FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: ARE YOUR DOORS RATED FOR EF-5 TORNADOS?
A: Yes, our door and frame is designed and tested to withstand the wind speeds, pressures, and impact associated with EF-5 tornados.
Q: ARE YOUR DOORS BULLET RESISTANT?
A: We offer an option for a ballistic rated (bullet resistant) door, in UL level 3. We call this the Magnum Series.
Q: CAN I INSTALL IT MYSELF?
A: If you are physically capable and handy with basic tools, you and a helper can follow the step-by-step instructions for a successful installation. The door and frame come as a single unit with all hardware already installed. We're always available to offer help over the phone.
Q: HOW MUCH DO YOUR DOORS COST, AND HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING COST?
A: Click on the "Build a Quote" button to view pricing of each door and desired options.
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Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM THE TIME I ORDER UNTIL I RECEIVE THE DOOR?
A: Our doors are custom-built to order. The lead time changes throughout the year. Please call for current lead times.
Q: WHAT SIZE ROUGH OPENING DO I NEED?
A: Click the button "Rough Opening Instructions" to see the requirements and size of the openings for the 36" and 32" doors.
Q: CAN IT BE USED IN AN EXISTING SHELTER?
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A. If the opening in your existing shelter is correct or can be modified to be made correct, then our door can be used in your existing shelter. If you would like consultation, please call Marty.
Q: SHOULD I CHOOSE AN IN-SWING OR AN OUT-SWING DOOR?
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A. We recommend an inswing door to reduce risk of entrapment in the event of debris blocking your exit. There are a few circumstances where an outswing door is required, such as when it is a commercial building that requires an outswing door to comply with fire code, or if the shelter is too small to allow an inswing door to function.
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Q: WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?
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A. It is important to keep the door in the dry from the day you receive it and throughout its life. Beyond that, there is very little maintenance required. If an electronic lock is chosen, the battery will occasionally need changing.
Q: HOW TO I CHOOSE LEFT-HAND OR RIGHT-HAND SWING?
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A. Imagine that you are standing with one foot inside the shelter and one foot outside the shelter with your back to the hinges. The direction that the door will swing (to your left or to your right) is the swing. For example, when your are standing as described and the door needs to swing inside the shelter to your left, it is an inswing left-hand. If while standing as described, the door needs to swing outside the shelter to your right, it is an outswing right-hand. If you have any questions or doubts about choosing the correct handing, please call us to discuss it - we want to get it correct as much as you do!