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Tornado Shelter: Constructing the Roof Panel

The roof panel is composed of 12 triple beams made from 2x8s, and one beam made from 2x10s. The 2x8 triple beams were constructed in Section 2. Construction of the 2x10 triple beam is discussed at the end of this section. Install all 2x8 roof beams before constructing the 2x10 triple beam.

You Will Need

Materials Needed In This Section

  • 12 2x8 triple beams, 96” long
  • 3 2x10s, 96” long
  • 16d nails
  • Construction adhesive
  • 52 wood screws, 8” long

Tools Needed For This Section

  • Measuring tape
  • Circular saw
  • Sawhorses
  • Caulking gun
  • Woodworking clamps
  • Pneumatic framing nail gun
  • Hammer
  • Drill

Watch the Video

Instructions

Click on each image below, in order, for specific instructions.

Dimension: first roof beam (note the flat edge)
Location: first roof beam
Location: first roof beam (note that flat edge is flush with wall below as are the ends of the beam)
Location: screw (red) to fasten end of first roof beam
Screw to fasten roof beams are angled 45°
14 screws along length of first ceiling beam, spaced 7-1/4” o.c.
Construction adhesive between first and second roof beams
First and second roof beams
Location of screw to fasten end of second roof beam – note that screw is locate approximately at middle of ceiling beam above and must be angled 45° up
First twelve ceiling beams installed
First twelve ceiling beams installed
Dimensions: final ceiling beam custom made from 2x10s
Screws used to fasten ends of final (custom) roof beam
Screws along the length of final roof beam
All thirteen roof beams installed
Final shelter height

Step By Step Instructions

Last updated December 3, 2025
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