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Galvanic corrosion nickel plated lightning rod on zinc coated roof

Q. I am installing a zinc coated copper roof, if they install a nickel plated lightning protection through it will there be an electrolysis between the 2 metals?

Robert Dillon
roofing - Vero Beach, Florida
June 22, 2017

A. Hi Robert. Nickel plating is highly galvanically incompatible with zinc, and it's presence will accelerate galvanic corrosion of the zinc. However, it will probably not be a problem anyway because there is a lot more zinc than nickel, and rain water is not very conductive. A Bob Villa video claims the materials are compatible: although they're actually not, the experience of the installers is additional evidence that it probably won't actually be a problem. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 2017

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