Residential safe rooms are designed to protect people and properties from harm. Many different features and factors can determine the type of residential safe room best suited to a given home. However, here are some main characteristics of an ideal safe space.
Concrete
A concrete residential safe room can help protect your home if you live in a tornado-prone area. These rooms have been built to withstand winds of up to 250 mph. In addition, they offer protection from flying debris and a storm shelter.
Safe rooms are a good choice for new or existing homes. The walls, ceiling, and doors must withstand windborne debris. Whether adding a new room or renovating an existing one, you should follow FEMA guidelines for building.
Depending on your needs, a concrete safe room can be built in several ways. For example, conventional poured-in-place concrete, cast-in-place concrete, or ICF (insulated concrete form) construction can be used.
ICFs
When you consider adding a safe room to your home, you need to find a product that can meet all the FEMA requirements. This is where Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) come in.
These lightweight forms can be used for both new and existing construction. In addition, they offer many benefits over traditional materials.
ICFs are ideal for creating walls that can withstand strong winds. They can also protect the windows and doors in your home from debris impact.
You can build your safe room or purchase a prefabricated safe room kit. The process is easy and can be completed quickly.
If you choose to construct your safe room from scratch, you’ll need to ensure the foundation is strong enough to support the load. In addition, you’ll need to provide adequate ventilation and a door that can withstand wind pressure.
Sound insulation
Sound insulation in residential safe rooms is the process of limiting the transmission of sound between buildings. This can be done by using building materials that absorb vibrations. In addition, a properly designed and installed acoustic package can increase the comfort of your occupants and boost the value of your home.
The best time to insulate your walls is during construction. An excellent insulating solution may include a layer of drywall, foam, or stone wool.
Adding a layer of thin sound insulation board to the outer wall of a lower story is the simplest way to soundproof your home. However, full-height walls are the answer if you need a more comprehensive solution. They are more durable, provide a sound-dampening benefit, and are required to meet acoustic standards.
Cameras and monitors
Consider installing a few video monitors and cameras if you are looking for the best way to guard your belongings. For example, a camera on your front porch might be enough to ward off an intruder. However, you should still put up a camera in every nook and cranny of your home.
The first question to answer is: what type of camera and monitor will suit your needs? Aside from the obvious choices, such as the traditional surveillance type, you have several other options, including wireless cameras and IP video solutions. As for which one is right for you, that will depend on your needs and budget.
The ductwork that passes through protected walls
Ductwork is like a Jack-of-all-trades – it is used to supply clean air to living spaces and helps prevent condensation and air-borne germs from invading a space. As such, keeping the air as healthy as possible is essential.
For this reason, it is vital to conduct a ductwork crosscheck to identify all potential weaknesses while also avoiding common errors such as improper installation. Also, ensure your ductwork is well insulated to prevent heat loss and mold growth. Finally, if the duct is flexible, install protective supports. This is especially important in the context of a safe room.
Construction considerations
Adding a residential safe room is an intelligent way to ensure your family’s safety during inclement weather. However, there are some considerations you need to keep in mind.
Safe rooms can be installed in new or existing homes. The easiest way to add one to your house is to build it during construction. But, if you plan to retrofit an existing building, you should consult an engineer.
Choosing the right location for your residential safe room is critical. The best place is in the basement or below the concrete garage floor. You can install an in-ground safe space or choose a detached shelter.
A safe room’s walls, ceiling, and doors must withstand high wind pressure and flying projectiles. They also need to be adequately secured to the home’s foundation.