Building a new home or commercial property in Colorado involves hundreds of decisions—from the foundation and roofing system to electrical, plumbing and mechanical components. One item that is easy to overlook during the planning stage is lightning protection.
New construction is actually one of the best times to incorporate a professionally designed lightning protection system. When lightning protection is considered early, the installation can be coordinated with the roof, electrical system, grounding, structural components and other parts of the building rather than being added after construction is complete. Deseret Lightning Protection
At Deseret Lightning Protection, we work with homeowners, builders, general contractors, architects, developers and other construction professionals to provide new-construction lightning protection throughout Colorado.
Why Consider Lightning Protection During Construction?
A lightning protection system can certainly be installed on many existing buildings, but new construction provides an opportunity to plan the system as part of the building itself.
This can make it easier to coordinate the installation with other trades and, depending on the structure, may allow portions of the lightning protection system to be incorporated more discreetly into the finished property.
Instead of waiting until the home or building is finished, lightning protection can be considered alongside:
- Roofing
- Electrical work
- Grounding
- Structural components
- Mechanical systems
- Gutters and exterior finishes
- Rooftop equipment
- Solar installations
- Other construction details
Early coordination can help prevent conflicts between the lightning protection system and work being performed by other contractors.
A Complete System Is More Than Lightning Rods
One of the most common misconceptions about lightning protection is that a contractor simply installs a few lightning rods on the roof.
A complete lightning protection system is an interconnected system designed to provide a preferred path for lightning current from the point of interception toward the earth. Depending on the structure, the system may incorporate air terminals, main conductors, grounding electrodes, bonding and surge protection. Deseret Lightning Protection
Each component has a specific purpose, and the system should be designed around the individual building.
Lightning Protection for New Colorado Homes
Colorado’s new homes range from suburban developments along the Front Range to custom homes, mountain residences, rural properties and large estates.
Lightning protection can be planned for many types of new residential construction, including:
- Single-family homes
- Custom homes
- Luxury residences
- Mountain homes
- Rural properties
- Ranch homes
- Large estates
- Detached garages and workshops
- Home additions
Planning the lightning protection system while the house is being built also gives the installer an opportunity to coordinate with the home’s roofer, electrician and builder.
Deseret Lightning Protection already provides residential lightning protection for both new construction and existing homes throughout Colorado. Deseret Lightning Protection
New Custom Homes Are an Excellent Opportunity
Custom homes often contain more complex rooflines, multiple levels, chimneys, dormers, metal features, outdoor living areas and sophisticated electrical systems.
They may also contain significant investments in electronics, HVAC equipment, security systems, home automation and other technology.
For these properties, considering lightning protection during the design and construction stage makes sense because the system can be planned around the home’s architecture rather than treated as an afterthought.
Lightning Protection for New Commercial Construction
Lightning protection isn’t limited to homes.
Deseret Lightning Protection also works with new commercial construction projects throughout Colorado. Commercial buildings may present different considerations because of their size, roofing systems, mechanical equipment and electrical infrastructure.
New-construction lightning protection can be considered for:
- Office buildings
- Warehouses
- Retail properties
- Industrial buildings
- Churches
- Storage facilities
- Institutional buildings
- Commercial developments
- Multi-building properties
- Agricultural facilities
Planning early allows the lightning protection contractor to coordinate with the general contractor, architect, engineer, electrical contractor and roofer as the project progresses.
What About New Barns and Equestrian Buildings?
Colorado also has extensive ranching, farming and equestrian communities.
If you’re constructing a new barn, horse stable, riding facility, equipment building or other agricultural structure, the construction stage is an excellent time to consider lightning protection.
Large agricultural buildings often have long rooflines and open exposure, and their lightning protection needs can differ significantly from those of a conventional residence.
Deseret Lightning Protection can coordinate with barn builders, property owners, electricians and roofing contractors while a new agricultural structure is being built.
When Should Lightning Protection Be Discussed With the Builder?
Ideally, before construction is substantially complete.
You don’t necessarily have to wait until the roof is installed to contact a lightning protection contractor.
Early discussions allow the contractor to understand the building design and determine how the lightning protection system can best be incorporated into the project.
This can be especially helpful when the project involves:
- Complex rooflines
- Custom architecture
- Metal roofing
- Multiple buildings
- Rooftop mechanical equipment
- Solar panels
- Large commercial roofs
- Detached structures
- Barns or agricultural buildings
The earlier the various trades communicate, the easier it can be to coordinate the finished installation.
Can Lightning Protection Be Less Visible on New Construction?
This is another advantage of planning early.
Depending on the building and construction method, portions of the system may be integrated more discreetly when lightning protection is coordinated during construction. Deseret specifically notes this advantage for both residential and commercial new construction. Deseret Lightning Protection
The objective shouldn’t be to hide components at the expense of proper system design, but early planning can give the contractor more options than would be available after the building is completely finished.
What If Construction Has Already Started?
That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve waited too long.
If your Colorado home, commercial building or agricultural structure is already under construction, contact a lightning protection contractor as soon as possible.
The project can be evaluated based on its current stage, and the lightning protection installer can determine how best to coordinate with the remaining roofing, electrical and construction work.
Even completed buildings can often have lightning protection retrofitted, so a project doesn’t become ineligible simply because construction is underway or finished. Deseret Lightning Protection
Coordinate Lightning Protection With Roofing
The roofing system and lightning protection installation are closely related because air terminals and portions of the conductor system are typically associated with the roof.
That’s why coordination between the roofer and lightning protection contractor is particularly important.
If roofing work occurs after a lightning protection system has been installed, contractors should be careful not to remove, disconnect or alter system components without appropriate coordination.
The same principle applies years later when the building eventually needs a roof replacement.
Don’t Forget Grounding and Bonding
The visible lightning rods are only one portion of the system.
A properly designed lightning protection system provides a continuous path from the air terminals through the conductors and toward the grounding system. Bonding appropriate conductive components is also part of the overall system. Deseret Lightning Protection
This is another reason why new construction provides such a good opportunity: grounding and bonding considerations can be coordinated while other building systems are being installed.
Building a New Property in Colorado?
If you’re planning a new home, commercial facility, barn, ranch building or other structure in Colorado, consider lightning protection before the project is finished.
Deseret Lightning Protection provides new-construction lightning protection throughout Colorado and can work directly with homeowners, builders, general contractors and other construction professionals.
We provide lightning protection services in the Denver area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, Castle Rock, Parker, Greeley, Pueblo and communities throughout Colorado. Deseret Lightning Protection
Whether your project is still in the planning stage or construction is already underway, contact Deseret Lightning Protection to discuss incorporating a complete lightning protection system into your new property.
Call (435) 219-4421 to discuss lightning protection for your Colorado new-construction project.
