What kind of steel do you use in your tornado storm shelters? How does that compare to plate steel, cold rolled, or other types of steel used in storm shelters? (2024)

FAQs

What kind of steel do you use in your tornado storm shelters? How does that compare to plate steel, cold rolled, or other types of steel used in storm shelters? ›

While nearly all others use cold rolled A36 plate steel at 3/16″ or even 1/4″ thickness, we chose a different strategy. Our steel is hot rolled 10 gauge 1011-CS Type B, which means it has been tempered to give it pliability and remove the inherent brittleness found with A36.

These shelters should be able to withstand high winds and flying debris, the two primary dangers posed by tornadoes. Tornado shelters should be constructed using reinforced steel or concrete and anchored securely to resist overturning or uplift. (Or alternatively, they should be underground.)

Not only is steel a cost-effective building material, but it can withstand large amounts of force while retaining its shape. Because of its tensile strength, frameworks and foundations that use steel can bend without breaking. Additionally, steel is inherently resistant to the high temperatures resulting from a fire.

Steel, one of the strongest building materials around, is the best material for storm shelters in today's unpredictable and extreme weather events. This is why Survive-a-Storm Shelters uses 10 gauge steel for all of its residential units and 1/4" steel plate for its community safe rooms.

Long Lasting. Another advantage of steel tornado shelters is that they have an extensive lifespan. While concrete becomes brittle and can crack, steel is a very strong material that remains durable even after extreme weather.

F5 Storm Shelters of Nixa, Missouri, is the world's foremost manufacturer and distributor of tornado shelter safe rooms.

The tornado shelter must be anchored to a concrete slab in order to resist the uplift, overturning, and sliding forces caused by extreme winds. The slab must be a minimum of 4” thick and contain steel reinforcement. If properly installed, a 5/8” anchor will provide the 4000 lb load resistance required.

So, the bottom line is you can escape a dangerous storm in your Survive-A-Storm steel storm shelter and not have to worry that you will be electrocuted in the process! If you would like to know more about how you can purchase one of our above-ground or even underground storm shelters, give us a call at 888-360-1492.

Underground storm shelters are generally more expensive than above-ground since they require excavation, concrete, and waterproofing to address excess moisture that can accumulate underground.

What kind of material is used in its manufacture? Shelters may be made of concrete, steel, fiberglass, or other materials. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, for both installation and long-term use.

How thick is 10 gauge steel? ›

No matter where you live and work, a metal building is a safe and cost-effective choice for your project. Especially in tornado-prone areas, you can count on a strong steel structure to stand up to heavy storms with more protection than other building materials.

If you purchase a prefabricated storm shelter and already have a space for your storm shelter, you can create a homemade DIY storm shelter. However, if your site needs to be excavated or you plan on using a custom design for your structure, it's best to call in the pros.

Best material.

When it comes to protecting buildings from the devastating wind forces generated by hurricanes and tornadoes, concrete masonry might not top your list of super-strong envelopes. But the research shows that if you prepare them properly they outperform wood, poured concrete and unreinforced block.

Steel's durability and strength make it a first consideration when building a new home in tornado-prone areas. This construction uses steel beams covered with panels made from cement board, fiberglass, or metal. The panels provide additional protection against wind and debris.

An above-ground tornado shelter is 100% capable of withstanding the force applied by even an EF5 tornado. If you live in a place where tornadoes are common, it's important that you have a place to go when a storm strikes.

If tornado force winds get under an object, then, of course, it might be lifted airborne. However, with a properly engineered and anchored shelter like those we create and install, the maximum wind force exerted on your safe room doesn't hold a candle to the resistance rating of our anchoring system.