
From Steel to Concrete: Which Safe Room Is Right for Your OKC Home?
Category : Blog
When living in Oklahoma City, right in the middle of Tornado Valley, having a storm shelter is a must. Storm shelters can come in all shapes and sizes, so making the choice that is right for your home is often a lengthy process. One of the most basic choices to make is deciding whether you want a concrete safe room or a steel one. We’ve put together all the information you’ll need to add this must-have safety feature to your home.
Both steel storm shelters and concrete safe rooms in Oklahoma City are built and certified to withstand high-risk tornadoes. Usually the structure is a mix, but each of these basic building materials (steel or concrete) has unique features.
Concrete Safe Rooms
Concrete safe rooms have been used for centuries to combat natural disasters like tornadoes. Their foundation slab is strongly integrated to the ground with rebar (reinforced steel bars) and anchor bolts. The concrete is pre-stressed and always reinforced. It can either be constructed on-site or pre-stressed, pre-paneled slabs are transported to your location.
Concrete safe rooms can be cheaper than their steel counterparts, or even pricier depending on the type you choose and its location. Concrete itself is cheaper and readily available, but labor intensive. The material may require extra money to reinforce and build its foundation. If you decide on a larger backyard shelter, then it could cost more, depending on size, it might be higher in cost. However, it is much easier to customize.
Concrete is also brittle so it can suffer from cracks along the structure, which makes it easier for moisture to seep in (if not properly maintained).
Steel Safe Rooms
Steel safe rooms are extremely rigid and provide max protection. They are easier and quicker to install and more resistant to moisture. With a concrete foundation, they have internal bracing and steel panel walls welded or bolted together. The structure is reinforced at any joints or corners. They are tested to resist winds of up to 250 miles per hour.
In terms of labor intensity, steel safe rooms in Oklahoma are cheaper. But the material itself costs higher than concrete. They are a more viable option for indoor installations. It’s resistance to moisture can make it last for a longer period of time and is easier to maintain.
Choose What is Best for You
Concrete or steel, both are a viable option that provide necessary protection in emergencies. Concrete is solid and highly durable, trusted through the years. Steel has been rigorously tested and certified by FEMA and ICC 500 standards to withstand F5 tornadoes.
It all comes down to what you need. If you have the space and want personalization, concrete would be the way to go. If easier installation and maintenance is preferred, than steel matches the requirements.
Whether you want a steel safe room or concrete, our protection experts at Oklahoma Shelters are ready to aid you in keeping your family safe. We guarantee personalized, maximum durability safe rooms that check all the boxes for safety standard protocol. Don’t let the weather catch you off-guard, contact us now.