Have You Chosen the Right Materials for Designing a Bunker?

The COVID-19 outbreak has spread enough trauma in people’s lives, so much so that every homeowner in the US prefers investing in an underground bunker. Resembling the concept of the basement, an underground bunker serves the purpose of a secret savior during the necessary times. So, while consulting professionals sounds expensive, here’s your comprehensive guide to building one. Let’s elucidate on how to build a backyard bunker using the right materials in the following points.

Importance of Using Premium Quality Material: Which Ones to Choose?

The best way to protect your family from tornadoes and other dangers is by building a bunker. A survival bunker serves emergency purposes. But until and unless you have the right materials, do you think you can choose the right materials as per your requirements? The answer is a simple no. So, as a homeowner, you need to build a bunker with the right materials.

While designing the bunker, make sure you have selected the right materials. Ensure that it is built with durable products. Here are the key materials you would need to build bunkers in general.

Types of Materials You May Need -

Bricks are sturdy and affordable building materials. In fact, they are great insulators and are pretty weatherproof. Not to forget, they can add color and style too. Another thing that you need to consider is metal sheeting. It is yet another sturdy material. In addition to this, you also need to consider reinforced concrete that may withstand extreme loads.

Note that they are inexpensive & may get sued to make affordable bunkers. Also, self-healing concrete happens to be an advanced building material that reduces maintenance needs. The most important part is the lifespan, which is excellent.

You must not use wood since it is prone to weathering. It may rot & become quite vulnerable to infestation. Instead, you can make its use in your decorations.

Selecting the right materials for building a bunker USA makes the whole process seamless. So, you should always choose the right materials before you plan to make your investments.

What is The Significance of Loft Conversions in the Construction of Bunkers?

Loft conversion is one of the most efficient ways of making extra space. It usually depends on the roof structure and the planning constraints. Each house can enjoy the advantage of the extension with proper, necessary planning. 

The main features decide the suitability of a roof space that is required for a loft conversion. These functions include the pitch, head height and the types of structure. It also considers the chimney stacks or water tanks. An observation of the roof space will provide the physical dimensions and structure of the loft conversion you need to decide on. This will assist to build bunker properly.

The assessment of loft conversion :

The features that affect the necessity of the roof place are mentioned below.

1.  The head height of the loft -

You need to measure from the bottom of the ridge timber to the top of the ceiling. The operation area of the roof should be more than 2.1 cm. The accurate estimation of this is 2.4.

2. Pitch angle of the roof -

The height depends on the pitch angle.  The higher the pitch angle, the higher the interior height of the ceiling. If the roof is redesigned and dormers are used in it, the floor area can be enhanced.

Types of the roof structure -

Roof construction involves two primary structures- truss section type and traditional framed type. The conventionally mounted type is found in earlier during the 1960s homes, where the ceiling joists and the rafters stand together with holding timbers.

These are cut to size and assembled. This particular type of structure has varied structural input. This is the most accurate type of attic conversion. It is possible to open up space easily and relatively costly by strengthening the rafters and including supports as mentioned by a structural engineer.

This architectural input will include the insertion of steel beams between high walls for the new floor to hang on and the rafter section to be supported together along with the steel beam at the ridge.  This kind of structural input involves knowledge, skill, and equipment that would restrict the scope as far as DIY is concerned.  It is recommended to seek expert advice.

How to Select the Right Contractor for Bunker Construction?

If your bunker construction project involves concrete, you would surely want to be sure you find the right contractor for the job. It is always significant to hire some good contractors, but it is mainly vital when they will be doing work bunker construction that is not as common as other contracting duties.

You require to work along with the people who know how to do the job correctly, so you can be sure it will get done right the first time. Fortunately, you should not have much trouble finding an excellent contractor, as long as you know what questions to ask during the process.

Get several bids -

The colossal mistake that homeowners make while selecting any contractor for building a home bunker is only getting one or two bids as part of the process. You must treat this project like you would treat a commercial job and you require to secure multiple attempts to choose the most excellent option for your needs. You require to ponder over all factors containing experience, price, referrals and more before deciding the company that you will hire.

There should be guarantee -

When you get the bids, make sure to ask if the work will be guaranteed once this gets completed. A quality contractor will surely stand resolutely behind their work, so don't hesitate to ask this question. If some form of guarantee does not cover labor and material, you must quickly move on to the next bid. There are ample number of contractors out there who are willing to stand right behind the work, so there is no reason to work along with one who is not.

Concrete can be a messy little business. You have to make sure there is a specific plan in place to protect the rest of your property from the mess that can be created when concrete is put in. You do not want to be left with a massive mess, and that is why you should ask your contractor about the post-cleanup project related to Bunker USA.

This contract is meant to defend both parties, so make sure that the language is appropriate for your requirements before you sign on the dotted line.

Want to Set up a Survival Bunker? Here Are The Items You Need

Residing in a house bunker might be an intriguing affair. But let’s face the truth – a bunker isn’t just made for fun. In the bygone days, these bunkers used to offer shelter to people encountering dangers.

Even people considered getting inside the bunker during thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other dangers. So, now that you have planned to design your home bunker, this post shall narrate the important items you need inside.

Water -

First things first, water happens to be the most important essential thing for survival. An individual can only last three days without water. If you wish to stock your bunker with water, having a massive cache of water is really important. You need to opt for bottles and jugs of water that help you last longer inside the bunker. Always remember that switching it out each month will ensure fresh water inside the bunker.

Air Ventilation

Surviving for a longer time underground without oxygen is impossible. So, you need to install an air ventilation system inside your bunker. Also, you need a system that lasts for months. It should withstand a bomb or storm too. Before choosing the air ventilation system, evaluate the number of people who will be inside the bunker. You also need to assess how long will they be inside the bunker. After this, you can determine the amount of air you need.

First Aid -

Accidents are inevitable, whether you are inside the shelter. So, be prepared for small cuts. Remember, there won’t be a doctor inside the bunker who can treat the condition. That’s where first-aid serves the purpose. With a first-aid kit that includes antibiotics, pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptics, you can stay stress-free.

Some Warm Clothes, Batteries, Your Documents, and More! 

What if there’s a power cut inside the bunker? That’s when you need batteries. You don’t know how long you need to be inside the bunker, so please carry some warm clothes with you. Besides, don’t neglect to take your important documents inside. With these essentials, your stay in the home bunker becomes safer.

What are The Types of Bunkers?

A bunker is a military structure that is created underground to safeguard people or valuable objects from bombs or any form of attack. The First World War, Second World War, and Cold War saw considerable use of bunkers. They served as delivery points, armament storage, and command centers. Today, a home bunker is used for safety purposes to get protection from an outbreak of disease or natural calamity.

Types Of Bunkers -

They are different types of bunkers: munitions storage, personal, industrial etc.

Munitions Storage -

Munitions storage bunkers are created specifically to stock explosive ordnances safely. They are generally positioned on slopes to give greater containment mass. The Gravel Gertie, designed to contain any radioactive materials from an accidental explosion during constructing or dismantling nuclear bombs, is an example of munitions storage.

Personal  -

A personal home bunker is mostly built along with a house. A below-ground bathroom and large cabinets help strengthen the personal bunkers' location. It is intended specifically to shield occupants from bombs during natural calamities or war-like situations.

Industrial -

Industrial bunkers come in numerous types, notably mining sites, dumpsites, data storage, and residential homes. They were designed to protect the major industries from aerial bombing. Additionally, these bunkers also serve as explosives storage facilities.

The bunker is a place to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. If it is designed with the essential facilities for a lengthy stay, one can stay in good bodily and mental health, ready to embrace the new days. Contrary to what many people believe, amenities are not an indulgence. Amenities are particularly vital at a time when a life is at risk. One eventually comes to the conclusion that mere survival is insufficient.

It is necessary to preserve mental stability as well. A properly designed bunker equipped with everything. Maintaining mental stability is also essential. This might be provided by a bunker that is appropriately planned and furnished with everything required. One must determine the minimal amount of living space needed for individuals to feel comfortable in a location and the amenities they require during emergencies. Owning a bunker gives you ongoing peace of mind for the days ahead, even if a crisis never arises.

 

Why is Concrete Preferred More in Bunker Construction?

People are no longer  particular about getting excellent aesthetics only, and functionalities of the design elements have got more relevance now. It is more evident from the increasing popularity of concrete indoor elements that is producing a bold design statement. The concept of using concrete is not new and bunker builders have been the pioneer of using concrete for several applications.

From walls and floors, and from benchtops to lighting and accessories, everywhere the concrete is finding the application and is not limited to the domain of external applications only. There are several uses of concrete for interior applications by Bunker USA and some of them are as follows:

Concrete floors in bunkers -

Concrete slabs have long been used as flooring materials for basements, patios, garages, utility areas, etc., and in modern homes, it has become a viable material for making floors. Concrete floors can be extremely durable, tough, resilient, and can withstand heavy loads. It is a very good option for flooring in commercial areas, particularly for warehouses and garages.

Also, there will be much less chance of crack formation of the concrete floorings and the maintenance of the concrete floors can be very easy. It is versatile use for several applications and concrete floors can last indefinitely and have a lot of design flexibilities.

The charm of concrete that is beyond any doubt lies in its hardness and for this reason, it can be a perfect choice for use in utility areas. In the contemporary interior designing world, concrete is widely used for making bunkers, and other utility surfaces. It offers an aesthetic break from the use of wood and granite. It also provides a durable as well as economical solution for problem areas in the home.

The use of concrete in heavy lighting -

Concrete produces dullness and it is a typical feature of using concrete that can be highly suitable for lighting material. It can offer a very good contrast to the electric glow of a bulb and this minimalistic feature of concrete lamps can work very well in a variety of modern interior designing works.

Concrete is a cold and hard material and this factor can have an impact on the feeling when uses at home. The trick to getting the best effect from the use of concrete is that should be just enough to have an industrial aesthetic while not making the living space look and feel like a factory.

Tips to Consider When Designing a Home Bunker

With climatic changes, more people consider getting into a subterranean world that becomes their perfect escape. However, there are ready-made bunkers available in today’s world. But designing & building your own home bunker is affordable, and you can customize it accordingly.

So, if you are new in this field, you might wonder where to start. To help you mitigate the risks of designing a substandard bunker, here’s the post that outlines tips for dressing the right bunker:

·   Ensure the right septic tank design -

A concrete and complete septic tank will make a durable base for the basic underground shelter. It is not only affordable but also safe to install. You need to make your underground bunker, but first, you need to ensure that you use a concrete septic tank. You can order a pre-cast tank from a reputable manufacturer.

·   Root Cellar Plan -

Not only vegetables and fruits but also humans would also survive down inside the bunker for months. So, you need to ensure to take useful planning advice. Don’t forget to explore the advantages and disadvantages of different designs. You can use your imagination skills to convert the basic root cellar into an underground or backyard bunker. Keeping these things in mind will help you design a safe hub that’s disaster-free,

·   Concrete Shelter Underground -

With a concrete underground bunker, you will stay assured of excellent protection against fire, explosive shockwaves, and radiation. Ensure that the bunker is about 10 feet below if it is to offer complete protection against any nuclear attack. The most excellent way to approach the project is by keeping the plan as simple and straightforward as possible.

·   You Can Think of Installing a Wooden Shelter Underground -

Constructing and designing an underground shelter made of wood is a great decision. The concrete foundation offers structural integrity and strength. At the same time, the wooden stud walls can support the bunker’s sides too. As soon as it gets completed, it will offer maximum support.

Now that you have learned the important aspects, you can hopefully design your Bunker USA conveniently.