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The main drawbacks of lightning protection systems are upkeep and appearance. The system needs routine cleaning and professional inspections; skip them, and the rods might fail when you need them most. Over time, those visits add a little extra cost and effort. Some homeowners also dislike the look of metal rods or cables along the roofline. If aesthetics worry you, ask your installer about lower-profile hardware or ways to blend the components into your roof.

No, the copper in lightning rods does not attract lightning. Instead, lightning targets the highest nearby point, not the metal itself. Copper is simply a superior conductor, which is why pros use it. When a bolt hits the rod, the copper safely channels the charge through the grounding cable and into the earth, sparing your home. Choosing copper doesn’t draw more strikes—it just handles them better.

Rod count depends on your home’s size and the system you choose. A 3,000-square-foot house needs six to eight copper or aluminum rods for full coverage, while a single ESE air terminal often protects the same area on its own. A UL-certified pro can measure your roof, spot potential strike points, and recommend the right number for complete peace of mind.

Always hire an Underwriters Laboratories-certified installer. A UL-certified pro follows the Lightning Protection Institute’s strict rules, mounts each rod securely, and uses only UL-listed parts. Professional installation protects you from falls, wiring mistakes, and code violations, and it ensures the system works exactly as designed when the next storm rolls through.