Fastening an accessory structure to the concrete foundation is among the highly recommended steps to secure it. Following this advice is good, but even great if you do it right. This is where the proper installation of a wedge anchor matters. It is a valuable step that promises quality and long-lasting anchoring of a structure.
A wedge anchor is…?
Before digging into the installation process, it is better if you are aware of what a wedge anchor is and the suitable type to use.
A wedge anchor is a material that is designed for solid concrete surfaces. Given that, you cannot use it for gravel, dirt, or sand. You cannot also jump to the conclusion that as long as it is concrete, you can use any wedge anchor. There are three types of wedge anchors, and they come in varied diameter, thread length, bit size, and minimum embedment. Each type is best for a particular condition.
- Galvanized anchors. This is a wedge anchor for indoor and outdoor and has some strength against moisture, corrosion, and rust. However, it’s ideal only for an area with less to no presence of elements. It corrodes and rusts also if continuously exposed to water or chemicals.
- Zinc Plated anchors. This is a wedge anchor ideal only for indoor and dry areas.
- Stainless Steel anchors. This is a wedge anchor that provides better protection even if it is installed in an indoor and outdoor place. It has three types too:
- 316 stainless steel has superb protection even it is quite exposed to elements like a flood, seawater, or chemical
- 304 stainless steel is for damp to submerge or watery outdoor areas
- 303 stainless steel is good to use if it is usually exposed to chemicals.
To install a wedge anchor correctly, use suitable tools such as a hammer, wrench, hammer drill, and drill bit. These make it easier for you to create holes and tighten the wedge anchors. Take note that there is a minimum embedment depth for a particular wedge anchor diameter. For example, a minimum embedment depth for 1” wedge anchor is for 4-½”, while for a wedge anchor with 1/2 diameter is 2-¼.” In tightening the anchor using a wrench or spanner, be careful that you only hit the torque limit.
Installing a wedge anchor
Given that you already know what is a wedge anchor and the tools to use, here are simple steps on installing a wedge anchor:
- Using the hammer drill and appropriate drill bit, create holes in the concrete for the wedge anchors. The holes should have the right depth and diameter for wedge anchors.
- Remove the dust or debris in the holes so they can’t affect the quality of installing the wedge anchors. You can use a vacuum, brush wire, or any tool for as long as it can clean the holes.
- Insert the wedge anchor in the holes or through a base and concrete. Use a hammer to insert the anchor until the washer and nut are only visible on the surface.
- Tighten the wedge anchor using a spanner.
By following the proper installation of wedge anchors, you also make your anchoring system robust. In achieving it, you are also securing the safety of your structure and what you value in it.
