SOPREMA Storm Shelters can Protect From Extreme Weather Events

By Cayden Wemple. 

Hurricane shelters that are protected by SOPREMA roof membranes are up-to-code and can protect from even the harshest of storms.  

In the past three and a half decades, hurricanes have increased both in terms of quantity and intensity. That makes community hurricane shelters more of a necessity than ever before. These shelters must be constructed properly and meet rigorous building codes.  

According to SOPREMA, “Florida building code and other jurisdictional codes include design and construction standards. For these storm shelters ICC 500 is the standard. For the design and construction of storm shelters, buildings designated as community hurricane shelters should include roofing systems designed and constructed to meet the requirements of ICC 500. ICC 500 requires storm shelters to withstand higher wind speeds and greater design pressures for roofing community hurricane shelters also require testing to meet debris hazards as outlined in ICC 500.” 

When meeting these codes, extensive tests and precautions need to be conducted to prove that the structure is capable of withstanding harsh conditions. One of the tests that the SOPREMA roof membrane endured was a large missile air cannon test. According to SOPREMA, “During the large missile impact testing, there was no penetration of the modified bitumen roof membrane.”  

Community hurricane shelters are essential for the safety and protection of individuals during natural disasters. As hurricanes increase in frequency and intensity, the importance of these shelters becomes more pronounced. Constructing these shelters according to rigorous building codes and standards is crucial, as well as strategic placement and provision of necessary amenities. The testing and precautions required to ensure the structure's ability to withstand harsh conditions are necessary for guaranteeing the safety of occupants. Therefore, the construction and proper maintenance of community hurricane shelters should remain a top priority for local authorities and communities.