The ICC 500 Storm Shelter Standard provides comprehensive guidelines for designing and constructing storm shelters capable of withstanding tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe windstorms. Developed by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA), ICC 500 establishes the minimum safety criteria necessary to protect lives during extreme weather events. This standard applies to residential structures as well as community shelters. Additionally, it is a requirement for certain new constructions under the International Building Code (IBC) 2015 or later.
Insulgard Security Products engineers and builds impact resistant products that comply fully with stringent ICC 500 requirements. As a result of rigorous testing and proven performance, Insulgard’s storm-proof doors and windows are trusted in schools, emergency operations centers, critical facilities, and more.
ICC 500 Scope
ICC 500 applies to tornado and hurricane shelters located in high-risk areas, including zones with wind speeds of up to 250 mph. It also provides construction standards for:
- 911 call centers
- K-12 schools with 50 or more occupants
- Police, fire, and rescue stations
These shelters can be standalone buildings or integrated within existing structures.
ICC 500 Storm Shelter Testing Criteria
- Missile Impact Testing: Shelters and shelter components must withstand multiple debris impacts from a 15-pound 2×4 traveling at 100 mph for tornado zones or a 9-pound 2×4 traveling at 50% of the design wind speed for hurricanes.
- Structural Design: Shelters and shelter components must resist 250 mph winds without structural failure.
How Insulgard Products Are Tested for ICC 500 Compliance
Insulgard performs extensive testing to certify compliance with ICC 500 storm shelter requirements. In particular, our methods include:
Structural Pressure Testing
UL tests our shelter components to withstand extreme static pressures up to 1.2 times the design wind load, thus simulating 250 mph winds with a safety factor.
Tornado Debris Impact Testing
Testing involves launching a 15-pound 2×4 projectile at 100 mph to simulate debris during tornadoes.
Hurricane Debris Impact Testing
In hurricane simulations, test equipment propels a 9-pound 2×4 at half the shelter’s design wind speed. This process tests the shelter’s resilience against smaller, high-velocity debris.
Cyclic Pressure Testing
This method mimics the fluctuating wind forces of hurricanes, exposing products to thousands of pressure cycles after sustaining impacts from debris.
Insulgard’s testing is conducted under UL certification processes, validating real-world reliability. Products are also tested in their smallest and largest configurations to ensure consistent performance across all sizes.
Insulgard’s ICC 500 Certified Products
The StormDefend product line includes doors and windows engineered for ICC 500 compliance.
- TTH600 Window System: Glazed with TOR-GARD® 30 IG glazing for tornado and hurricane shelters. This system also meets UL 752 Level 3 ballistic resistance.
- TTH350 Door System: Single and pairs of doors glazed with TOR-GARD® 30 glazing for tornado and hurricane shelters. Additionally, these door systems meet UL 752 Level 3 ballistic resistance.
In regions that have adopted IBC 2015 or later, all new-construction K-12 schools and critical facilities in 250 mph wind zones must include storm shelters that meet ICC 500 standards.
Contact Insulgard for ICC 500 Certified Security Products
With decades of experience in storm shelter solutions, Insulgard Security Products is a trusted partner for architects and contractors. Our products undergo thorough testing to meet ICC 500 storm shelter criteria, providing the reliability and safety your project requires. Request a quote, or contact us for more information.
