Different Types of Anchors For Metal Buildings

Bulldog Steel Structures Has the Right Type of Anchor Bolts for Your Metal Building

There are many different types of anchors for metal buildings that can be used for installing carports or prefabricated steel buildings. After all, the anchors are what keep the structure firmly secured to the ground. If the anchors fail, the building will collapse.

Whether you’re building a carport from the ground up or having a prefabricated one installed, choosing your anchors wisely is of the utmost importance. Remember, your structure is only as sturdy as the connections it has to the foundation it’s built on.

What are the different types of anchors for metal buildings?

There are four primary types of anchor bolts for metal structures:

• Mobile home anchors: Commonly referred to as augers, these anchors are designed to keep a mobile home securely fastened to dirt or soil. Augers are driven into the dirt and attach well to the soil. To meet certified ground installation requirements, mobile home anchors are the only ones that will suffice.
• Concrete anchors: If you’re pouring a concrete base for your metal building, then concrete anchors will work well. These anchors expand once installed and should only be used in concrete because if installed in asphalt, they can cause the foundation to fracture.
• Rebar anchors: Commonly used for the installation of metal buildings, rebar anchors secure the structures to gravel or soil. It’s important to note that these anchors are not recommended for sandy areas. If you’re installing a building onto a foundation comprised of loose soil, an auger anchor will work best.
• Asphalt anchors: Designed exclusively for securing a building to asphalt, asphalt anchors do a great job because they don’t comprise the integrity of the asphalt.

Have questions about the best ways to anchor your metal building? Or ready to own your own high quality metal carport, garage, barn or other metal building? Contact us at (888)-551-2156 or request a free quote!

How do you know where to place the anchors?

Regardless of the anchors you use, they must be placed appropriately or they’ll be of no use. A certified carport or prefabricated steel building will come with instructions for where the anchors should be installed.

It’s crucial that installers follow these instructions as closely as possible. Not only will this increase the durability and longevity of the structure, but it will also improve its overall safety.

What type of foundation should the anchors be secured to?

Most professional prefabricated steel building installers will recommend you pour a concrete foundation. An experienced concrete engineer can help determine how deep the concrete should be poured and assess how long the steel anchor bolts need to be.

You’ll need to know ahead of time the suggested depth of the concrete and the recommended anchor bolt length because this will impact site excavation.

Simple Guideline for Anchor Bolts

The following guideline is a basic overview of anchor bolt requirements for prefabricated steel buildings.

1. All steel buildings need at least four anchor bolts (preferably more).
2. A cement anchor or rebar anchor must be installed according to exact installation directions.
3. Foundation anchor bolts should be installed perpendicular to the foundation surface (90 degrees).
4. If anchor placement is more than 1/16″ off from installation directions, it will need to be reinstalled.
5. To decrease shifting, anchor bolts should be in the shape of a “J” or an “L.”