AMBICO tornado resistant doors and frames combine the ultimate in wind and debris resistance and yet appear identical to standard hollow metal doors and pressed steel frames. Doors and frames have been tested as a unit and are available to be supplied with a lock or exit device factory pre-installed.
Products are manufactured in compliance with FEMA #361 “Design and Construction Guidance for Community Shelters”.
Units have been tested to allow for openings as large as 8’0″ x 10’0″. Doors and frames are available in singles or in pairs. Fire labelled products have been tested in accordance with NFPA-80 and are certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
Units have been tested and are supplied with one of a variety of locking options including mortise sets or exit devices.
Tornado Resistant doors are available through our Quick-Ship Program. Which means that orders of 5 openings or less will be shipped in 20 working days. Follow the link for more information!
What is the purpose of “Tornado Resistant Doors and Frames”?
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.
How do “Tornado Resistant Doors and Frames” differ from “Hurricane Doors and Frames”?
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.
Are “Tornado Resistant Door and Frame Assemblies” available in different sizes?
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.
Are there any hardware restrictions for “Tornado Resistant Doors and Frames”?
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.
What multi-point hardware is used for AMBICO’s “Tornado Resistant Door and Frame Assemblies”?
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.
