Garage Shelters: Secure Your Space from the Storm

Garage storm shelters offer a vital solution for protecting your family from dangerous tornadoes. Here’s why they’re a must-have:

• Safety: Stays within your home, avoiding exposure to the storm.
• Ease of Access: No need to run outside in severe weather conditions.
• Reliability: Built to withstand winds up to 250 mph, meeting FEMA and NSSA standards.

In tornado-prone areas like Alabama, garage storm shelters can be your family’s best defense against severe weather. They ensure you don’t have to venture outside during a storm to stay safe. This key feature adds peace of mind, especially since tornadoes often strike at night or with little warning.

I’m Merry, and my journey into the storm shelter industry began after a close call with a tornado, which led me to prioritize safety above all. At Lake Martin Storm Shelters, we combine my expertise in modular construction with a commitment to quality and family safety to provide superior garage storm shelters.

Garage storm shelter terms at a glance:
– garage tornado shelter
– underground storm shelters alabama

Types of Garage Storm Shelters

When it comes to garage storm shelters, there are three main types to consider: above-ground, underground, and safe rooms. Each offers unique benefits and features, making it essential to choose the right one for your family’s needs.

Above-Ground Shelters

Above-ground shelters are built to be easily accessible. These structures are typically set on a concrete slab in your garage. They offer the convenience of walking in from ground level, which is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges. These shelters are robust, with steel doors tested to withstand winds up to 250 mph, ensuring safety even during an EF5 tornado.

Above-ground shelters have gained popularity due to their ease of installation and the fact that they don’t require additional anchoring. They meet FEMA 320 specifications, ensuring they provide reliable protection.

Underground Shelters

Underground shelters offer discreet protection, as they are installed beneath your garage floor. These shelters provide a space-saving solution, as they don’t take up additional room in your garage. They are ideal for those who prefer a shelter that blends seamlessly into their existing space.

One of the key advantages of underground shelters is their ability to keep you protected without ever having to leave your home. This is crucial, especially considering that 70% of tornadoes occur at night. With an underground shelter, you can stay safe without venturing outside during a storm.

Safe Rooms

Safe rooms are versatile, offering both above-ground and underground options. They can be custom-built to accommodate various occupancy needs, making them a flexible choice for families of different sizes. Safe rooms are constructed with reinforced steel and concrete, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards.

These rooms can be outfitted with additional features like electrical outlets and lighting, enhancing comfort during prolonged shelter stays. Safe rooms are designed to provide a secure environment, offering peace of mind during severe weather events.

In summary, whether you opt for an above-ground shelter, an underground option, or a versatile safe room, each type of garage storm shelter is designed to provide maximum protection against tornadoes and severe storms. The choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the space available in your garage.

Benefits of Installing a Garage Storm Shelter

Installing a garage storm shelter offers several compelling benefits that improve both the safety and convenience of your home.

Safety

First and foremost, a garage storm shelter provides best safety during severe weather events. These shelters are built to withstand the most intense storms, including EF5 tornadoes, with winds reaching up to 250 mph. This level of protection is crucial, especially in tornado-prone areas like Texas and Oklahoma, where the threat of tornadoes is a constant concern.

Underground shelters offer the added benefit of keeping you protected without leaving your home. This is especially important since 70% of tornadoes occur at night, allowing you to stay safe and secure without venturing outside in the dark and dangerous conditions.

Convenience

Convenience is another significant advantage of having a storm shelter in your garage. Above-ground shelters are easily accessible, allowing you to walk in from ground level. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring everyone in your family can quickly and safely reach the shelter when needed.

Moreover, having a storm shelter in your garage means you don’t have to brave the elements to reach safety. This is a huge benefit during sudden storms when every second counts.

Space-Saving

A garage storm shelter is also a space-saving solution. Underground shelters are installed beneath the garage floor, meaning they don’t take up additional space. This allows you to maintain the full functionality of your garage while still having a robust storm protection solution.

For those with limited space, safe rooms offer a versatile option. They can be customized to fit the available space in your garage, ensuring you have the protection you need without sacrificing valuable storage or parking space.

In conclusion, whether you prioritize safety, convenience, or space-saving, a garage storm shelter provides a comprehensive solution for protecting your family from severe weather. By investing in a storm shelter, you ensure peace of mind and security, knowing you have a reliable refuge whenever a storm strikes.

Cost Considerations for Garage Storm Shelters

When planning for a garage storm shelter, understanding the costs involved is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

Installation Costs

The price of installing a garage storm shelter can vary widely. Factors include the type of shelter (above-ground or underground), size, and any additional features you might want. For example, underground shelters, which are often installed in your garage floor, can range from $4,335 to $11,195. This cost includes the shelter itself and the installation process, which involves specialized equipment and labor.

These shelters are built to withstand extreme conditions, offering protection against EF5 tornadoes. This level of safety and security is a sound investment for any homeowner in tornado-prone areas.

Maintenance

Maintenance for garage storm shelters is typically minimal, but it’s essential for ensuring long-term reliability. Regular checks should be performed to ensure that doors and locks function correctly and that the shelter remains watertight. Most shelters come with warranties, like a 25-year transferable warranty, which can offer peace of mind and potentially reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Tax Credits

In some areas, including Alabama, installing a storm shelter may qualify you for state tax credits. This can significantly offset the initial cost. It’s a good idea to check local regulations and speak with a tax professional to understand what credits or incentives might be available to you. These incentives can make investing in a garage storm shelter more financially feasible.

By considering these cost factors, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about investing in a garage storm shelter. This investment not only safeguards your family but can also provide financial benefits through tax incentives and potential increases in property value.

How to Choose the Right Garage Storm Shelter

Selecting the perfect garage storm shelter involves considering a few key factors: occupancy, materials, and customization. Let’s break these down to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Occupancy

The first step in choosing a storm shelter is determining how many people it needs to accommodate. For smaller families, a Standard Family shelter, which can hold up to 7 people, might be sufficient. Larger families or those who plan to shelter additional friends or neighbors should consider a Large Family shelter, which has a maximum capacity of 11 people.

Materials

When it comes to materials, both steel and concrete options are available, each with its own benefits. Steel shelters are often bolted and anchored to the garage floor, providing robust protection. Concrete shelters, on the other hand, are typically built to FEMA 320 specifications, ensuring they can withstand the most intense storms.

Concrete shelters are constructed with reinforced steel bars and fiber mesh, offering additional strength. Steel doors, tested to withstand 250 mph winds, add another layer of security.

Customization

Customization options allow you to tailor the shelter to your specific needs and space. You can choose the size of the shelter based on your garage’s dimensions and your family’s requirements. Some shelters offer features like electrical outlets, lighting, and even phone line connections. This can make the time spent in the shelter more comfortable and ensure you stay connected during severe weather.

Moreover, the height of the shelter can be adjusted, provided the garage door height permits it. This flexibility can be crucial for families with special requirements, such as accommodating mobility aids.

By considering these factors—occupancy, materials, and customization—you can select a garage storm shelter that not only meets your needs but also provides peace of mind during tornado season.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Storm Shelters

Can you put a storm shelter in a garage?

Absolutely! Installing a garage storm shelter is not only possible but also a smart choice for many homeowners. You have the option to choose between above-ground and underground shelters, depending on your specific needs and garage layout.

Underground shelters are discreet and save space by being installed beneath the garage floor. This option is particularly beneficial if you want to maintain the full use of your garage space. Above-ground shelters, on the other hand, can be installed directly on the garage floor and do not require digging into the ground. These structures are often made from reinforced steel or concrete, ensuring they are robust enough to withstand severe storms.

How much does it cost to build a storm shelter in a garage?

The cost of installing a garage storm shelter can vary widely based on factors like size, materials, and customization options. Generally, prices can range from as low as $2,000 for basic models to upwards of $7,000 or more for larger, fully customized shelters.

Installation costs should also be considered. Underground shelters may incur additional expenses due to the need for excavation. Above-ground options typically involve less complex installation processes, which can help reduce costs. That some states, like Alabama, offer tax credits or rebates for storm shelter installations, which can help offset some of the expenses.

Do above-ground storm shelters really work?

Yes, above-ground storm shelters are highly effective when built to the right standards. These shelters are constructed with reinforced steel or concrete and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes with winds up to 250 mph, equivalent to an EF5 tornado.

They are anchored securely to concrete slabs in your garage, ensuring they remain stable even during the most violent storms. Testing at facilities like the Texas Tech Wind Science and Debris Impact Testing Center confirms their reliability and safety. Therefore, when installed correctly, above-ground shelters offer a viable and safe option for protecting your family during severe weather events.

By understanding these key aspects of garage storm shelters, you can make informed decisions about safeguarding your home and loved ones during tornado season.

Conclusion

When it comes to protecting your family from the unpredictable fury of tornadoes, Lake Martin Storm Shelters stands out as a trusted choice. With over 14 years of experience, we are committed to providing top-quality storm shelters that ensure safety and peace of mind.

Our garage storm shelters are designed to meet the highest standards. We are proud to be one of only two companies in the USA listed and labeled with ICC-ES compliance, ensuring our shelters meet or exceed FEMA and ICC-500 requirements. This means our shelters are rigorously tested to withstand the most severe weather conditions, including EF-5 tornadoes.

For Alabama residents, there’s an added benefit. Our shelters are eligible for the Alabama state tax credit, making it more affordable to secure your home. This credit can help offset the costs of installation, making it a smart investment for your family’s safety.

Choosing a garage storm shelter from Lake Martin Storm Shelters means choosing reliability, quality, and peace of mind. With our expert installation and compliance with the highest industry standards, you can rest assured that your shelter will be ready when you need it most.

For more details on our custom storm shelters, visit our service page and take the first step towards securing your space from the storm.