Concrete Vs. Steel: Which Storm Shelter Is Better?

Deciding the kind of safe room or storm shelter you want to build is one of the most important decisions you’ll take for your family’s safety. That’s why it’s best to be informed on what options you have given your unique requirements, i.e., number of family members, whether anyone has special needs, etc.

This blog will discuss the two most common materials used to build safe rooms across Oklahoma: concrete and steel storm shelters. After the comparison, you’ll know which shelter works best for you.

Deciding Your Specifications

To choose the right type of safe room, ask yourself the following three questions:

1. Do I need an above-ground shelter or an underground one?
2. Do I want my shelter to be installed indoors or outdoors?
3. Do I want to save costs by buying cheaper materials?

Depending on your answers, we can recommend the type of material that would work best for your storm shelter. Keep reading to learn which material would suit your needs better.

Concrete

Concrete is generally considered a heavy material and is readily used in construction because of this feature. As a result, it can withstand harsh winds without being too reliant on anchorages. Additionally, the density of concrete also makes it ideal for the outdoors as well as underground environments. And what’s more, is that it’s cheaper in comparison to other materials.

However, there are some serious downsides to using concrete in your storm shelters. For one, it’s a porous and brittle material which means water can seep through. This also makes it vulnerable to cracks, worsening the seepage issue. Due to this, using concrete to build your safe rooms oklahoma might not be the best idea if your area sees regular heavy flooding.

Steel

On the other hand, steel, while more expensive, is ultimately more durable due to its non-porous properties. Using steel to construct your storm shelter can thus be a desirable long-term investment, given its moisture resistance. Installing steel rooms is also relatively easier, takes up less space, and works for both outdoor and indoor spaces!

That’s why you can install a steel Storm Safe Shelters OKC underground or above ground.

Have you decided on which kind of safe room you’d like installed? Call Oklahoma Shelters for concrete or steel Storm Shelter Expert OKC services and get the process started with a  free shelter quote on your property! We’ll take a quick assessment of where you’d like to install the Storm Safe Shelters OKC, take down the measurements, and get to installing. We can also build a custom shelter for you upon request.

For more information about our services, visit our FAQ page.