Anchors: Different Styles and When to Use Them

Carport buyers often wonder how their metal carport or building will stay secured to the ground during high winds or harsh weather. If the structure is not properly anchored to the ground, its strength and stability are put at risk. Rather than risking your new custom metal carport or metal building falling over in high winds, you can have it supported with the appropriate anchors for your foundation. Carport Central installs permanent structures with the appropriate anchoring system to keep them standing strong for years to come.

Anchors are used to keep custom metal structures attached to the ground through all kinds of weather. The type of anchor you use depends on the type of surface on which you install your carport or other custom metal building. There is a list below that allows you to learn more about the different types of anchors and when they are needed.

Types of Anchors

Rebar Anchor

Carport Central offers rebar anchors that are 1/2” x 32”, which are used to provide strength and stability to custom metal structures. During installation, the anchor is fixed into the base of the rail and then secured into the ground. Here at Carport Central, rebar anchors are used for custom carports in areas of low winds and sturdy soil. If you plan to level soil for your carport, but live in areas of high winds, it will be better to have a stronger anchor like the next type on our list.

Mobile Home Anchor

Mobile home anchors, or auger anchors, are used to keep structures secure to dirt or soil. When installing a custom-built carport, a poured foundation is not necessary, but you do need a level site for a firm hold. The auger style helps the anchor stay secure to the ground and prevents the custom carport from moving.

If you want your building certified for wind ratings, the mobile home anchors are your only option; these anchors are used in all certified ground installations. With certified structures, the Carport Central installation team will install one anchor every 25’.

Concrete Anchor

If you’re installing on a concrete base, Carport Central uses anchors that are specially made for use with concrete. Concrete expansion anchors are highly recommended when working with concrete, as they give the best results. When the base rails are in place, the team will mark the location of the center hole and drill about 3”- 4” into the concrete. They will then place a concrete expansion anchor inside the hole, tighten the nut, and secure the base rail. Additional steps may be taken to secure the structure and prevent any movement during high winds or severe weather.

With Carport Central, concrete wedge anchors are provided for installation on concrete slabs. We also offer anchors with different lengths depending on the dimensions of the foundation poured for your new custom metal carport. For example, if you have a concrete slab 4” thick with no footer, we will use anchors 5 ½” long; for slabs deeper than 4” we use 8” wedge anchors.

Concrete is one of the best, most stable surfaces upon which you can install and anchoring your carport or metal structure.

Asphalt Anchor

Asphalt anchors are built to hold fast to asphalt. You will notice when you mix the asphalt to pour, the material is made with tiny bits of material like small stones, sand, and gravel. As the material is likely to fracture if direct pressure is applied, the asphalt anchors have either a screw-like thread or barbs on the shaft to keep the anchor secure. This anchor should only be used on asphalt surfaces, as it is not effective in concrete or soil installation.

Just let one of our Carport Central building specialists know if you are planning to install on an asphalt slab. The installation team will bring asphalt anchors with them to secure your carport or custom metal building. Again, we don’t recommend using expansion anchors on asphalt; as expansion anchors push against the asphalt, the pressure could cause the asphalt to crack and split.

If you live in an area prone to heavy winds or rain, we suggest you look into pouring either a concrete or an asphalt foundation. Otherwise, your building can easily sway or rock when the high winds come, without the right anchor in place. To protect your custom carport from wind, a secure anchoring system is a must! You should also keep in mind that no matter how dense, the ground around your building is susceptible to soil degradation, so you should be on the lookout for erosion issues. Wind can wreak havoc on steel carports that have weak construction and are not securely fastened to the ground. This can be avoided if you have the correct anchor paired with the right installation surface for your building.

Call now at (980) 321-9898 to speak with one of our friendly building specialists; they can help you find the right carport at a price that fits your budget. If you call now, we can get you a free quote on the perfect custom metal building for you.