Why Cement Insulators Are Not Good Insulators For Gun Safes
About Real Cement Insulators
The Weight Problem
Although 3" or more of real cement makes a great fire insulator, they are extremely heavy, and that weight adds up quickly. Some of these safes, especially TL-rated or higher, can weigh 2,300 lbs or more. Shipping costs alone can range from $1000 to $2000, and moving the safe often requires specialized equipment or professional movers, which can cost another $1000–$2000.
Most home foundations aren’t designed to support safes this heavy, which can lead to cracking over time. In rare cases, if the steel is too thin, the pressure from the cement can even cause the safe to warp or fall out of square after several years. And with average prices around $4,100, real cement-lined safes can be a big investment — not just in money, but in logistics and home prep.
About "Light Drying" Cement Composite Insulators
Fire Ratings Still Matter
Any claims about fire protection are meaningless without a UL Fire Rating. Currently, there are no long gun safes on the market with a UL rating using this type of composite insulation. That said, it will usually perform better than cheap alternatives like sheetrock or fire board.
Security Isn’t Added
Unlike real cement, cement composite insulators do not add strength or security to the safe. If security is important to you, it’s crucial to check steel thickness first. Some of these composite-lined safes can be broken into easily — one example was axed all the way through in 45 seconds with just 27 swings. Check the video out here.
How to Tell the Difference
One quick way to tell real cement from composite is weight. Composite “light drying” cement is noticeably lighter than a TL-rated safe with real cement insulation. If your safe feels light, it probably won’t offer the same fire or security performance as real cement.
