Anchors: What You Need to Know
American Steel Carports uses 4 types of anchors or tie-downs when installing your carport. Rebar anchors (pin anchors) are used for standard installation on ground, gravel, clay, or sand. We also offer asphalt anchors, concrete anchors, and mobile home anchors (MHA) as an upgrade option for ground installation.
Installation:
Standard rebar anchors measure approximately 36” and are hammered through the base rail and into the ground. They are what is commonly used for ground installations, but many customers like to upgrade to mobile home anchors for the extra durability. Unlike rebar anchors, MHA (30”) are screwed into the ground and latched to the side of the base rail with a bolt. Mobile home anchors can also be added to your unit to give you an extra wind warranty. The suggested amount of mobile home anchors would have to be purchased to ensure the wind warranty, however.
Asphalt anchors are also latched onto the side of the base rail with a bolt and are approximately 30”. Concrete anchors are installed like rebar anchors, drilled through the base rail and into the concrete. Asphalt and concrete anchors can also guarantee the wind warranty when the suggested amount is purchased. The wind warranty is optional.
Concrete Slab:
When having concrete anchors installed, you have the option to also purchase L-Brackets, which will ensure that we do not chip the edge of your slab if you choose to make the building flush with the concrete. If you allow a lip of 3” or more of slab around the building, L-Brackets are not necessary. For more information on slab requirements, please contact us!
Site Readiness:
Anchoring is an essential part of carport installation, so having a level site is crucial. We suggest that the slope difference be no greater than 3 inches. Our installers can refuse to install on unlevel ground. To ensure everyone’s safety and per company policy, our installers will not install a carport or metal building unless they can ensure that it is properly anchored. We only install on ground, gravel, asphalt, and concrete. We do not anchor to railroad ties, cinderblock, storage containers, floating docks, or brick. Please contact our main office to inquire about installation on surfaces other than what was mentioned above.
You can always refer to our contract or contact us at (866) 730-9865 for further information on choosing the best anchors for your building and site installation.