You have bought a steel carport or are in the process of purchasing one, but now you want to secure it against speedy winds; what can you possibly do? Fortunately, there are ways to make your metal carport building weatherproof. How? It would be great to discuss some of the ideas listed below.

Below, We Have Listed The Top 10 Things That Can Save Your Steel Carport From Heavy Wind

Correct Design

If you are worried about high-speed winds, chances are you live in an area located in or near an extreme climate zone with frequent tornadoes or hurricanes. The structural design of your carport can make a difference. That’s why local zoning laws and building codes have guidelines to ensure that you and your neighbors both are safe and secure.

While buying a carport, verify that your metal dealer is giving you a design that complies with all your local rules. Any failure to do so may lead to a hefty fine or removal of the carport from your property. We will find out which design is best suited for high-windy areas further in this blog.

Certified Steel

Many metal dealers provide certain steel carports that are tested and certified against high-speed winds. It can be built to withstand wind up to 150 to 170 miles per hour. For extreme weather regions, these certifications are mandatory.

Proper Installation

No matter how high-quality metal carports are, if they are not appropriately installed or miss any screw or an anchor, they will become flimsy and may even collapse. That’s why you must opt for a professional construction crew for assembly.

Some metal dealers include shipping and installation in their final pricing and even offer free services so that you don’t have to wander around looking for people.

Foundation

The strength of the structure lies in its base. Hence, a solid foundation is essential for a sturdy carport. You can choose a concrete slab as a base for the best and long-lasting results. You can select an asphalt base, too.

The problem is most homeowners don’t like them as they add extra cost to their budget. Still, if you live in a highly windy area, you may be asked to install a concrete slab for the safety of the local authorities or HOAs. You must know that steel is pretty lightweight on its own, so a solid foundation is crucial to hold it to the ground.

Anchors

You must have seen an anchor to a boat. Their role is to hold the ship at a specific place. That’s precisely the job of steel carport anchors. If you are installing a new carport, you can ask the builder to provide you with an extra supporting anchor to your concrete slab.

If you are upgrading an already existing structure, you can add concrete bolts. For this, you will need to drill holes in the cement and base rail. Then, you can line up the holes and use concrete anchors at least 4 to 6 inches from the edge of the concrete. If you drill a hole near the edge of a concrete base, it may cause a fracture.

Sidewall

If you look at the structure of a metal carport, there is a base, roof, and some side pillars. But you can actually add side walls, too. Yes, as per IBC (International Building Codes), you can add at most two sidewalls, fully or partially, to cover steel carports. It adds extra stability to the design.

Yet, you must check if your local ordinance allows you to have sidewalls, as the rules vary with location and state. Adding more than two sidewalls may change your carport classification into a garage.

Roofing Style

Another factor is how aerodynamic your metal carport’s roof is. In simple words, wind glides over it without blowing it away. The best-suited roofing style in this kind of scenario is a vertical roof. They allow wind to pass over through its ridges’ valley without an obstruction.

Metal dealers highly recommend vertical roofs for metal buildings located in extreme weather regions or relatively larger.

Placement

Though you can install your carport anywhere, giving it a little buffer area would be best. How can you do that? Simply install your carport behind or beside your main property. First, it would give ease of access and prevent wind from hitting it directly.

In short, it reduces the wind force on the carport. But if you are not interested in placing your carport near your property, that’s okay. You can still use your property’s terrain. How? For example, if you have a hill, you can use the less windy side of it to install a metal carport. This will keep it secured and prolong the life of the structure.

Reinforcements

To retain the structural integrity of the steel carport, you can add the following to your new carport or even an existing one.

• Braces in between legs and roof bow
• Roof braces in between roof bows
• Structural trim
• Ridge cap if you have a vertical steel carport

Doing so will increase the durability of your carport.

Maintenance

Last but not least, cleaning your metal carport by removing all dirt, debris, twigs, or dead leaves on the roof (if any) and washing it with mild detergent will do it. You can check if any nuts or bolts are missing, which can weaken the structure with time.

As You Can See

There are numerous ways to enhance the safety of your metal carport from high-speed wind even after you have purchased it. However, you must buy your metal building from a certified dealer. It will ensure you have high-quality raw materials and a correctly installed metal structure with long-lasting durability.

Many carport dealers also offer DIY kits that you can buy to install on your own. Yet, be aware if you have no previous experience in construction, it would be best to let a professional crew handle the assembly part. Choose a steel builder who provides high-quality steel products and includes shipping and installation in the final pricing. This way, you can save time and money while ensuring your project is completed efficiently and effectively. So, don’t forget to ask about it. That may ease your work.