Cheap Shelters

[Bavarian]

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Buddamom: Look at a septic tank. May be big enough for what you want. Makes a good storm shelter (must be buried) and root seller. Easy to water proof and cheap. Lots of people use them, they just don't talk about it. I've seen two or more of them connected for a bigger shelter. They can be used exactly as you describe.

[civiliansoldier]

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As far as protecting the metal, about the best thing I know of would be the same stuff we spray on all our Space center projects. It is a zinc chromate spray that must be applied to a sandblasted "white" surface. It is expensive but once it dries you can't hardly sandblast it off. It protects all the launch pads out at the space center as we speak. Only problem is I am not sure John Q. Public can buy it unless you are a contractor. I will try to find out.

[Oscar Wilde]

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[I am not sure John Q. Public can buy it unless you are a contractor. I will try to find out.]

Its available through automotive paint suppliers.
O.W.

[kentuckyshiner85]

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Ok I'm now expert but I have built houses since I was knee high to a brarhopper. This is an absolute great idea. It possible to build. All you need is a strong back and the will power to do it. I have looked into this for awhile now . Just be sure to put it at least 36 inchs below ground. This way you are protected from fallout. Air filteration and water are the hardest part of the build. And prehaps the most expensive. If you have questions ask away.

[plowboy65]

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if your thinking of burying them use the paint they use on mobile home roofs its latex it is waterproof and it gives. i built a house with ice blocks. ok iceblock are styrifom form and you fill with concret.they recominded this stuff and beleive me it works it was year before i back filled and water was standing up on the wall no leaks non. later i got around to putting in drains and back fill still no leaks. been in the building trade for 30 + years

[no1woodwizar]

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Shipping containers are absolutely a good investment. Burying one requires it to be painted with epoxy paint on all sides to protect from rusting. Also to get good r value without having to add insulation to the interior of the container it must be at least 4 feet underground from my understanding. Only other concerns would be a good sorce of air and natural light and at least two exits. Don't want to build a tomb for yourself.

[Halyna]

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I thought about that for 1 bug out location but my question was how could I get water and heat. And location is everything. Once there, you can't move it easily. For half that money I have a pop-up that I just LOVE. Sleeps 6, has fridge, stoves, sink, easy water, heat. Runs on gas/battery/elec. And being cranked down, it's so easy to hitch it on & move and camouflage.