Part of being a carport owner is making sure it is sturdy. You may guess that a metal carport is sturdy enough to protect vehicles, people, or nearby structures. It is when the weather is fine and there are no frequent disturbing windstorms in your land. But if there is, a strong wind could make it a swaying structure and easy to blow away. So, as a responsible owner-builder, you should know how to tie down your metal carport.
To tie down a metal carport?
In reality, it is hard to predict when a strong storm strikes. It is something people cannot prevent, but at least they can do measures to prevent damages. As for your carport, to tie it down is a measure to secure it against windstorms and even earthquakes.
When someone mentioned tying down a metal carport, it is about its anchoring system. This is a vital process for any outbuilding so it holds on to the ground so strongly. A powerful wind can’t shake, sway, or pull it easily.
Shrugging off the value of anchoring a carport has other consequences too. If it is an attached carport, anything that happens in it will affect the house. A weak carport is itself a menace to a house and its dwellers. Moreover, it is a requisite based on several building codes. This is a must especially for states or counties that regularly experience windstorms.
Tips before you tie it down
To be well-guided, here are something you can do before you anchor your metal carport:
- Look what’s on your local building codes. Speaking of a carport owner’s responsibility, part of it is being aware of your local laws. Be well-informed of the existing rules about carports. It has an edge, particularly some have given details on standard anchoring. If that’s what you see on your local building code, you save time, money, and effort. You have a rational idea of what to order and what to do.
- Read online forums or q and a site. This is another option but can help a lot. You can gather practical tips from other owners who have experiences related to anchoring a metal carport.
- Listen to a builder’s advice. To have a clearer picture of anchoring a carport in your local area, ask your friendly builder. Get information about their anchoring options and why they offer that. You may also get its service to tie down your carport professionally.
Ideas about tying down a metal carport
- Use appropriate anchoring materials and tools. If you have a concrete slab, then use concrete wedge anchor bolts. If you do the anchoring yourself, don’t forget to wear your protective gears
- Prefab carports have anchor holes already. Some, if not all, prefab carports already have holes for anchoring. You can usually find those on the base rails. If that’s the case for you, perhaps all you have to do is to do the drilling and tightening the anchor bolts.
- Install with bracing. Adding bracing in your carport reinforces its anchoring system. This stops components from swaying or detaching. You can do bracing on the roof, in between posts, or in every corner.
Contact us at Lion Carports today for more tips on metal carports.
