The Differences Between a Concrete and a Steel Storm Shelter

Anyone who lives in an area prone to hurricanes or tornados must consider how to protect their family in the event of a natural disaster. Tornado shelters provide a secure haven for you and your family, providing protection from severe winds, debris and tornadoes. However, deciding on the right choice for your home can be difficult.

Concrete and steel are the two most common materials used to construct shelters. Understanding the differences between a concrete shelter and a steel shelter will help you select the best option for your needs.

Things to consider when deciding between a concrete or steel storm shelter

Your shelter's building material has a bigger influence on the decision than you might imagine. Before you buy a storm shelter, consider the following questions to ensure you're obtaining the highest level of safety for your family.

Concrete or Steel?

Concrete is the less expensive option for a storm shelter, but its fragile nature makes it susceptible to cracking and crumbling over time. It also won't guard against airborne debris if it is improperly reinforced.

Concrete has an increased risk of dampness and structurally weak areas. Moisture trapped in cracks will deteriorate the structure's quality over time.

If you can afford the higher price, investing in a steel storm shelter is a great alternative to concrete. Water is kept out by the metal walls and fasteners, so moisture won’t compromise the structural integrity over long periods of time.

Underground Or Above-ground?

The materials you choose for your shelter may be influenced by the shelter’s location. When imagining a tornado shelter, most people still picture an underground concrete bunker.

However, these days, fewer homes have basements that double as shelters. The dangers of underground concrete bunkers are now widely recognized. In the tornado that struck Oklahoma in May 2013 for example, seven students perished when their school shelter collapsed.

Above-ground storm shelters make rescue and escape easier as well as reduce the risk of floods or collapse. Steel shelters are easier to locate in the event of an emergency, and can survive severe strikes from falling debris with less chance of damage.

Inside Or Outside?

Traditionally, a concrete storm shelter is built outside. Concrete is impractical for indoor construction because of the depth and weight necessary for storm protection.

Steel storm shelters are simple to construct both indoors and outside. All they require is a concrete slab strong enough to act as a foundation. This means you may set up a shelter in your garage or anywhere else on ground level—indoors or out—creating easy emergency access for everyone in your family.

Get Your Family A Steel Storm Shelter

It's clear that metal tornado shelters will always win the debate between concrete and steel storm shelters.

They are particularly versatile due to their modular design, which can include several emergency exits. Because they can be placed practically anywhere, they are significantly less complicated to build than a confining concrete shelter. Finally, their structural integrity is superior to a concrete shelter when it comes to flying debris and high winds.

EF5 Tornado Shelters to the rescue!

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