caused to the property and people. These systems include:
- Air terminals help to intercept the occurrence of lightning.
- Conductor systems which safely direct the lightning energy to the ground
- Earthing systems, which disperse the energy underground
- Surge protection devices act as a shield to protect the electrical equipment
Get in touch with Lightning Protection Leeds Ltd for comprehensive installation, testing and maintenance solutions. Contact us for more details.