How Long Does It Take to Install a Storm Shelter

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

When planning for a storm shelter, many wonder, "How long will it take to install?" Timelines can vary depending on the shelter type, site preparation, and local requirements. At Red Dog Shelters, we specialize in providing mobile, installation-free shelters for a variety of worksites, ensuring rapid deployment and maximum safety. Here, we'll break down the typical timeframes and factors that affect storm shelter installation, so you can be prepared and secure without delay.

Types of Storm Shelters and Installation Timelines

The time it takes to install a storm shelter largely depends on the type of shelter chosen. Above-ground shelters are generally faster to install than below-ground models, which require excavation. In-garage shelters are often installed in just a few hours if a concrete foundation is already in place, whereas outdoor shelters, which may need site levelling and concrete pouring, take longer. Portable or mobile units, like those we offer at Red Dog Shelters, bypass installation altogether, allowing for immediate setup.

Key Factors Impacting Installation Time

Several elements can influence how long your storm shelter installation will take:

1. Shelter Size: A single-person unit can be installed faster than a larger model, which requires more substantial anchoring and setup time.
2. Foundation and Site Preparation: If your shelter requires a concrete foundation, this can extend the curing timeline by a few days. Pre-existing foundations significantly shorten the process.
3. Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can impact the installation, especially if there’s a need to dig or pour concrete. Proper weather planning helps avoid delays.
4. Permitting and Inspections: Depending on your location, you may need local permits or inspections, which could take a few days to a few weeks. Starting these early is essential to keeping your installation on schedule.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The typical storm shelter installation follows these stages:

1. Site Assessment: Professionals assess your property to identify the best installation site. This step ensures your shelter is securely positioned.
2. Foundation Preparation: In cases where a concrete foundation is needed, this stage includes levelling the ground and pouring concrete if necessary. Mobile shelters, however, skip this stage entirely.
3. Shelter Delivery and Setup: Once the foundation is prepared, the shelter is delivered and secured. Above-ground units can often be bolted to existing foundations within a few hours.
4. Inspection and Final Checks: Safety inspections may be required, either by the installation team or local authorities, to ensure the shelter is secure and ready for use.

Typical Installation Timelines by Shelter Type

• Single-Day Installations: Most above-ground, in-garage, and small shelters can be installed within a single day if no foundation work is required.
• Multi-Day Installations: Larger shelters or those requiring new concrete foundations can take several days due to curing times and setup needs.
• Mobile, Installation-Free Shelters: Portable shelters, like those offered by Red Dog Shelters, eliminate installation time entirely, offering immediate protection wherever they are placed.

Tips to Expedite the Installation Process

• Prepare the Site in Advance: Clear any obstacles in the planned area to reduce setup time.
• Coordinate Permits Early: Start the permit and inspection process as soon as possible to prevent delays.
• Plan Around Weather: Schedule installation when the forecast shows clear, dry weather to avoid weather-related disruptions.

Conclusion

Installing a storm shelter is a crucial step in safeguarding lives, and knowing the timeline helps you plan efficiently. While installation times vary based on shelter type, site conditions, and local regulations, preparing in advance can help speed up the process. For projects requiring rapid deployment, Red Dog Shelters' mobile, installation-free shelters offer a unique solution. Designed to protect crews on commercial, industrial, construction, and oil transfer sites, our shelters are ready for immediate use. Visit our pages for commercial storm shelters, industrial storm shelters, construction storm shelters, and oil transfer camp storm shelters to learn more about our robust safety solutions. Protect your crew with Red Dog Shelters - the world's strongest, installation-free shelter to guarantee safety for any work site.

All shelter designs are protected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office under US Patent No's:

#8,136,303, #8,375,642, #8,245,450, #8,534,001, #D685921 and other Patents Allowed and Pending.

Each Red Dog Shelter is individually stamped and certified by Red Dog Shelters via 3rd party analysis and as authorized by the appropriate Authorities Having Jurisdiction to meet or exceed every major US recognized safety standard for EF-5 tornadoes including the International Code Council (ICC500-2008 American National Standard). The ICC / NSSA STANDARD FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF STORM SHELTERS, the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) Standard, the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency 320 and 361 Guidelines, and the American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7-2005 "Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures." Red Dog also certifies all shelters are compliant with the FEMA's Publication "Taking Shelter from the Storm" FEMA P-320, Third Edition/August 2008.