The Pros and Cons of Above-Ground Storm Shelters

Finding the perfect solution for protecting your family from hazardous weather is no easy task—there are many options out there for you to consider, the most popular often being a below-ground shelter. Some might think a below-ground shelter is safer, but above-ground storm shelters have the capabilities to offer as much (or even more) protection from dangerous storms, including their ability to double as above-ground safe rooms. However, you should absolutely know the pros and cons of above-ground storm shelters before making your purchase.

Pros

There are many misconceptions about above-ground storm shelters, with almost all of them leading people to believe that below-ground options are better. However, the pros of purchasing an above-ground shelter are endless. Primarily, they provide you and your family with the most easily accessible safe space in the event of disastrous weather. In mere seconds, you secure the entire household into the shelter, possibly without ever exiting your home.

Planning to move? Secondly, above-ground safe rooms are portable—when you move, you can bring the structure along with you, making any future home prepared for storms. Lastly, purchasing an above-ground shelter offers you more options, as modifying an underground structure is much trickier and far more expensive.

Above-ground storm shelters also offer you tremendous flexibility and versatility. Our models are easy to access and don’t feature stairs. Additionally, we offer wheelchair-accessible options, which are more practical than installing one for your below-ground safe space. Lastly, our reinforced and durable design prevents flooding.

Cons

Luckily, there aren’t many cons to above-ground storm shelters. Most “issues” related to these shelters are fixable. For instance, you might require more space to protect a larger family. A below-ground shelter might seem like the option that offers the most space, but you can order a larger above-ground shelter to satisfy your requirements.

Another potential con related to above-ground storm shelters is their need for existing structural surroundings. We highly recommend you place your safe room inside a building or room, such as a garage, which hinges on the available space on your property. Fortunately, we at Swisher are happy to work with you and your needs to ensure you never face a “con” when purchasing a storm shelter.

Is an Above-Ground Storm Shelter Right for You?

After considering both the pros and cons, you might wonder if an above-ground storm shelter is right for you. If you don’t mind setting aside space within your home or on your property for one of these structures, there’s almost no reason not to purchase one. They provide the most accessible protection from storms for the whole family and can be part of your home no matter where you live. Thanks to expert manufacturing and design, our above-ground tornado storm shelters provide the exact same protection as underground variations.

The pros and cons of above-ground storm shelters obviously lean heavier on the “pros” side, making it a worthy investment for you and your family. The benefits of installing an above-ground storm shelter include giving you easier access and easier installation than a below-ground shelter. If you’re in the market for a safe room or wish to learn more about these structures, please check out our collection at Swisher today.