Metal Roof

With regard to building something with a metal roof on top to protect from firestorms during the pole shift, it has been suggested that a trench should be built, and I assume this means something akin to a foxhole. What's a foxhole like? Could you build a metal roof on a traditional foxhole, or if you can't, how could you adapt it? Also, what's bothering me a bit is, what would you do about the over-heating which must occur inside this foxhole or trench, or whatever is under the metal roof? Is there insulation that would stop this? I mean, I'm assuming it would overheat if the metal roof got hot, right? Would this idea work, a foxhole with a metal roof, I mean?

Offered by Helena.

All very good questions. First of all, a Foxhole is basically a round pit in dirt, usually 3 or 4 feet deep, depending on the terrain you are digging in. The looser the soil, the deeper you can dig before you get exhausted! A soldier will dig a foxhole with his folding shovel that he carries in his pack. I don't feel that a foxhole is practical to use during the pole shift. For one thing, it's round and deep, and there is no drainage! An elongated trench, on a slight downward slope would be better. This trench would be say, 4 or 5 feet deep, and rectangular, maybe 10 to 15 feet long, by 6 to 8 feet wide for one or two people. Longer and wider for more folks. I don't think anyone has addressed how to "attach" the sheet metal to the trench! Just laying it on top won't work, because of the high winds. Also, if you bury it in the dirt around the edges fo the trench, you will have the same problem: High winds blow the dirt away, and carry your sheet metal too. I would bury all the edges in the dirt, then put something heavy over that, soil filled tires, flat stone, chunks of discarded cement - anything flat and heavy that the wind would have trouble grabbing the edge of.

As far as heat build up, that’s a problem. For one thing, no one knows where the concentrations of hot rock "fallout" will be. Some things to consider to maximize protection: Distance from the heated surface. Probably means digging your trench deeper to get further away from the radiant heat of the metal. Insulation: I'm not sure which type is best for extreme heat, probably the foam insulation is the best, but then it is usually sprayed between two surfaces. And foam insulation is not practical! I wonder if a "space blanket" could be used to help keep the heat down? Here's my idea: Dig a trench on a slight slope, size dependent on how many people you are accomodating. Sheet metal on top, edges buried, and weighted with items that will not catch in the wind easily. If possable, brace your roof on the inside with wood or metal "poles" too prevent sag. Now, on top of the sheet metal roof outside, lay something for insulation, then cover with dirt. If someone is building this before the pole shift, there are many possibilities, and even cement can be used to help reinforce your trench walls. If this is built just before the pole shift, and someone is building it on the spur of the moment, obvously their options become more limited.

Offered by Brent.