Ideally, carports are there to protect vehicles. They should resist elements that can cause corrosion, rust, moisture, scrapes, or any possible damages to a vehicle. This is a truly possible idea since most carports are well-designed and made of durable materials. The thing is these factors are not enough to make the structure withstand harsh elements. Your carport should be reinforced to secure its safety.
A concrete solution
Windy weathers are deemed threats for carports. If yours is not strengthened, a high-level hurricane can knock its parts or its entire structure. The step to avoid this is proper anchoring.
Anchoring your carport to the ground, especially to a concrete one solidifies its strength against a strong wind. If the legs of metal carports are fixed to a concrete slab, they gain more weight and cannot be easily uprooted. Typically also strong wind has no match with the strong fastening ability of concrete. So if in case you are still in the planning mode, it is good to choose to have concrete footings for your soon-to-be vehicle shelter.
Moreover, installing your carport on a concrete slab has other benefits. This provides level ground, which is good for the wheels and footwear. This prevents your carport to stand imperfectly or lean on one side. Also, a concrete slab can serve as a divider between your carport and dirt. Remember that the natural ground has elements that can damage the structure. If no concrete foundation, the carport is prone to ground moisture, muddy soil, or cold freeze heave. Of course, these elements are also not good for your vehicle.
The Concrete Steps
Assuming you have a concrete slab and will do the anchoring yourself, here are the suggestions to secure your carport:
Use appropriate materials for concrete. If you are not aware, there are different types of anchors for different kinds of ground—asphalt, dirt, gravel, and concrete. It is a must that you use the wedge anchor or bolt for concrete even if it means additional expense
Drill or ask someone to do the drilling. If you prepared the materials for anchoring, be ready also for the drilling. You will drill holes in the concrete or the base rails if they have no pre-drilled holes.
Be very careful about the location and depths of the holes. There should be a balance measurement to fasten the base rail and concrete. Another thing about holes, you have to base it on the wind factor in your area. The stronger the wind, the deeper the holes. If you are not confident about this task, better ask someone good at this job.
Tighten your anchor. Put the wedge anchor bolt in every hole and make sure they are tightened. Use a hammer to secure and fix these bolts in concrete.
Many owner builders prefer carports because they are cost-effective and fast to build. However, these don’t mean a thing if a carport is weak against a strong wind. If yours is not reinforced, it will not serve its purpose. In contrast, it becomes a threat to your safety, as well as to your vehicle.
