Design Requirements

The standard StormBlocker^® design requirements are listed below. Some customization beyond our standard sizes and shapes is available with amendments to the framing and anchoring requirements. Please contact out office for technical support and design approval.

• Shelters must be built on a slab foundation or in a basement
• StormBlocker^® walls must be freestanding and cannot be the exterior walls of the home. (They can be build next to the exterior wall, but must remain separate.)
• StormBlocker^® panels encase the exterior of the safe room walls (all four walls and the ceiling).
• Wall panels may not be penetrated for any reason.
• Ceiling panels may be penetrated for electrical and HVAC routing. Maximum penetration size is limited to 3½” without a protective steel shroud and 6" with a shroud.
• Shelters must be rectangular in shape and can be built to a maximum of 10’ x 12’ x 10’.
• The maximum length to least-width ratio of the shelter is 2:1.
• The maximum height to least-width ratio of the shelter is 2:1.
• The shelter door cannot be located any closer than 12" from the corner on an 8' wall or 14" on a wall exceeding 8'.
• Shelter walls can not be cut to accommodate plumbing, but plumbing can be chased into the shelter using an additional wall.
• The StormBlocker^® safe room’s frame consists of 2×4 studs in the walls and 2×6 studs in the ceiling.
• StormBlocker^® panels can be cut with a carbide tipped circular saw and nailed onto the frame with a pneumatic nail gun using ring shank nails.
• StormBlocker^® door assembly comes pre-hung on the frame. The shelter door rough opening is 32½” x 81½”.
• In an ideal construction schedule, the StormBlocker^® safe room will be the first structure built on the slab.
• The home cannot be within a SLOSH zone subject to storm surges of approaching hurricanes or Flood zone as identified by local zoning and code enforcement officials.
• Plan adequate space for those occupying the shelter: 5 sq ft per person for tornadoes and fast moving windstorms; 7-10 sq ft per person for hurricane protection. Consider extra space for pets, valuables, appliances, and guests or new members of growing families.
• Choose an area within your home that is easily accessible.