Talk of The Villages Florida - Lightning strikes villa in Belvedere today

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo2012 (Post 1081520)

Had my house done for about $600 it was a no brainier.

U do have a better sense of security knowing the system is there.

.

Who did you use Jimbo?

Interesting UF Lightning Study

Found this article from a 2002 UF study interesting, as it more closely applies to ground/soil conditions found in TV than much of the other literature on the subject of PLS (Lightning Protection Systems, aka, Lightning Rods).

UF Lightning Study

Did I hear right that this house is one that has gas pipes running threw the attic?????

Homes that have a gas stove and pipes that run through their attic has a better chance of having more damage, if struck by lightning.

Surge protection is another form of protection to prevent expensive electronics/appliances from being damaged. I bought mine from SECO and and them installed it. The other is to pay $5 per month on your bill forever. I figure out after 6 years, I would break even and then be ahead, going forward.

I used Triangle Lightning, (352) 483-7020 and the cost was $1,025 for a patio villa. I think it is a reasonable price and they did a great job.

What price is worth peace of mind and knowing the job was done correctly?

Some people say they will do nothing for you and some say they are required.

If my home were to be hit by lightning and caused damage, I would still feel better knowing, I did all I could to prevent it from happening, but that's me!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1081289)

Destroyed 40% of home but homeowner o.k. From online news. This was in Cherry Hill Villas in Belvedere which is near Belvedere that runs off 466. Fairly close to the Charter School campus for those new to The Villages or not yet a Villager..

Sorry to hear that. Is this is today's Villages Daily Sun?

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyNJ (Post 1081566)

The University of Florida paper cited above made the rounds here in The Villages in 2007, and we discussed it with the author Dr. Radkov.

The bottom line is if you have a lightning protection system installed it is very important that you select the right contractor. Seek bids only from contractors that specialize in this work and are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and whose installers have passed the exams offered by the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI). Door-to-door solicitors will not meet this criteria. Buyer beware!

It is the UL and LPI listed installers job to drive a sufficient number of ground rods to the proper depth to meet the standard on lightning, National Fire Protection Association 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, no matter what type of soil that you have at your home.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chatbrat (Post 1081515)

If a neighbor has a lightning rod installed ,he is just about guaranteeing that his neighbors will have their houses damaged--via irrigation, plumbing & electric lines

This is one of the myths that we address in our presentations, Lightning Tips for Villagers. There is no scientific evidence to support it. See University of Florida's Dr. Martin Uman's book, The Art and Science of Lightning Protection, that can be found in The Villages Belvedere Library.