Tornado Safe Room CAD Designs for the DIY People

Tornado Safe Room Designs copied from green blog at-http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com

With the Rash of Tornadoes caused by the Extreme Weather Conditions we have had recently in the USA.  I put together a few Tornado/Hurricane SafeRoom Designs and Build Options.

Complete plans, Design-Build Assistance for adding a Safe Room to your Building contact Scotts Contracting at the Contact Form, Web Page– click here to email and set up a time to discuss your project.

CAD Safe Room Design for an existing Basement-8in CMU, Steel Door, 6in Reinforced Concrete Ceiling

When Building a CMU structure it is highly advisable to add Steel Reinforcement– In the case of building for Tornado or Hurricane Save Rooms substitute No.4 Vertical Rebar for No.5 size rebar.

How a CMU Block Wall is Reinforced.  Simple CAD Drawing showing the suggested Metal Reinforcement.

Building the Concrete Ceiling-Structural Reinforcement Suggestions.

Build Notes-

• Hurricane and Tornado-Safe Room Build Suggestions
  • #5 Rebar at 12in MATT-Dowel Into Existing Concrete Wall,
  • Attach MATT to Existing #5 Verticals in CMU Wall-,
  • {For Added Reinforcement for this area ADD 2ft “L” Bar and Wire Tie to MATT and Verts,
  • 4in Min Concrete Ceiling Suggested 6in Thick Ceiling,
  • All CMU Voids filled with Mortar
  • {Be Sure to ADD the “L” Bar before the Voids are filled with Mortar.

Concrete Ceiling-Structural Reinforcement Suggestions. Build Notes-Hurricane and Tornado-Safe Room Build Suggestions

 

 

 

 

Taking Shelter From the Storm | FEMA.gov

Taking Shelter From the Storm

Main Content-The safe room construction plans and specifications from FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter From the Storm, are available in DWG format. 

To view and download those files  and other CAD Storm Shelter Drawings  click here.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY:  THE DESIGNS IN THIS BOOKLET ARE BASED ON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF WINDSTORM DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS. SAFE ROOMS DESIGNED AND BUILT TO THESE DESIGNS SHOULD PROVIDE A HIGH DEGREE OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION DURING EXTREME WINDSTORMS (TORNADOES AND HURRICANES). ANY SUBSTITUTION OF EITHER MATERIALS OR DESIGN CONCEPTS MAY DECREASE THE LEVEL OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION AND/OR INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY DURING AN EXTREME WIND EVENT.

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE

Because it is not possible to predict or test all conditions that may occur during extreme windstorms, or control the quality of construction, among other things, the designer does not warrant the design.

The designer neither manufactures nor sells safe rooms built from this design. The designers have not made and do not make any representation, warranty, or covenant, express or implied, with respect to the design, condition, quality, durability, operation, fitness for use, or suitability of the safe room in any respect whatsoever. Designers shall not be obligated or liable for actual, incidental, consequential, or other damages of or to users of safe rooms or any other person or entity arising out of or in connection with the use, condition, and/or performance of safe rooms from this design or from the maintenance thereof.

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DIY Flat Screen TV Mount

Rather than spend $200 for 2 TV Mounting Brackets.  I fashioned these  Flat Screen TV Mounts for the New Bar Design.

Every Design Build Project has a Must Have.  The Must Have for this part of the New Bar Design were:

1. Adjustable Mounting to accommodate future TVs

2. Forward Tilt of TV Screen to accommodate people viewing the tv from a seated position 10-12 ft away sitting at a lower position.  We didn’t want people to get a kink in their necks while watching the TVs!

3. Sturdy Construction that will not fail.  If the TVs fall it could also danger the Bartenders and Customers who are sitting at the Bar.

    Failure is not an option when dealing with an expensive flat panel TV.

4. 

   Re-positionable Forward Tilting Flat Panel TV Mount Designed and Built by Scotty, Scotts Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy, Shady Jacks New Bar Design

   

   Additional Close Up View of Adjust Flat Screen TV Stand for Shady Jacks Saloon New Bar Design

   Since the final position of the TV was to be determined after placement on the Shelves.

5. I knew there was going to be Downward and Outward tension on the Bracket that was included with the TV.

6. 

   Front View CAD Design of Flat TV Mount for Shady Jacks Saloon New Bar Design- Designed and Built by: Scotts Contracting St Louis MO

     To Relieve this Downward/Outward Pressure I designed the strap that is in this CAD Design.

7. Total cost for the Design and Installation of this Flat TV Screen Stand for both the TV in the Center of the New Bar Design was less than the costs for New Flat Panel TV Hangers $200.00

8. 

   Note the Bracing Added to Relieve the Pressure that will be created when the TV are placed on the Shelf. CAD Rear View Design for Adjustable Forward Mount LED Flat Screen TV Display for Shady Jacks Saloon New Bar Design- Designed and Built by Scotts Contracting St Louis MO

   These Forward Mount Flat Panel TV Stands were also designed to be adapted for Future TV upgrades.

9. The materials used for this project were leftover materials used in the New Bar Design at Shady Jacks Saloon in Downtown St Louis MO

CADD Kitchen Design 2 Island Cook Top and Exhaust Hood

Scotts Contracting Latest Kitchen Design CAD Drawings

by clicking on the Photo you will be redirect to
Google Picasa Web Albums for Scotts Contracting

CAD Kitchen Drawings by Scotty,Scotts Contracting

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP. Company Web Address: http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis

Kitchen Project Photos

Scotty Comments: 

I am very pleased with the Design-Build Concept utilized in the Kitchen Make-Over.  After the Prior Contractor Dropped the Ball on the project.  Scotts Contracting was hired to finish the project.  We added: Accent Lighting, Insulation, Air Sealing, New Plumbing Vent Stack and Drain Line, Coffered Ceiling, Energy Efficient Lighting Choices, among numerous other Design and Installation’ Options  

I’m working on the photos on this page to
See additional Project Photos for the Kitchen Remodel Project Located in the St Louis South Hampton Region.

2 Types of Energy Efficient Accent Lights was chosen for this project Pictured are the Coffered Ceiling Accent Lights controlled by the  below Leutron Dimmable Light Switch.

Accent Lights controlled by Leutron Dimmable Light Switch

Installing the Accent Lighting

Measure 2x—Cut 1x

Scotty- Installing the Energy Efficient Lighting

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis

Kitchen Remodel Project Photos

Scotts Contracting Design-Build 

Kitchen Remodel Project Photos

Picking out the Counter Top and Back Splash

Beautiful Granite Stone in photo is from Graniterra, Holly was nice enough to let us browse the Great Selection of Beautiful Stone in the Warehouse on Kingshighway Blvd, St Louis, MO 

CAD Design #2- for Determining the Coffered  Ceiling Layout for the Accent Lighting

First Design

CAD Design- for Determining the Coffered  Ceiling Layout for the Accent Lighting

Example of Accent Graffiti

Before Installing the Cabinets I checked the Drain Pipe and found that it was clogged.  We then replaced the entire Drain pipe and Vent Stack for the plumbing in the Kitchen.

https://picasaweb.google.com/112720002992298421869/DowGreatStuffAirSealing?authuser=0&feat=directlink

New Vent Stack for Kitchen Remodel

Plumbing Line that was inoperable

Installing the Accent Lighting  in the Coffered Ceiling

Building the Coffered Ceiling

Testing the Accent Lighting

Painting New Drywall Primer Coat

Leutron Dimmable Accent Lighting Switch

IKEA Under Cabinet Accent Lighting

We found these Great Under Cabinet Lights at Restore St Louis (AKA Habitat For Humanity)- Purchase Price was $4.00.  Great Buy on Accent Lights!

View the Job Site Photo Album on Google Plus


Additional Photos will be posting soon.  Scotty

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP. Company Web Address: http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis

Related articles

• Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Room Addition Estimated Project Costs (scottscontracting.wordpress.com)
• CAD Drawings Benton Project (scottscontracting.wordpress.com)

 

Cofferred Ceiling-Can Lights- CAD Drawings

Simple CAD Designs by Scotty, Scotts Contracting for Kitchen Remodel Project

4 in Recessed Can Lighting Layout and Coffered Ceiling Design

CADD Design by Scotty, Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy

Additional Project Photos can be viewed on Scotts Contracting Job Site Web Album

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP. Company Web Address: http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis

CSP Design with Heat Recovery Unit-Designed by Scotts Contracting

UPDATE:  Concentrated Solar Power Design with Added Heat Recovery Unit-

• CSP-CAD Diagram designed by Scotty, Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy Nov 1, 2011

Updated Concentrated Solar Power Photovoltaic Design with Added Automatic Heat Recovery Unit for Dual Energy Savings

This is an update on the CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) design with Heat Recovery Unit for added energy savings.

Design Features:

• Parabolic Trough Focuses the Suns Rays onto the Receiver

• Photovoltaic Receiver creates Electricity and 

• Energy via the Automatic Heat Recovery Unit

Notes: 

• Many of the CSP designs on the Market today “create steam to generate electricity”.  This design will create electricity efficiently via Photo-voltaic Cells in the receiver; thus eliminating the need for Steam Engines.  It also generates heat to be used in the Heat Recovery Unit (twice as much usable energy for today’s home and business).

• Heat Recovery Unit incorporates a automatic air handler set by thermostat for transferring climatically controlled air movement.

• This design works exceptionally well during the winter time when the suns radiation is at it lowest radiation level-the loss of energy is minimized by the Heat Recovery Unit.   

• Concentrated Solar Power will soon be available for non-desert regions and easily adaptable for any region. 

• System allows for the’Receiver’ to easily upgrade to new and developing Photovoltaic Cells for increased electrical output

Seeking Assistance to further Develop this CSP Design2.  Please use the Contact Form Below for additional info and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will reply ASAP.

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis

CAD Drawing-Insulation -St Louis Brick Home-Examples

How insulation Saves Money- How Insulation Works-Typical-St Louis Brick Home used in Examples

How Insulation Works

Top View: Brick Home with Zero Insulation

Brick Home Wall Detail with Zero Insulation

Brick Home with Insulation in Wall Cavity

Why Insulate Your House?

Heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation:

• saves money and our nation’s limited energy resources
• makes your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house, and
• makes walls, ceilings, and floors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use.

Once the energy savings have paid for the installation cost, energy conserved is money saved -saving energy will be even more important as utility rates go up.

This fact sheet will help you to understand how insulation works, what different types of insulation are available, and how much insulation makes sense for your climate. There are many other things you can do to conserve energy in your home as well. The Department of Energy offers many web sites(http://ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_07.html) to help you save energy by sealing air leaks, selecting more energy-efficient appliances, etc.

How Insulation Works

How Insulation Works

Heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. In winter, the heat moves directly from all heated living spaces to the outdoors and to adjacent unheated attics, garages, and basements – wherever there is a difference in temperature.  During the summer, heat moves from outdoors to the house interior.  To maintain comfort, the heat lost in winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in summer must be removed by your air conditioner. Insulating ceilings, walls, and floors decreases the heating or cooling needed by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.

Batts, blankets, loose fill, and low-density foams all work by limiting air movement. (These products may be more familiarly called fiberglass, cellulose, polyicynene, and expanded polystyrene.)  The still air is an effective insulator because it eliminates convection and has low conduction.  Some foams, such as polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, and extruded polystyrene, are filled with special gases that provide additional resistance to heat flow. Reflective insulation or Radiant Barriers works by reducing the amount of energy that travels in the form of radiation. Some forms of reflective insulation also divide a space up into small regions to reduce air movement, or convection, but not to the same extent as batts, blankets, loose-fill, and foam.

Reference> http://ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html

Click here to: Schedule a Green Site Evaluation to Weatherize your Building against the High Heating Costs Energy Efficiency / Weatherization Series Upcoming Post: Why Sealing Air Leaks Saves Money

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Part 4 in Weatherization Series

If you have the question: Why is my house so Cold? Why are the walls so cold? Why are the outer rooms of my house so cold? Where are these cold air drafts coming from? Why is it costing me so much to heat my house? Why is my Heating Bill so high? How do I lower my heating bills? What are the recommended ways to lower my heating bills?

I’ve designed this CAD Diagram to explain how hot and cold temperature seeps into a home with 2×4 walls with 0 (zero) insulation.

You can see by the blue areas how solid materials transfer the temperature.

Standard or Minimum Code Wall Framing consisting of
Siding on Exterior of Building
1/2 in Plywood or OSB Particle Board
2×4 Framing Member Wall Stud
1/2 in Drywall or Sheet Rock

The hot/cold temperature (Blue Areas in Diagram) on the Exterior of the Building is transferred to the Interior of the Building by Conduction The simplest explanation I can use to demonstrate and explain this is too use this example:

“…when you are using a Metal Cooking Utensil to stir a pot of chili. If the utensil is left in the pot of chilli for any length of time. The heat will eventually transfer up the utensil handle and will usually burn your hand or fingers. Heat and Cold enter a Building in the same way; unless, there is some form of Insulation or Thermal Break to prevent the conduction of energy...” from article–> Part 3 How to Build and Remodel to reduce Energy Loss / Gain in Todays Modern Buildings

Now that your understand how Energy is transferred thru building materials I’ll explain the various ways that Insulation:

Slows down and Reduces this form of Energy Loss in an upcoming post.

If you have any questions or comments about this article or schedule an appointment use this link to schedule a

Free Proposal on Weatherizing your Building to save money and reduce your Winter-Time Energy Bills

and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will return your Weatherization request asap.

I will save you money, Scotty

CAD Diagram courtesy of Scotty, Scotts Contracting explaining how hot and cold temperature is transferred thru building materials into your home.

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis

Adding a Porch to an Existing Home

Misc CADD Details for Adding a Porch to an Existing Home.

Existing House Framing CADD Detail 1/306

Option 1 Porch Framing CADD Detail 1/307

Exterior Finish CADD Detail 1/308

view entire article at: http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional info or to schedule your next Green Build for your Home or Business. Build a Green St Louis