The summer thunderstorms rolling through Alberta raise concerns around lightning strikes and metal roofing. A recent bulletin posted in Design and Build with Metal addressed misconceptions about the association between metal roofs and lightning. It was interesting to note that metal roofs do not attract lightning, nor do metal roofs protect buildings against it. As a non-combustible roof, a metal roof is a more desirable construction option that roofs that do not conduct electricity. Additional information on the article is located here.
MakLoc values safety in all aspects of metal buildings, both manufacturing and erection, and the presence of severe weather is certainly no exception. We recently adopted the 30/30 rule for lightning safety where if it takes less than 30 seconds to hear thunder after seeing the flash, lightning is near enough to pose a threat. This formalizes a previously unwritten policy and will help ensure the safety of our people.
