Finally, you have decided to bring home an affordable yet robust metal carport. But you are still on the way to installation. And now you are wondering, “Does your steel carport need an anchor? What if you install your carport without any anchor, and if compulsory, how can you do it?” These burning questions may sound a little intriguing to you. So, let’s address them one by one.
What Is an Anchor & Do You Need Them for Metal Carport Anyway?
Anchors are solid bar-like structures made up of various combinations of metal depending upon their type. Think of them like huge nails that will secure your structure to the base.
The job of an anchor is to hold the structure to the ground firmly. It aids your steel carport’s structural integrity. Say, if you live in an area where a gust of wind sometimes can be a bit harsh or an area where thunderstorms are pretty frequent, then anchors become a must.
An anchor acts like a strong glue to the ground. It will hold your carport’s structure like an adhesive. Unless you are buying a metal portable carport, it is advisable that you install an anchor to the base.
Types Of Anchors That Can Be Used for Installing Steel Carport
1. Auger Anchors | Mobile Home Anchors | Earth Anchors
- If you have chosen a dirt & gravel type foundation, then an auger anchor will suit your carport the most. They run deep into the ground & are held by spikes like structures.
- They are 36 inches long in general.
2. Rebar Anchors
- These are another great option for your carport. They are plain bar like materials that may come in the shape of a J-hook. We won’t recommend this for high wind or extreme weather areas since they do not have a grip like an auger anchor.
- They are generally 32 inches long, but the majority of their parts are buried in the ground.
3. Asphalt Anchors
- As the name suggests, asphalt anchors are used to support metal carport with an asphalt foundation. They are spiked bar like material that holds the whole structure to the ground.
- Their length usually ranges from 6 inches to 12 inches.
4. Concrete Bolts
- If you are installing a concrete foundation, which is the most robust, weight bearing, and durable, concrete bolts are the anchor you must opt for. No doubt, concrete anchors are one of the strongest anchors of all.
- They are usually 6 inches in length. Note that the thickness and the length of the concrete anchors will vary with the height & thickness of the concrete slab and the type of soil underneath it.
But How Do I Know Which Anchor Type I Should Use to Install a Metal Carport?
1. Type of Soil
Your site soil analysis is an important factor in deciding which anchor type will suit you the best. This is especially true if you have chosen a dirt & gravel type of foundation.
2. Type of Foundation / Surface
As discussed above, you can select anchors based on foundation type. We recommend that for a carport larger than 12 ft. wide and 20 ft. long, you go for a concrete foundation as it can bear all the load of the structure, and you can use free space as storage for garden tools.
3. Local Weather Conditions
Sometimes, you have to choose anchors based on which area you live in. After all, you won’t want your carport to fly with the wind; rather, be firm on the ground and shelter your vehicle.
4. Certification
If you are building a metal carport that has certification for high-speed wind, then you will have to choose mobile home anchors. Also, there are many building codes that apply to areas with specific natural calamities. So, do check your local building codes and guidelines to see if they require any particular criteria met for your steel carport.
How To Install Anchor for Steel Carport?
First thing first, you can anchor your steel carport with any type of foundation, be it gravel, asphalt, or concrete. That being said, let’s move on to the ‘general’ construction part.
1. Locate Where Anchors Need to Be Placed
Anchors can be a maximum of 6 ft. apart & within 8 to 12 inches of the corner or joints.
2. Prepare Holes for Anchors
Usually, you are going to drill the anchor down to the bottom with more than 3/4th of the part remaining inside the ground. For this, you can use various drilling machine tools.
3. Insert Anchors
Finally, after digging a hole, you can place your anchor in it.
4. Secure It
Once you have placed the anchor, ensure that it is well secured and not moving.
5. Ensure the Stability of the Anchors
It is essential that your anchor is holding off the ground firmly, as it will serve as the bridge between your base and the post holding the structure.
Now, the reason we called it the ‘general‘ construction part is because the installation of the anchor will vary with the type of foundation. Let’s see them as well.
1) For Dirt | Gravel
- You can use a pry bar to screw the auger anchor to the ground.
- Keep twisting until it is secured.
2) For Concrete
- You need to drill a hole where the anchor needs to be placed.
- Now, put the expansion bolt in the hole and use a wrench to tighten it.
Note: For extra support, you can cross-brace the vertical support of your carport using steel rods or cables.
In The Final Analysis
So, we can conclude that for a permanent metal carport, anchors are one of the most vital steps during installation to retain the structural integrity of the car shed. Further, if you live in an extreme weather locale, you should opt for a 12-gauge post and thick vertical panels that can hold the load and slide off any debris. We hope this information was helpful to you.