Living in Moore, Oklahoma, brings a specific kind of weather awareness. Residents here know that when the sirens wail, time is the most valuable commodity. Moore has earned a global reputation for its history with significant tornadoes. Because of this, storm safety isn’t just a suggestion; it is a way of life.
Many older homes in Moore were built before modern storm shelter technology was easily accessible or affordable. If you live in one of these established neighborhoods, you might think you are stuck without a safe place to go. Fortunately, retrofitting older homes with garage storm shelters has become a primary specialty for Oklahoma Shelters.
Based in Oklahoma City and serving the entire state, we understand the unique geological and structural needs of Moore. We can install high-quality protection into your existing garage floor without compromising the integrity of your home.
Why Moore is a Focus for Storm Safety
Moore is located in the heart of “Tornado Alley.” Statistically, this area has seen more high-intensity tornadoes per square mile than almost anywhere else on Earth. Since the late 1990s, Moore has been hit by multiple EF4 and EF5 tornadoes. These storms are capable of destroying even well-built homes down to the foundation.
For Moore residents, “sheltering in place” in an interior closet or bathtub is often insufficient. High-velocity winds and flying debris require steel or concrete protection. Having a dedicated storm shelter significantly increases your chances of survival during a direct hit.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the frequency of significant weather events in Moore makes having a plan essential. A garage floor shelter is one of the most effective ways to execute that plan without leaving your house.
What is a Garage Storm Shelter Retrofit in Moore?
A retrofit is the process of adding a storm shelter to a home that was already built. Many people assume shelters must be installed during the initial construction phase. While that is a great time to do it, it is not your only option.
A garage floor storm shelter is an underground unit installed directly into your existing garage slab. We cut out a portion of the concrete, excavate the dirt, place the steel unit, and then pour new concrete to seal it in place.
Once finished, the lid of the shelter sits flush with your garage floor. This allows you to park your car directly over the shelter. When a storm approaches, you simply move the car back a few feet and step inside. It saves space and provides immediate access from the safety of your home.
The Benefits of Underground Garage Shelters
Every home is different, but garage shelters are particularly popular for older Moore residences. They solve several common problems:
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Space Saving: Since the unit is underground, it doesn’t take up any valuable square footage in your yard or garage.
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Indoor Access: You don’t have to run outside into wind, rain, and hail to reach safety.
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Discreet: The shelter is hidden when the garage door is closed.
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Vehicle Protection: You are already in the garage where your car is, making it easy to transition from daily life to emergency mode.
You can view the different types of storm shelters we offer to see which fits your specific garage layout.
The Engineering Behind the Retrofit
Retrofitting a shelter into an older garage requires precision engineering. Older concrete slabs may have different thicknesses or reinforcement levels than modern builds. At Oklahoma Shelters, we take several factors into account:
1. Soil Composition
Oklahoma soil is famous for its “red clay.” This clay expands and contracts with moisture. Our units are designed to withstand the pressure of the soil without shifting or leaking.
2. Concrete Integrity
We use specialized saws to make clean cuts in your garage floor. When we pour the new concrete to lock the shelter in place, we ensure a seamless bond with your existing slab. This prevents cracking or moisture seepage over time.
3. Corrosion Resistance
Underground units face moisture and oxidation. Our steel shelters are coated with high-quality coal tar epoxy. This creates a barrier that prevents rust and ensures the unit stays structurally sound for decades.
Overcoming Challenges in Older Homes
Older homes in Moore might have challenges like post-tension slabs or existing plumbing lines under the garage. This is why you need a professional team. We conduct a thorough site assessment before any digging begins.
If an underground unit isn’t possible due to utility lines, we offer high-grade Above Ground Safe Rooms. These can be bolted to the garage floor or an exterior pad. These safe rooms are tested to withstand EF5 wind speeds and debris impacts, providing the same level of safety as an underground unit.
Meeting FEMA and ICC Standards
Safety is not just about a steel box. It is about meeting rigorous testing standards. All our shelters are designed to meet or exceed FEMA 320 and ICC 500 standards.
These standards ensure the unit can survive a direct impact from a 15-pound 2×4 board traveling at 100 mph. This simulates the debris found in an EF5 tornado. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following these design guidelines is the only way to guarantee a “near-absolute” level of protection.
We are proud members of the American Tornado Shelter Association (ATSA). This membership ensures our products are third-party verified for safety and quality.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
Installing a garage retrofit is faster than most people realize. Typically, we can complete the entire process in a single day.
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Preparation: We mark the floor and protect the area from dust.
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Cutting: We use a diamond-blade saw to cut the concrete.
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Excavation: We remove the dirt to create a precise hole for the unit.
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Placement: We lower the steel shelter into the hole using heavy machinery.
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Anchoring: We secure the unit and pour high-strength concrete around the edges.
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Finishing: We smooth the concrete and clean the work area.
Your garage is usually ready to use within 24 hours of the installation. We aim for a “no-mess” experience, leaving your garage as clean as we found it.
Why Moore Residents Trust Oklahoma Shelters
We are a local company. We know the people of Moore because we live and work alongside them. We understand that a storm shelter is more than an appliance; it is an investment in your family’s peace of mind.
Our about info highlights our commitment to quality and community. We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics. Instead, we provide the facts and the engineering data you need to make an informed decision. We offer competitive pricing and flexible financing options to help every Moore family get the protection they deserve.
The Impact on Property Value
Adding a storm shelter is one of the few home improvements in Oklahoma that offers a significant return on investment. In Moore, a home with a storm shelter is much more attractive to buyers.
Many insurance companies also offer discounts for homes with certified storm shelters. This means the shelter partially pays for itself over time. It is a functional safety feature that adds long-term financial value to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retrofits
Will my garage floor crack? No. We use professional reinforcement techniques to ensure the new concrete integrates perfectly with your old slab.
Can water get inside? Our shelters are designed with a 1/4-inch steel top and a leak-proof lid system. The coal tar epoxy coating prevents moisture from penetrating the steel walls.
How many people can fit? We offer various sizes, typically accommodating between 6 and 12 people. We can help you choose a size that fits your family and your garage space.
What if a car is parked on top? The lids are designed to slide open even if a vehicle is parked over part of the unit. However, we always recommend moving the car back slightly if time permits.
Registering Your Shelter with the City of Moore
Once your shelter is installed, it is important to register it with the City of Moore. This allows first responders to know exactly where your shelter is located if your home is damaged.
If your home is covered by debris, emergency crews use these registration lists to prioritize check-ins. We provide all the necessary documentation to make this registration process simple and fast.
Take Control of Your Storm Safety
Storms are unpredictable, but your safety doesn’t have to be. If you live in an older Moore home, you don’t have to spend another storm season worrying. Retrofitting your garage with a storm shelter is a practical, effective solution.
Oklahoma Shelters is here to help you navigate the process. From the initial site visit to the final concrete finish, we handle every detail. We pride ourselves on the durability of our units and the expertise of our installers.
Schedule Your Moore Retrofit Today
Don’t wait until the next “Level 4” risk day to think about your safety. Moore’s history shows that being prepared is the best defense. Oklahoma Shelters has the experience and the equipment to secure your home.
Ready to protect your family? Visit our main website to learn more or to request a free estimate.
You can also explore our types of storm shelters to see our full lineup of underground and above-ground options. We service all of Oklahoma and are ready to bring EF5-rated protection to your Moore home.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and let Oklahoma Shelters give you the peace of mind you deserve.
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