A list of some disasters you might want to prepare for (in the event that they happen) and ways you can try to avoid or mitigate them. These are not suggestions, but rather examples of things people did in order to survive a crisis situation.},{“title”:”Introduction”,”content”:”
The “underground bunker kits” are a great way to protect your family from the dangers of the future. They provide protection from nuclear fallout, chemical attacks, and even zombies.
Learning how to construct a backyard bunker may not seem to be a typical DIY project, but it has some practical applications. In the event of a tornado or other severe weather, you may utilize it as an emergency shelter. Some people use them as a storage facility for food and supplies. In any case, the procedure is the same.
The whole arrangement requires extensive planning and the deployment of heavy machinery such as a Bobcat to dig the land. It’s also not inexpensive, as you would expect. When done correctly, though, you’ll have the piece of mind of knowing you’ve built a shelter or basement that will endure a lifetime.
Contents
Step 1: Speak with your city about the permits you’ll need.
Before you construct the bunker, you’ll almost certainly require permission, particularly if it interferes with water flow. You may also require approval from the Department of Natural Resources in your county or state. It’s a good idea to get started on this process as soon as possible since it will have a direct influence on other elements of your project.
Step 2: Select a Location
The best situation is to have access to a hillside where you can dig the bunker. This can help you save money while also providing a drainage path down a slope. If that isn’t practicable, you’ll almost certainly need to build a french drain system to keep water out of the structure. It isn’t a costly addition, but it is something for which you should prepare ahead of time.
After you’ve chosen a location, dial 811 to have utility lines identified before you begin digging. The majority of them are close to the surface. Just in case, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan. It should be well-drained and at least 10 feet away from any existing buildings in the best case scenario.
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Step 3: Make a Strategy
If you’re planning to utilize your bunker as a root cellar, you don’t need a lot of room. A 5-by-8-foot space is more than enough to store a large number of objects. If you want to utilize it as a storm shelter, you’ll need more space.
Remember that you’ll need to strengthen the construction with cinder blocks or concrete walls, so make sure you leave enough room all around. The following factors must be considered in the design:
- Air movement helps to prevent mold and allows ethylene gas to escape, which helps to keep food fresh.
- Having enough electricity to run a fan
- Food safety requires a depth that keeps temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Enough drainage, whether in the floor’s structure or elsewhere.
A bunker’s basic construction comprises above-ground access and vent pipes to provide proper ventilation. It will also need a strengthened roof to keep the interior atmosphere stable and prevent the building from collapsing.
Step 4: Make a Hole
This process will be considerably simpler if you hire a backhoe from your local equipment rental company. Delivery will almost certainly be included in your price. However, you must provide diesel fuel and clean up after usage to avoid further expenses. To prevent any unpleasant surprises, we highly advise you to thoroughly peruse the contract. The goal is to build a room with straight walls.
Concrete footers will be required to support the walls at all four corners of your bunker. To avoid moving and maintain it stable, they must be below the frost line. Depending on where you reside, the depth will vary. It’ll be a breeze with an auger. Before moving on to the next process, allow enough time for the materials to set.
Step 6: Construct the Walls
The use of cinder blocks to shore up the bunker is ideal. They are low-cost. You’ll find it simple to move and put them. They provide a strong foundation. You may then fill them with concrete to make them even more insulating. The benefit of using this technique is that you can keep a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather above ground.
Step 7: Make Ventilation Provisions
Ample ventilation is essential. Fortunately, it’s a simple process. To keep the air circulating, add one entrance near the bottom and another near the top. You may also add a fan to ensure that there is ample ventilation. The key is to strike a balance between air flow and temperature. Bunkers covered in sod with a metal flue jutting out are one method you’ll often encounter.
To keep snow and rain out of the inside, we recommend tilting any exposed PVC or pipes. You should also cover the tops with screens to prevent rats from consuming your stored products.
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Add a Floor in Step 8
The way you approach this work is determined on where you reside and the terrain. Drainage is the key. If seepage isn’t a concern, a plain earth floor will suffice. Otherwise, you’ll have to divert water away from your bunker by moving it from the spot. A 1-foot gravel foundation may be added if the soil contains a lot of sand. Nothing will pool within the building because of the earth and this substance.
Balance is essential once again. Within the bunker, you must maintain a high humidity level of over 85 percent. However, the temperature must be kept low enough to prevent mold growth. Using a hygrometer to keep track of it is a good idea. It’s possible that you’ll need to spritz the floor with water from time to time.
Step 9: Put a Door in Place
A steel door will secure your bunker while also providing protection from pests such as rats and raccoons. To keep it secure from two-legged intruders, you may install a lock or a motion-sensor security light.
If it’s a storm shelter, though, you should make it simple to access since you may not have much time to locate refuge within.
Add a Roof in Step 10
A rebar-reinforced concrete roof will protect it from collapsing while also providing the appropriate insulating layer. To pour concrete, you may utilize a pre-formed piece. We recommend building it with slanted edges so that snow may slide off more readily and put less strain on it. It will also serve as the foundation for the following step in learning how to construct a backyard bunker.
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Sod the Roof (Step 11)
Let’s be honest. A backyard bunker, as important as it is, isn’t the most appealing addition to your garden. By making it appear more natural, sodding may take away the sting. Sodding is a better option than soil and seed since it provides an instant result. It also offers additional layer of insulation to keep the temperature stable, which is essential for a secure storage environment.
Stock Your Bunker (Step 12)
We recommend laying a foundation layer on the floor, such as pallets or extra cinder blocks, regardless of the drainage problem. If you’re keeping foods, this will improve circulation around them, which will help keep them fresh. It’s also a great way to protect yourself in the case of a flood.
It’s also in your best interest to make the most of your available space. It is critical to have immediate access. To get the most value out of preserving food, clear labeling with expiry dates is essential. What you put within it is also determined by its intended use. The contents of a storm shelter will differ from those of a root cellar. If you want it to perform double duty, keep that in mind.
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Last Thoughts
When you’re looking for information on how to construct a backyard bunker, the first thing you’ll probably come across is survivalist material. These buildings, on the other hand, may be used to store fresh food or canned items. If severe weather strikes, they can offer a secure haven for you and your family. While the project is time-consuming, it is also satisfying to present something useful for your loved ones, regardless of its use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a backyard bunker?
How much does it cost to build an underground bunker?
A: It will cost you a lot.
How do you make an underground bunker?
A: Make a hole underground and then plug it up afterwards.
Related Tags
- doomsday bunkers for sale
- bomb shelter
- bunker
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