Installing your storm shelter is a straightforward process designed to ensure maximum safety and durability. Understanding what to expect during the installation will help you feel confident in the security of your new shelter. The process involves careful preparation, precise placement, and thorough finishing to make sure your shelter is securely installed and ready to provide protection. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what will happen when your storm shelter is installed.
Step 1
The installation team will begin by laying out the designated area for your shelter. They will then dig a hole approximately 12 feet long by 10 feet wide. For the REFUGE 1 model, the hole will be 5 ½ feet deep, while for the REFUGE and MINI REFUGE models, the hole will be 7 feet deep. The door opening will be positioned to ensure it is at least 6 inches above ground level.
Step 2
Next, steel pipes will be inserted into the prefabricated sleeves located at the bottom of the shelter. The shelter will then be carefully placed into the hole and leveled. The team will mark out the placement of augers, which will be installed close to each side of the shelter, both front and back. These augers will be securely screwed into the ground, and banding straps will be placed over the shelter and fastened tightly to ensure the shelter remains level and secure.
Step 3
Once the shelter is secured, concrete will be poured over the top of the pipes, with 1 ½ yards of concrete on each side. This helps to ensure that the shelter stays in place. Alternatively, the team may use prefabricated cement blocks, weighing a combined total of 5,000 pounds, to counteract any buoyancy.
Step 4
Finally, the area around the shelter will be backfilled with dirt, which will be carefully packed to eliminate any air voids, especially under the steps. The shelter will then be covered with about 6 inches of dirt. Over the next few days, or after rain, the backfill may settle and might require additional filling. The team will ensure that water is directed away from the shelter and its door to maintain proper drainage.