Quote:
Originally Posted by ajbrown
I have read many threads about lightning protection with great interest.
One thing that stands out for me is range of cost. I have read ' someone whose posts I trust' had it done for $600. I have read that Triangle will do a home for under $1200 (I am having them out next week to look at job).
Yesterday I met with someone from a well respected company. In summary the estimate was $2050 for a Wisteria (1600 sq feet). They stressed: - using copper wire everywhere except where aluminum is required by code,
- using only UL approved parts that exceed code for everything
- included bonding CSST gas lines
- three down connectors to ground rods
- going through soffit instead of around gutter
I will update thread when I get a comparable quote from Triangle, but preparing for them to say $1200 based on others experiences.
I am curious if people with more experience in the field can explain why the cost can fluctuate so widely. This may help me be prepared with questions to ask both companies. |
I believe the difference in costs is the marketing philosophy of the two firms that you are considering. One comes to your home and does a presentation and estimates the cost of installing the system based on your roof configuration including any pool screen cage. The other advertises in the POA Bulletin for any home under 2,100 square feet for $1,295. In most cases they do not come to your home to do an estimate unless you exceed the square ft area to be protected. Their price includes aluminum wiring which is perfectly permissible by the national standard on lightning, NFPA-780. If you choose copper conductors the cost will be more by about $300+.
The important thing is you are considering firms that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories and their installers have passed the closed book exams offered by the Lightning Protection Institute. Door-to-door solicitors will have low-ball prices but will not meet the UL and LPI criteria. Buyer beware!