[ponygirl]

Has anyone installed lightning rods on a barn? How difficult was it and where did you get your materials to do so?

[MunchkinsMom]

Sorry, I paid to have the job done, it didn't take the one guy very long (maybe two hours, and part of that was battling the hornet's nest on the cuppola). They did the house at the same time.

[Bluey]

There are many metal barns around here, many Quonset type buildings and some enterprising lightning rod salesman, about 50 years ago, sold everyone rods to protect their barns.
Many of those old barns are proudly displaying the rods and cables and ground rods, most of the aluminum too.
That is like selling freezers to eskimos.

Moral of this story, be sure your barn needs lightning rods.

[ponygirl]

There are many metal barns around here, many Quonset type buildings and some enterprising lightning rod salesman, about 50 years ago, sold everyone rods to protect their barns.
Many of those old barns are proudly displaying the rods and cables and ground rods, most of the aluminum too.
That is like selling freezers to eskimos.

Moral of this story, be sure your barn needs lightning rods.

Mine is wood. Definitely need them just curious as to who has installed their own.
Munchkins Mom- do you remember who did yours?

[Rabtfarm]

Our barn and house have "Hawkeye" lightning rods from the late 20's. There is no indication they have diverted any lightning strike as yet.
I would ask your insurance company if they are going to discount your insurance if you have lightning rods or if your homeowner's policy does cover lightning strikes. If not then you are looking at an eye candy investment. Given your neck of the woods, you'll possibly get some kind of answer that says " Yes, except when there's a hurricane or thunderstorm!"

[KPF]

We had them put on our house and barn last spring. Had a professional do it, I think it cost 2-3K (we actually got a deal because we were friends of a friend.) My barn is 36' by 36' and our house is fairly large. I felt like it was well worth it to have the peace of mind, we're out in a huge field (like 200 acres) and get some killer thunderstorms in the summer.

You should be able to search under "lightning protection" for your area and find someone.

[JanM]

I would definitely get a pro to do the installation. Some places (very sandy soil) require different grounding configurations to properly protect your property. The most important thing is to turn off anything you can that will attract lightning during storms-such as furnace/ac units, and other big appliances to avoid extra risk.