OVERVIEW
Build your storm shelter to ICC 500 certification standards with STORMDEFEND impact-resistant doors. Our world-class innovation and technical prowess surpass our competitors, making us the authority on impact resistant products.
Insulgard’s STORMDEFEND TTH350 door system has been tested and certified by the Underwriters Laboratory to meet ICC 500-20 and FEMA361-21 requirements for use in hurricane and tornado safe rooms in the 250mph wind zone. This door system is built to withstand an EF5 tornado.
The TTH350 impact and wind-resistant doors also meet UL752 level 3 for bullet resistance.
The year it was introduced, Building Design and Construction magazine rated Insulgard’s TTH350 door system among the top 75 new products. Our STORMDEFEND products are designed for use in K-12 schools, critical emergency operations centers, fire/rescue/police stations, medical facilities, and civic buildings in locations that have adopted the International Building Code® from 2015 or later.
It is important to note that only the hardware that has been tested can be supplied on these tornado-resistant doors. Please be sure to review the tested hardware list to be sure it meets the project-specific requirements. Also, these doors can only be glazed with TORGARD 30 Glazing.
For more information about STORMDEFEND TTH350 hurricane impact doors, please contact us today.
PRODUCTS
TTH350 DOORS
This door system is designed and tested for use in tornado and hurricane-safe rooms/storm shelters meeting FEMA P361-21 and ICC500-20 standards. It is critical this system be used in conjunction with equivalent performance substrate/wall areas.
Purpose of Impact-Resistant Doors
Impact-resistant doors are a top choice to ensure the safety and security of all individuals sheltering within. These doors are engineered to withstand the harshest of conditions, from fierce storms to attempted break-ins, offering a robust barrier that shields against both natural and human-made threats.
In regions prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, or high winds, impact and wind-resistant doors serve as a vital line of defense to protect from flying debris and the destructive forces of nature.
By withstanding extreme weather events, they help minimize damage and reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements.
Testing and Certification Standards
STORMDEFEND TTH350 doors are tested and certified by an objective third party (the Underwriters Laboratory) to the highest standards, including:
- FEMA 361: The Federal Emergency Management Agency ensures community shelters and safe rooms are fortified to withstand tornados and extreme winds.
- ICC 500 Storm Shelter Standard: The International Code Council establishes construction requirements for the wind and impact resistance of storm shelters, including tornado-safe rooms.
Looking for impact speed and pound second specifications? Learn more.
Benefits of Impact Resistant Tornado Safe Room Doors
Offering unparalleled protection against tornadoes and severe weather, doors designed for storm-safe rooms not only safeguard lives but also enhance the value and appeal of your projects.
Enhanced Protection
In the harrowing grip of a tornado’s fury, a flimsy plywood door crumbles under the onslaught. Glass shatters swiftly, transforming into perilous projectiles that threaten the safety of those seeking shelter within. Each gust of wind strains the door’s frame, leaving it close to collapse. Upon impact, hurled debris hammers, cracks, and smashes through the door with each impact.
In stark contrast, a shelter fortified with sturdy tornado-safe room doors remains steadfast. Even if the glass yields under pressure, a resilient adhesive (much like a car’s windshield) holds the pieces in place, shielding inhabitants from harm. Tree limbs, furniture, and other debris may pound the door, but the fortified design of tornado and hurricane-safe room doors provide a robust and unwavering defense.
Increased Structural Integrity
With reinforced frames firmly anchoring the door to the primary structure, these doors serve as bulwarks, preserving the integrity of walls and roofs even as the storm rages.
Explore all Insulgard security products.
Common Challenges
Installing a tornado door requires careful planning, precise measurements, and adherence to safety standards, which can make the process somewhat complex. Some of the most common challenges that arise include:
- Precise fit: Tornado-safe rooms may require special door-fit customizations to accommodate unique architectural features or meet safety requirements.
- Logistical constraints: Handling large and heavy components requires sufficient crew members using specialized techniques and equipment.
Installing a tornado door is typically considered a task best suited for trained professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between impact-resistant doors and regular doors?
Unlike regular doors, impact-resistant doors are designed to withstand wind pressures and debris during severe storms like hurricanes or tornados, providing absolute protection during the storm event.
Are impact-resistant doors more expensive than regular doors?
Yes, impact-resistant doors are more expensive due to their enhanced durability and protective features. Exact pricing is based on the size, hardware, and finish you choose.
How effective are impact-resistant doors in protecting against tornados?
Tornado doors undergo rigorous testing with higher impact speeds and larger missile specimens compared to hurricane doors, ensuring superior resilience against severe storms and debris.
For example, the maximum horizontal debris impact test for tornado doors consists of a 15# 2×4 at 100 mph while for hurricane doors the miz is 9# 2×4 at 128 mph.
Learn more.
Can impact-resistant doors be customized to fit different spaces?
Yes, impact-resistant doors are available in various sizes as long as they remain within testing restrictions. ICC500 requires that minimum and maximum sizes for single and pairs of doors be tested therefore as long as the size of the doors are within our testing limitations they are acceptable. For more information about tested sizes of our doors please contact Insulgard or visit our website.
Where are impact-resistant doors installed?
STORMDEFEND impact-resistant door systems can be installed in K-12 schools, colleges, police/fire stations, medical facilities, emergency operation centers, and more.
Note: Section 423 of the IBC-2021 specifies that any new K-12 school, emergency operation center, police station, or fire rescue station built in certain zones must have tornado-safe rooms meeting ICC 500-2020 standards.
