Tying down your carport should be instinctive if your place frequently experiences typhoons, snow, or strong wind. The regularity and intensity of any of this could damage your carport, making it an unsafe structure in the long run.
Anchoring is a system or process for an outbuilding or even an attached structure to get strength from the ground. A windstorm can sway or even pull the parts of a carport. Moreover, anchoring is not only an option. It is most likely a stipulated requirement in most building codes in the US.
To do before anchoring a metal carport
Fastening your vehicle protector to the ground requires a few more tasks before anchoring. These ensure you accomplish the proper and effective way to strengthen your metal carport.
Know the basic requirements when anchoring your carport – Each local building code has specific demands on what must be in the anchoring system. The details depend on what is deemed suitable to fortify a metal carport against wind, earthquake, or climate in the area.
Carport owners are accountable for knowing and adhering to any rules about this. But those who follow will also eliminate unnecessary headaches, from paying penalties to repairing property damage due to unanchored outbuilding.
Get a local reliable metal carport builder – DIY is good if you are capable and qualified to build a carport yourself. If not, it is better to have assistance from someone skilled in anchoring metal carport. It saves your time and ensures a favorable outcome. Additionally, anchoring is typically part of the services of metal carport manufacturers or contractors.
Aside from this, you may also get some helpful information from Q and A and online forum sites. These may give you ideas about what to expect and general knowledge about anchoring. However, note that the first two tips are still the best and most practical advice for the specific setup of your outbuilding.
How to anchor your metal carport?
After the why and what in anchoring a carport, here are the tips for anchoring your metal carport.
Build a strong foundation – the idea of anchoring is to make the carport hold on tight to a strong base so the wind cannot sway or pull it. Thus, make sure you have a durable foundation like a concrete slab.
Find or create holes and drill– If you go for a pre-engineered metal carport, use the pre-drilled holes as a guide on where to drill holes in the foundation. The best way is to lay base rails on the slab and put marks.
On the marks, start drilling holes that should fit with the depth and diameter of wedge anchors. When you finish the drilling, clean the holes, so debris doesn’t affect when you insert wedge anchors.
Assemble and fasten the metal carport – Put back and assemble the base rails of your carport on the foundation. Then, insert wedge anchors in the base trails and slab matching holes. Hammer each wedge to ensure these are inserted, and then use a spanner to tighten these up to their torque value.
A quality carport boasts the features to make it enduring protection against elements. But to achieve that, a process like anchoring is needed, so it’s settled and stronger against wind load.