Q&A for How to Build a Bomb Shelter

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If I put in air-ducts, how do I prevent them from being a weak point in the bomb shelter?

Community Answer

You put the inlet (and outlet or exhaust) far away from the shelter and connect that duct to just a hole or its own room. Then, a separate pipe is used to draw air from that inlet chamber. Yes, a very unlucky indirect hit can kill your air system, but you'll have plenty of time (hours) before the air runs out or you should be able to turn your outlet into a temporary (days) inlet.

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How do you keep radiation out of shelter?

Peyton Schmiege

Top Answerer

The walls would be thick enough to block radiation, but if you fear a slow seepage of radiation, you can add a layer of lead in the walls and ceiling. Install a HEPA air filtration system if your bomb shelter is intended to withstand nukes.

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How much would it cost to build the whole shelter?

Peyton Schmiege

Top Answerer

It could range anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 depending on materials.

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What if the materials in the bomb shelter start rotting or decomposing?

Peyton Schmiege

Top Answerer

It is mostly concrete, so it should last a long time, but if it begins to decay, you can dig down and resurface the concrete.

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I am thinking of building this. How much will it cost? (I am a mother of 5.)

Peyton Schmiege

Top Answerer

You would probably need more space so it might cost anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 depending on how it is engineered. If you are dedicated to making it smaller and cheaper, it could cost only $45,000.

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Question

Can I add a Fallout-style vault door, or will that ruin its effectiveness?

Peyton Schmiege

Top Answerer

If you buy the right door, it can actually be stronger due to the increased metal. Fallout-style doors use a gear to move sideways rather than opening outwards. This rotating design might slow down its function but can prevent the door from being blown out at the hinges.

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