Ensuring the safety and longevity of structures is no longer just about strength and aesthetics—it’s about preparing for the unexpected. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding are just a few of the natural disasters that can be a part of the unexpected and “possibility” of happening. Architects, engineers, and building enclosure consultants are pioneering innovative materials and construction techniques to prepare structures for environmental challenges.

The one force of nature that is inevitable daily is lightning. Lightning can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, equipment, operations, and lives. Lightning protection systems (LPS) are a critical yet often underutilized tool in building resiliency. Whether designing state-of-the-art facilities, renovating historic structures, or protecting critical facilities, incorporating a lightning protection system can safeguard investments, protect occupants, and minimize costly downtime. 

In a rapidly changing world, the conversation around building resiliency has never been more critical. This article explores why and how lightning protection systems can be an integral part of building resiliency against the powerful and destructive impact of lightning.

Resiliency Defined and Created

Resiliency in the built environment refers to a structure's ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adverse events. The design/build community and scientists are at the forefront of creating innovative materials and techniques to achieve this—such as energy-efficient designs, climate-adaptive façades, and robust structural systems. These are just some of the innovations to guard against the destruction of those larger catastrophic events that impact a city or larger region.

In the media, we see the destruction of wide sweeping floods or hurricanes that take out entire cities—causing property loss and displacement of families. Perhaps, the discussion around lightning is not as prevalent due to the impact of lightning viewed as “one lightning strike” to “one” structure. At a closer look, one lightning strike can disrupt much more than just the structure. 

Lightning will Happen

About 6,000 times a minute, there is a lightning strike. Lightning strikes contain enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb for 3 months and heat that can reach the temperature of the surface of the sun. With this frequency and intensity, it takes only “one” lightning strike to cause immense damage. The impact goes beyond fire to the destruction of the electrical system and the electronics connected to that system- bringing communication, security and productivity to a halt.

Each year, millions of strikes occur globally, posing risks to buildings and operations. The insurance industry has noted a substantial rise in lightning claims. According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), national insurance claims data reveals:

• The total value of lightning-caused U.S. homeowners insurance claims rose by over 30 percent in 2023, totaling $1.27 billion, compared to $950 million in 2022.
• The number of lightning-caused U.S. homeowners insurance claims increased by 13.8 percent.
• The average cost per lightning-caused claim surged by 14.6 percent, from $15,280 in 2022 to $17,513 in 2023.

And note, this data is only for homes. The impact to businesses and communities can be much greater.

Building Resiliency to Lightning 

When lightning hits an unprotected building, the energy can spread through walls and pipes, impacting vital components: water, electricity, computers, security systems, and more. Cities are seeing the expansion of the electrical grid to incorporate new power sources like solar and wind energy. As dependence on electricity heightens so will our vulnerability to lightning-related damages.

Lightning protection systems, when properly designed and maintained, can mitigate the risks to a lightning strike.

Lightning Protections Systems as a part of Resiliency

Incorporating lightning protection into a resilience plan offers three primary benefits:

1. Structural Integrity: Properly installed lightning protection systems protects the physical framework of buildings from direct lightning strikes and electrical surges.
2. Operational Continuity: Critical services, production lines, power sources and other operations can be maintained—not disrupted.
3. Life Safety: Lightning poses a direct threat to occupants. An LPS ensures a safer environment for all.

The Cost of Neglecting Lightning Resilience

Thousands of facilities worldwide suffer damage annually due to inadequate lightning protection. The impacts include:

• Business Interruption: Downtime and halted operations lead to lost productivity and revenue.
• Repair Costs: Lightning strikes can cause fires, equipment failure, and structural damage, resulting in costly repairs.
• Impact to the Community/Critical Services: Lightning strikes to critical facilities and/or electrical power sources can impact the daily needs that individuals rely on.

Steps to Building Resiliency to Lightning 

1. Assessment

For business owners and the design/build community, this evaluation involves conducting a simple assessment per the NFPA 780 standard. Factors to consider include:

• Geographical Location: Lightning density maps reveal high-risk areas.
• Structure Characteristics: Building height, shape, and materials influence vulnerability.
• Operational Factors: Critical systems and potential downtime risks should be evaluated.
• Human Safety: Protection for personnel and compliance with safety standards is essential.

NLDN CG Flash Density - the frequency and location of lightning strikes. Image courtesy of Vaisala Xweather.

2. Properly Designed & Installed Lightning Protection Systems

A well-designed LPS reduces the likelihood of catastrophic damage. Integrating a lightning protection system during the design phase ensures seamless functionality, while retrofitting during renovations can be essential to protecting that structure.  

Adhering to the standards, NFPA 780 and IEC 62305, is vital for compliance and effectiveness. The International Code Council (ICC) recently added a section to the International Building Codes, IBC 2703, that clearly states that a lightning protection system must be installed in compliance with NFPA 780 or UL96A. There are other devices on the market that claim to protect against lightning; singular devices are considered non-compliant.

Non-compliance with lightning protection standards increases the risk of damage, downtime, and liability. 

3. Inspections and Certification

As with any system, lightning protection systems should be inspected and certified. Self-inspection and certification are not reliable. Inspection and certification should be completed by a third party with expertise and experience in the lightning protection industry.

4. Maintenance and Re-certifications

The key to resiliency is not only the design—but the maintenance. Resilience relies on an effective plan to upkeep and certify all building systems.

Preventative and Predictive Maintenance

Preventative maintenance reduces downtime and liability while extending the system's lifespan. Predictive maintenance leverages data and advanced monitoring to address potential issues before they arise. Advancements in hardware and software allow for precise lightning detection—which can aid in assessment as well as maintenance to determine if there was a lightning strike to the building or area. Vaisala Xweather has several options for real time and historic data.

Vaisala’s Xweather Protect shows us this snapshot in time. This map is showing live lightning alert radii (the rings) around the Miami International Airport; These rings determine when/if a lightning alert is sent back to the site, in this case, Miami International. Image courtesy of Vaisala Xweather.

Over time, aging infrastructure, weather exposure, and modifications to the building can compromise its effectiveness. A proactive maintenance plan includes:

• Regular inspections (annually or semi-annually).
• Post-storm assessments to identify potential damage.
• Repairs or upgrades by certified professionals.
• Maintenance logs to track the system’s condition and interventions.

The Role of Inspections & Recertification

Inspections ensure that LPS systems remain functional over time. Recertification provides peace of mind that systems comply with evolving standards and continue to offer effective protection. The Lightning Protection Institute – Inspection Program (LPI-IP) requires systems to be re-certified every 3 years.

Case Study: Real Life Application of Lightning Protection Systems

Communities depend on critical facilities, such as fire stations, hospitals, police stations, government buildings, and emergency operation centers, to provide essential services daily and during disasters. These facilities, especially in high-risk areas, should be equipped with lightning protection systems to enable first responders to serve the community effectively.

These pictures showcase the inclusion of a lightning protection system on a newly built fire station in Florida. Note: all buildings and external generator are protected with a lightning protection system to ensure continuity and safety.

Strike termination device with “concealed” conductors. Photo courtesy of Lightning Protection Systems, Inc.

During the assessment of this fire station in Ft. Myers, Florida, an LPS was deemed necessary because of its location in a high flash density area and is considered a “critical facility”. Copper conductors are roughed into the Training Tower deck area. Once this is completed, all they will see is the air terminals coming out from the top of the parapet walls. Photo courtesy of Lightning Protection Systems, Inc.

For a detailed project reviews, visit the (LPI) website under “Building Resiliency”, https://lightning.org/building-resiliency/.

Conclusion: Include Lightning Protection Systems as Part of Your Resiliency Plan

Building resiliency requires a comprehensive plan that includes protection against lightning. From conducting assessments to implementing and maintaining properly designed systems, architects, engineers, and consultants can play a pivotal role in safeguarding structures and operations. By addressing lightning risks proactively, we can ensure that buildings are not only strong but also prepared to withstand one of nature’s most powerful forces.

For more information on lightning protection systems, see the Lightning Protection Institute website at www.lightning.org. Local contractors and support can be found on the LPI Website, “Find a Contractor”, at https://lightning.org/about/find-a-contractor/.

Lightning Protection Institute: The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) establishes the highest standards and guidelines for lightning protection systems. Their work includes collaboration with architects, engineers, building enclosure consultants, government, facility management and more. The LPI is committed to providing resources for people, businesses and communities to be prepared and protected from the damage of a lightning strike.