[TowerTalk] lighting and concrete

[FireBrick]

I have a interesting perspective.
In my dual roll as a Firefighter AND a licensed Mason Contractor, I had many many 
occasions to see the results of lightning strikes.

On masonry chimneys with poured in place or precast concrete caps, the results were very 
similar and recognizable.
Large cracks, chunks of masonry/concrete thrown many feet.

As a mason, I had numerous occasions where I went to repair a chimney and after inspecting 
asked the homeowner if he had been home when the strike hit.
A number did not know that the cause of the deterioration was lightning.

Having experience, I'd take the proper pictures and present an estimate for repair of the 
lightning damage.
Never once was my diagnosis challenged, and in fact, one insurance agent even passed on my 
resume to the home office who frequently hired me to inspect claims before and after 
repairs.


The effects of lightning strikes on masonry and concrete are very distinctive and 
recognizable.
And VERY scary....

I went up the aerial ladder once to remove the debris from a church cupola that got hit.
We THOUGHT the storm had passed.
I won't tell you what happened and what it did to my underwear...


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Confession is good for the soul, but bad for your career.
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Bill H. in Chicagoland