Tornado Resistant Steel Doors & Frames

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General Description: 

Introducing our state-of-the-art Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies, engineered to provide unparalleled protection against the destructive forces of tornadoes and severe storms. These cutting-edge systems prioritize durability and performance, allowing them to withstand high winds, airborne debris, and extreme atmospheric pressure differentials. With a steadfast dedication to safeguarding lives and property in tornado-prone areas, we ensure the utmost safety and security.

Our exceptional products not only deliver unmatched wind and debris resistance but also seamlessly blend with the appearance of standard hollow metal doors and pressed steel frames. Combining functionality with aesthetics, our meticulously tested door and frame units offer superior performance and reliability.

Product Details:

  • Compliance with FEMA #361: Designed to meet stringent standards outlined in FEMA #361 “Design and Construction Guidance for Community Shelters,” providing optimal protection in tornado-prone areas.
  • ICC500 Compliance: Manufactured and tested in compliance with ICC500 (2014) – ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, ensuring adherence to industry standards for storm shelter construction.
  • Customizable Options: Doors and frames can be tailored to meet specific needs, including the pre-installation of locks or exit devices for convenience and streamlined installation.
  • Versatile Sizing: Rigorously tested units accommodate openings as large as 8’0″ x 10’0″, offering flexibility for single doors or paired configurations to suit diverse requirements.
  • Fire Safety Assurance: Fire-labeled products undergo testing in accordance with NFPA-80 and are certified by Underwriters Laboratories, ensuring the highest level of protection against fire hazards.
  • Locking Options: Choose from a variety of reliable locking mechanisms, including mortise sets or exit devices, to enhance security and meet operational needs without compromising safety.
  • Quick-Ship Program: Orders of five openings or less are expedited through the Quick-Ship Program, ensuring prompt delivery within 20 working days.

Use Cases: AMBICO’s Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies cater to a range of use cases, offering dependable protection in various applications. Here are some key scenarios where our assemblies excel:

  1. Residential Buildings: Protecting homes and residential buildings from tornadoes is of paramount importance for the safety of occupants. Our Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies are an optimal choice for residential applications, providing homeowners with peace of mind and safeguarding their property during severe storms.
  2. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities often face vulnerability to tornadoes due to their large populations and valuable assets. By installing AMBICO’s Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies, educational institutions can establish a robust defense mechanism, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and infrastructure during severe weather events.
  3. Commercial and Industrial Facilities: Many commercial and industrial facilities house critical equipment, inventory, and infrastructure. Our Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies are purpose-built to secure these spaces, minimizing the risk of damage caused by tornadoes and severe weather conditions.
  4. Government Buildings: Government buildings, including municipal offices, courthouses, and emergency service centers, require enhanced protection against tornadoes. AMBICO’s Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies provide a reliable defense, ensuring the continuity of essential services and the safety of government personnel.

Trust AMBICO’s expertise to fortify your buildings with Tornado Resistant Steel Door & Frame Assemblies. Exceptional products exceeding industry standards, offering peace of mind against nature’s toughest challenges.



Coalgate Public Schools

Coalgate, OK USA

Parkview Elementary School

Fort Worth, TX USA

Tornado Resistant Door SPEC. View PDF | Download DOC
CAD. View PDF | Download DWG
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Tornado Resistant Frame SPEC. View PDF | Download DOC
CAD. View PDF | Download DWG
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Tornado Resistant Shutter Frame SPEC. View PDF | Download DOC
CAD. View PDF | Download DWG
BIM. View Library

Tornado-resistant doors and frames are designed to be resistant to the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority) 361 standard and they are independently tested to the ICC-500 (International Code Council) test standard which simulates an F5 tornado with wind speeds equaling 250 mph. This is an American federal standard that has established stringent criteria to resist not only severe wind pressure but also addresses debris damage caused by tornadoes. Doors and frames that comply with this standard have been tested at independent laboratories.

The types of wind pressures that doors and frames are subject to in these two instances are completely different. Consequently, the standards that govern these products are distinct. In the case of tornadoes, the units must resist wind loads up to 250 mph in the unseated (out swinging) position, placing the hinges and multi-point latching bolts under pressure load. As well, the test standard for debris shot at the frame and door assembly for tornado doors occurs at far a greater speed.  For tornado testing a 2”x4” at 8’-0” in length is shot at the frame and door at a velocity of 100 mph. FEMA 361 is a national standard currently supported by the USA Department of Homeland Security. In the case of hurricanes, the door/frame units are designed to withstand the relatively light wind loads experienced in a hurricane environment. As well, the hurricane standards require that door/frame units withstand a minimum level of water resistance. The Dade County or FBC (Florida Building Code) test has been adopted in some coastal areas of the USA. Currently, national test standards do not exist.

The ICC-500 test standard demands that manufacturers test each door and frame assembly for each configuration and construction at their maximum and minimum sizes. When these sizes and configurations have been successfully tested, the manufacturer is then approved for both the maximum and minimum sizes and granted approval for all sizes in between the max and min sizes.

The ICC-500 test standard demands that manufacturers test each hardware component used on tornado frames and door assemblies. In addition, the standard demands that a minimum of two bolt points be positively secured after testing, thus requiring special multi-point latching hardware to be used to secure the door into the frame. Therefore, the standard demands that a complete frame, door and hardware assembly be furnished as tested to the ICC-500 standard and the use of components is not permitted.

AMBICO has partnered with Securitech, and their wide variety of windstorm hardware is approved for use with AMBICO Tornado Resistant Door and Frame Assemblies. Hardware can be purchased directly from Securitech or it is available from AMBICO when demand for factory installation of the hardware is specified.