Anchoring Your Carport Is a Must
No matter what type of metal carport you purchase, it must be properly anchored to the ground. Sure, a steel building may be a heavy piece of infrastructure, but even larger structures can be damaged or moved by wind or snow accumulation. To prevent these structures from shifting, metal building anchors are used to secure them to their foundations.
But the anchoring system used for your structure will depend entirely on the foundation type you choose. For example, a gravel foundation will require different anchors than one built from concrete. And if you’re new to the metal building game, it might be challenging to know what type you need for yours.
In the following few sections, we’ll fix all that by providing you with a complete guide to metal building anchors. We’ll cover the various anchor systems used, how they work, and how to choose the right area for your new carport or prefab metal structure.
Types of Carport Anchors
As we’ve mentioned, the type of anchor you’ll need for your new structure will vary based on your chosen foundation type. When you purchase your building, you’ll have the choice between:
1. Rebar Anchors
This anchor type is typically made from steel and measures roughly 32′ long. They’re used to reinforce carports and metal buildings and anchor them to gravel or soil foundation types. In some cases, winds and moisture can cause dirt around these anchors to erode, reducing their effectiveness.
2. Mobile Home Anchors
As you might guess, mobile home anchors are often used to secure mobile homes to the ground. And metal buildings, too! These auger-like devices are screwed deep into the soil, keeping your new carport or metal garage safe and secure, even in volatile weather.
3. Asphalt Anchors
Customers often prefer to install their new carport or metal building in their driveway or on asphalt. In this case, spiked rods known as asphalt anchors are driven through the blacktop into the soil. These spikes prevent the rods, and your structure, from shifting or moving.
4. Concrete Anchors
Regarded as one of the strongest anchor systems, concrete anchors are specialized bolts that are drilled into the concrete foundation. The thickness and size of the concrete pad will dictate how thick or long the anchor should be. As a result of their strength, concrete anchors are the go-to choice for larger structures such as metal garages and barns.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Carport
Choosing the right build site is one of the most vital parts of getting your money’s worth out of a steel structure. This site might be your driveway, backyard, or rural land. But before you pull out your shovel and roll up your sleeves, there are several things you’ll want to know for the best results.
First, you’ll want to choose a location that rests above any natural water runoff. Taking this step will prevent water damage should your property encounter flash floods or heavy rain.
Another critical factor will be utilities. If you expect to install electricity and plumbing, you’ll want to choose a building side near present utility lines. This simple task can save you tons of money when it comes time to add the final touches to your carport or metal building.
The next thing you’ll need to do is remove any debris or vegetation from the installation site. This includes trash, machinery, trees, or bushes. From here, you’ll need to ensure that the building location is fully graded and completely level.
How to Anchor a Carport to Dirt or Gravel
So, you’ve purchased your first metal carport. That’s great! Steel structures are some of the strongest building types on the market and will surely deliver years of protection. But before your new building can live up to its full potential, you must install it. If you’ve chosen to erect your structure on a dirt or gravel foundation, here’s what you’ll need to know.
Gravel and dirt foundations are a popular choice for rural and residential applications. After all, sometimes you simply want a quick, effective cover for your family vehicles or equipment. Your installation team will likely use a mobile home or auger anchors to secure your structure to the ground.
Before breaking ground on your structure, you’ll need to grade your build site properly. Once entirely level, you’ll want to create a grid that measures where your foundation anchors will go. Unlike other anchor systems, like concrete anchors, auger anchors will be placed first- before you lay the base rails of your structure. Once in place, you’ll drill bolt holes through the sides of the base rail and attach the anchor via a connecting component.
After completion, this anchor system is everything you need to ensure your building is safe and secure in most climates.
How to Install an Asphalt Anchor System
As we’ve mentioned, asphalt anchors resemble spiked rods driven through the blacktop, preventing a structure from shifting. And much like the auger or mobile home anchor, you’ll begin by measuring and pre-drilling your anchor holes in the asphalt.
Once these anchors are in place, you’ll arrange your base rails, make the proper measurements, and drill pilot holes through the side of the frame.
After completing this, you’ll connect these rods to the structure via a connecting assembly and ensure they are correctly tightened. That was easier than it looked, wasn’t it?
Installing Concrete Anchor Systems
One of the strongest, most effective foundation types, concrete is used for many applications, from small carports to enormous industrial facilities. After all, concrete pads are capable of withstanding far more weight than any other foundation type.
The first step to installing concrete anchors will be to grade and prepare your concrete slab. You’ll likely want to hire third-party contractors to lay the concrete for the best results. After allowing ample time for this pad to cure fully, you’ll be ready to install your concrete anchors.
Unlike other anchoring systems, concrete anchor bolts are drilled vertically through base rails into pilot holes in the concrete pad. Measure and pre-drill these holes, mark and lay the base rails, and tighten the bolts to complete your anchoring system assembly.
Boss Buildings Is Your Trusted Provider of Quality Metal Carports
Boss Buildings prides themselves on delivering premium steel structures of all shapes and sizes, from metal carport kits to fully enclosed metal garages and everything in between. Our buildings are tough, adaptable, and built to provide decades of loyal service.
We also offer great financing options and a rent-to-own program that puts you in the driver’s seat of your very own structure without breaking the bank in the process.
So, if you’ve been searching online hoping to find a quality custom carport for sale, give Boss Buildings a call today at (336) 673-3065! We’re waiting to help you design, customize, and install a structure that’s the perfect complement to your home or business!
