Louvers Protect Buildings from Tornado Wind and Debris

Ohio Gratings’ TornadoGuard, a steel louver designed to protect against tornado-strength wind and debris.

Ohio Gratings Inc. has launched TornadoGuard, steel louvers designed in accordance with the FEMA 361 Standard for tornado shelters and other similar applications. The TornadoGuard Steel Louver System is designed to protect critical infrastructure from tornado-strength wind and debris.

All parts of the building envelope must be able to withstand the impact of wind-borne debris. FEMA 361 Section 3.4.2 (C) requires that openings in tornado safe rooms must meet the requirements of ICC-500, which states all components must resist the impact from a 15-pound (6.6-kilogram) sawn lumber 2 by 4 inch.

TornadoGuard Steel Louvers are made from heavy-duty carbon steel plates and channels and available in panel sizes up to 8-feet wide and 12-feet high. TornadoGuard can be fabricated into asymmetrical shapes, doors or hatches and provides 50 percent open area for airflow and 100 percent visual block.