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.

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.

What Items Should You Include When Building a Bunker?

Keeping your loved ones safe and secure during any natural disasters or man made dangers is significant. Hence, it is a sensible decision to build bunkers. But while considering home bunkers for an emergency, understanding the items you need inside is quite important. On this note, this post shall give you a direction. Let's not waste any more time and read on.

Water -

In addition to food, water is somewhat necessary for survival. A person can survive for three days without drinking water and three weeks without eating. So filling the bunkers with water is critical. It's unclear how long you'll be confined below within the bunker. As a result, it is always necessary to choose water bottles & jugs.

Ventilation -

Who could live without oxygen? Probably nobody! Therefore, establishing adequate air ventilation should be your second priority. You'd need a system that could survive longer than a month. Select a ventilation design that can sustain a bomb or a hurricane.

Food and Snacks -

Food The survival bunker is not the place for perishable supplies. Instead, fill the shelves with some canned items like fresh and dried fruits and veggies. Snacks such as canned tuna, crackers, and peanut butter should be included!

A First Aid Kit -

Accidents can still happen while you're in the bunker. As a result, it is advisable to be prepared for such eventualities. A first aid pack would have been a lifesaver in this situation. Pain relievers, antiseptics, bandages, and antibiotics should all be included. Keep an eye on the stockpile and replace anything that is about to expire!

Store Warm Clothes inside -

The basement is somewhat cold. So, it would help if you stocked up on some additional clothes to survive. Remember, there's no guarantee that you will come out of the bunker during the winter season. So it is always wise to pack in some clothes to keep up with the temperature and climatic changes. All you need is to consider some jackets, woolen shoes, and also thick socks. Besides, never underestimate storing documents, batteries, and other tools inside.

With these essentials, your experience inside the bunker will be safe and sound. So, build a bunker, and don't forget to include these essentials.

Foods Essentials to Survive Inside a Bunker

A lot of reasons are there why people build a bunker. Whether it’s the nuclear wars or the COVID-19 scenario, bunkers must be waterproof. Otherwise, residing inside the ground might become a lot of difficult than you ever think. So, in this post, you will learn about the most important food items required for surviving inside the bunker. Whether you have completed creating it or are aiming to build bunker, please make a note of the following food items.

What Food Items Should You Include in a Bunker -

Food and water play an integral part in your daily lives. Without food, it becomes difficult for people to survive. If you are planning to indulge in an experience of residing inside the bunker, it is the right time to consider including the following food items.

Uncooked Rice -

Did you know uncooked rice can last more than two to three decades? Yes, you read that right. The fact is that regular white rice or minute rice can last over five years. However, uncooked white rice can last from 25 to 30 years. But you must store them in any oxygen-free container to increase their longevity.

Dried Beans -

If the dried beans are packaged well, they can be stored for up to three decades. In fact, they have 80% acceptance by consumers. Lentils and dried beans last long. But that does not mean canned beans do not. If you plan to install a refrigerator inside the bunker, you can also include canned beans. Note that these beans will last you years only when stored in a dry and cool place (for example, a fridge).

Peanut Butter -

Thinking that peanut butter needs a refrigerator to last longer is a sheer misconception. You can also include peanut butter when you build a bunker to stay there for a while. It does not need a refrigerator to get stored. With ample oil and no moisture, it lasts for around half a decade (i.e., five years).

While these are a few food essentials you can include in your bunker, don’t forget energy bars, candies, dehydrated meat, and water.

How can You Select the Right Builder for Constructing a Bunker?

A bunker can be an extension of your house in the outdoor area. This outdoor area helps in relaxation and ensures your safety during natural calamities. For installing the bunker, it is important that you have to find the right bunker builder. This would ensure that the bunker is done in the right manner.

Before confirming with the bunker building system, make sure that it is the right one and provides quality service. a new bunker would help to enhance the value of your home. However, when getting bunker building service, ensure you get the best deal on the construction. 

Go through reviews -

The more information you gather before starting with the project, the better you can make the right choice in hiring the best bunker builder. When planning to build bunker it is better to go by the reviews.

Also, try to show the details of their previous work. From this, you can know whether the builder can deal with your project or not. Also, before the bunker construction begins, try to know about the quality of work the bunker builders offer. 

Try to proceed with a solid plan -

Never make the mistake of approaching the bunker builder without having a solid plan. By having a solid plan, you will be able to discuss in detail about your requirement with the bunker builder. In this way, you can dictate the bunker builder with the project, and the contractor can help you with the smooth completion of the project. Try to cover up the following points.

•       Develop a layout plan
•      Discuss the special feature that you wish to add to the project
•      Discuss the type of material of the bunker that you wish to get
•     Discuss in detail your budget depending on which the builder would start the project   

After interviewing several bunker builders, you have to compare them carefully. You should consider the experience of bunker USA that would ensure whether you will get quality services or not. Also, go through the reviews of the builders to ensure that they can handle your project or not.    

In addition to this, try to follow up with the information gathered as it would help you choose the right service.

How can Concrete Help You Build The Right Bunker?

With the emergence of newer forms of technologies, it has become imperative to make use of these techniques to the fullest. A lot of transformation has been noticed in the way people deck up their bunkers. In this context, it is important to note that concrete is another material with the help of which the bunker décor needs of a particular individual can be satiated. To build bunker, you should be innovative with concrete. 

  

    

These concrete comes in coloured variants -

The main thing of the new types of concrete that has been in the introduction is that they can be easily painted. People who have been in the industry for construction use the right mix of colours to render your bunker with a fantastic look. If you want to see your bunker's exterior walls in different colours, then this method is very applicable. The colouring agents comprise of the chemical compounds like chromium which helps the pigment and the concrete to get mixed easily. If you want to get different shades or colours, then this is the appropriate method.  

Get colors through the means of stamping -

In this process, the design is imprinted on the colourful concrete. In this method, the designing molds press into the wet mixture of the cement and it is left for drying. The design patterns are mainly made by the use of rubber, stone or wood. Lubricant mixtures have been used as releasing solution to the molds so that it does not get stick to it.

A technique that would never be out of trend -

In the present day, people decorate their bunker with the latest trends and design that renders their house with uniqueness. With the innovation of the concrete in the construction industry, you can build a bunker that is durable and strong.

Innovative technologies along with fundamentals of construction are bringing a lot of new changes in the way people are decorating their bunker. They are making sure that the bunker décor can appeal to the need of their guests. Moreover, this type of concrete also makes it sure that the bunker is active and can withstand natural calamities and hazards.

Some Designing Ideas to Build Your House Bunker

With the emergence of the pandemic, the underground bunker has become a prominent idea. Of course, there are so many choices for an ideal post-apocalyptic hideout. However, things become more confusing when you intend to design your own bunker in the backyard. But with the challenges and confusion come intriguing ideas. On that note, here are a few design ideas to think of when you build bunker like a pro.

One quick note: You might have no idea about them. But, after reading this post, you may implement any of these ideas to create your unique bunker & customize it accordingly.

#1 A quintessential family home-type

You might use the lush green grass in the backyard to design the bunker. In addition, you might also get some beautiful furnishing too.

#2 The one incorporated with hardwood flooring

These bunkers usually sit around 15 feet under the ground. The hardwood flowing is a great idea to think of when designing your bunker USA. You might also install a shower and toilet with plumbing. Ensure that you design a double bedroom and a kitchen alongside. With wooden units and tiled worktops, your kitchen and living area becomes three free of the underground for retro supplies and appliances.

One quick note: Ensure that it has a heater as well as a television. In addition, a few games must keep the family entertained before any disastrous event.

#3 The one with the hand-carved screen

How about designing your master bedroom behind the hand-carved screen? Yes, you can design it with ocean-front murals. Or how about keeping the long-term residents relaxed by implementing more intriguing elements? The only thing to consider is the assurance of it boasting a fan with a charcoal filter to eliminate any type of air contaminant.

#4 The storm-protective bunker: Is it even a realistic idea?

Oh well, it is. Just keep in mind that the family must stay protected during any disaster. So design your DIY bunker in your backyard. And it’s best to build out of any corrugated steel pipe. You would require a minimum of ten-free rounds and a 25-feet long pipe.

It would help if you designed your front door to blocks thick breeze. It should protect the family from storms. Ensure the bunker design has a solid front door.

Designing a Survival Bunker? Include These Items

Whether you are experiencing threats of tornadoes or any other danger, building a bunker becomes the safest solution. But before you build bunkers, ensure that you have these items with you.

• Water

Water is the most important survival item that’s more important than food. An individual can last three days sans water &3 weeks without food. Keeping your shelter with water remains apart when many folks turn up short. There’s no saying in what way long one may get stuck in the bunk. Thus, it becomes more important to get yourself a big cache of water. Choose jugs or bottles of water that get treated to last long. Also, remember to switch out every few months to ensure you have the freshest possible water when trouble arises.

• Food

So, the next most important item happens to be food. The perishable goods do not have any place in the survival bunker. Rather, storethe shelves with canned foods such as vegetables and fruits alongside long-lasting snacks such as MREs. Peanut butter, canned tuna, and crackers have long shelf lives.

•        Warm clothes

It’s never warm underground. You may require additional stocking clothes to get through the coolest nights until and unless you have the bunker built with crazy insulation. Pack some clothes that you can keep inside the bunker. Remember, fashion isn’t a consideration here. What you need are functional and comfy clothes. So, no fashionable items should be included inside the bunker.

•       Fundamental Documents

Always keep the copies of the most important documents in the safest place down inside the shelter. Photo identification, birth certificates, passports, as well as insurance forms are the must-include documents to make your life easier inside and in the aftermath. Just in case your house gas got blown away due to a tornado or any other disaster, you would need the proof. That’s where your documents will be hugely beneficial.

Don’t forget to take your batteries and tools inside the bunker. So, these are the essential items you need before you build a bunker and reside out there.

How To Select The Excavating Equipment For a Bunker Before Building?

Building a bunker might sound like an easy process, but as you follow the steps, you will understand how complex the affair is. So, now that you have got permission to build it, chosen the location, developed a blueprint, and selected the building material, it’s time to choose the excavating equipment. So, what is excavating equipment, and why would you ever need it before your build bunker? If you are a beginner in this practice, waste no time and read on.

What’s the excavating equipment?

Well, excavating equipment is nothing but tools required for digging the ground quickly. This 21^st-century busy man does not have all the time in the world. So, a shovel is not sufficient for the whole job. That’s where the excavating equipment comes in handy. And as you will aim for quickness and accuracy of the work while digging, you would always want to get a trencher & an excavator – right?

In a nutshell, there are a total of five significant uses of the trencher. That stated, they are mentioned here:

•        Creating drainage
•         Cutting the pavement
•         Shovelling, and
•         Digging for cutting the roots and utility lines

When you dig for the bunker, the trencher helps. What it does is outline the whole area where you wish to place the bunker.

By nature, excavators are versatile pieces of equipment. They are earthmoving machines used for anything from mining operations to digging trenches. Since there are various types available in the market today, you may use one to dig out the hole for the bunker.

You need to start by measuring & setting up the perimeter for the dig. Upon then, you have to use the trencher to outline. And as soon as you do that, use your excavator to start excavating the hole.

Since the excavator offers an accurate and efficient dig (thanks to the linear digging motion), it’s best to choose the mini excavator that fits the narrow space. When you build a bunker, this equipment is better suited for digging the holes in the most complex areas like the backyard.

How To Select The Right Materials To Build A Bunker?

With the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic making headlines and causing havoc in people's lives, the underground bunker appears to be a wise investment. Of course, there are several possibilities for a wonderful post-apocalyptic shelter. However, if you want to build your own backyard bunker, get the right information from this article. You can create an underground bunker with a variety of methods. Continue reading for more information on the concepts.

What materials should you choose?

It's true that protecting your family safe from the dangers of tornadoes and other natural disasters is a major step you can take. That is when a survival bunker gets considered. However, while considering the home bunker design for emergency needs, it's also critical to grasp the sorts of materials you'd need.

The last thing a homeowner would ever want to do is to build bunker with low-quality materials. Ensure that it gets built with sturdy materials that would never crumble underneath the dirt. But note that note every building material is equal, specifically when it's about dealing with building an underground space. On this note, highlighted below are the most common building materials you would require the most:

Bricks are relatively affordable and sturdy building materials. They are great insulators & weatherproof. They add style & color to any dreary scenario.

The next is the metal sheeting. It's another water-resistant and sturdy material, although it's costly.

Reinforced concrete withstands high loads. They are inexpensive and can get used for making affordable bunkers. Self-healing concrete is an advanced building material that can reduce your maintenance requirements. The best part is that it has an excellent lifespan.

One quick tip:

Never use wood because it's prone to weathering. It might also rot and become vulnerable to infestation. Alternatively, you can use it for decorating its interior.

Shipping container bunkers are indeed cost-effective and spacious. Nonetheless, you can't personalize the layout that much. Moreover, they also need to get reinforced as they are not built to get buried.

When you get the right materials for the bunker, your next step is to figure out the process of digging into the ground!

Secret Steps To Follow While Building The Underground Bunker

During the epoch of the Cold War, the underground bunkers have become extremely popular. However, even in today’s age, people require protecting themselves from unforeseen dangers. This is where the underground bunker comes into being. If you plan to design a backyard bunker to protect you and your family, it might be an excellent way to read the instructions mentioned in the post here. So, without much ado, let’s get started.

 

 

Steps to build your underground bunker -

When you build a bunker underground, it is imperative to ensure that you have a minimum of two feet of dirt atop. The layer will protect you from gamma radiation during any nuclear attack. Remember, the deeper your bunker, the better it is.

Always keep in mind that air can get stable underground. So, invest in sound air filtration and exchanger system. Ensure that its door opens towards its inside such that you can get out when someone falls & blocks it. Having another emergency exit is also advisable. Before you begin to build bunker underground, ensure that you follow the given instructions.

Ensure to get the shipping containers that are available in different sizes. There are large companies that sell the used containers at a discounted price. Note that reinforcement is a prerequisite due to the fact that containers get designed to take the load on all 4 corners. They would not withstand a tractor or car driving atop. So, combine different containers for the larger shelter to protect more people, thereby allowing for storage.

Points to follow -

• Dig the hole a minimum of 2 feet deeper than the shipping container’s height
• Pour the concrete stairs that lead down to your bunker
• It’s best to use the I-beams that support your entryway roof
• Position the corrugated steel around the container’s top as a base for your concrete roof
• Weld the rebar frame around the stairs
•  Add blocks to its rebar &fill it with the concrete
•  Install the air vents &PVC pipes
•  Pour around the 6-inch layer of concrete atop for strengthening the roof

After you follow the pointers, now is the right time to backfill with the topsoil to plan bushes and grass atop your bunker. Once you do that, add the food storage, a gun rack, and bunk beds if and when required.