Carport Installation Information

The Installation Process

Our customer service representatives will contact you to schedule a delivery date and time. Before your delivery date, be sure to get any building permits required in your area, and clear all debris and level the area (Installation checklist) on which you would like your metal structure installed. On delivery day, our installation team will arrive with all tools necessary to install the custom metal building on the level base.

If you need to have electrical wires or water pipes run, it is best to do this after installation. If electrical wires and water pipes have been run prior to installation, please be sure the pipes are marked and made visible for the installation crew. Also, call “811” to have any city or county underground wires or cables marked to avoid possibly puncturing these during the installation process. This is important to do for both the safety of the installation crew and to avoid damage or disruption to utility services.

The first step of the build is site leveling. So you need to arrange, align, level, and square the base rails. Once the structure is laid out exactly how the customer wants it, the carport installation team will start to secure the base rails. They will drill the anchors, and piece together your new metal structure. Each frame is pre-built on the ground before the installation team secures it into place on the base rail foundation. They will then raise the frame and make sure the structure is square and plumb before they continue with the rest of the building. Lean to framing (barns) is added after the center structure is square and plumb.

The team will then attach the metal siding, or in the case of carports the roof. Before the roof can be attached, Purlin is placed on the roof for strength. Steel roofing panels are installed starting with the 6” overhang and moving inward. By starting with the outermost layer of the roof the installers will be able to overlap the roof panels to prevent water or moisture from collecting near the top, and allowing for snow and dirt to roll off the roof.

The installation team will then frame out any windows or doors that you purchased, along with custom frame outs for you to install your own windows or doors. They will also install any garage door purchased through Carport Central.

If you need to have your building certified, please let us know at the time you order so we can get everything ready and have the blueprints to you before the steel building is installed.

If you plan to install a metal garage or a metal building, please let us know. Speak with our customer service representative to learn more.

Take a look below at some of the Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I install my carport on soil?

A:Absolutely, you can install your metal building to soil. Please let us know when you purchase your metal structure so we can provide the correct anchors. The best anchors to keep metal carports secured to the ground are mobile home anchors with augers at the end. This helps to keep the anchor secure in the ground and help the metal structure withstand high winds and rain.

If you install the metal structure on soil, we recommend laying down a layer of gravel. This helps prevent wear over time.

Q: What if my site isn’t completely level, but I don’t plan on certifying the building
A: If you don’t have a level site and don’t plan to certify your building, it’s ok. Our installation team can cut the leg length to match your installation surface when they arrive. Make sure that you purchase the tallest side leg height when you order from Carport Central so we will be able to adjust the height on site. Be aware that an additional fee will be charged to cut the leg height on site. Structures can be installed on a wall up to 3′. Talk to your Carport Central customer service representative for further details.

Q: Can you install the carport on an asphalt slab?
A: Of course! The installation team will bring with them asphalt anchors to secure carport or custom metal building. The asphalt anchors either have a screw like thread or have barbs on the shaft to keep the anchor secure. We do not recommend using expansion anchors on asphalt, as the pressure anchors push against the asphalt, and the pressure could cause the asphalt to crack and split. Asphalt is made up of small aggregate stones, all packed tightly together and the expansion anchors would push them apart. Make sure to let our customer service representatives know if you plan to pour and level an asphalt slab for your new carport or metal structure.

Asphalt should be poured ahead of time as well. We recommend 72 hours or more to allow for the site to set.

Q: How do you anchor to a cement foundation?
A:  The installation team will use a masonry drill bit to drill holes in the concrete. Unlike working with asphalt, while working with concrete it is better to use concrete expansion anchors. While the base rails are in place, the team will mark the location of the center hole and drill about 3”- 4” into the concrete. Once the hole is drilled, they will place a concrete expansion anchor inside the hole, tighten the nut, and secure the base rail. Additional steps are taken to secure the structure and prevent any movement from high wind or other severe weather.

Q: When should I pour the concrete or asphalt for my carport or metal building foundation? How big should I pour it?
A: Concrete will need to set for at least 72 hours, so make sure you prepare the installation site ahead of time so the concrete has the proper time to cure. You should pour a concrete pad exactly the width of your structure and 1′ shorter than roof length wise. If installed in the state of Florida they require concrete slab to be 3/4” wider and the same length as the custom metal carport you are installing.

Asphalt should be poured ahead of time as well. We recommend 72 hours or more to allow for the site to set.

Q: Will Carport Central install a metal carport over a dock?
A: Sure! If the structure will be installed on a non-floating wooden dock, please let Carport Central know when you place your order.

If the structure is to be installed over top of an irremovable structure there will be additional labor fees determined by structures length.

Q: What are the different kinds of anchors available and when should I use each one?
A: Anchors are one of the most important features! Anchors keep your custom carport or metal building from moving with rough weather. Each soil type has a special anchor that helps to keep the building fastened tightly to the ground.

• Asphalt anchors – Asphalt anchors are barbed to keep them secure to the material.
• Concrete anchor –When driven into the ground it expands for a more secure anchor.
• Mobile home anchor – These anchors have an auger at the end, and are best for attaching structures to soil.
• Rebar anchor – Used standard with all surface types except concrete, to secure structures

More information can be found on our blog, where we take a deeper look at all the steps needed for installing a metal carport or one of our trusted metal buildings. Read more and speak with our customer service representatives today!