Don't forget the Canvas Shelter Anchors

As portable fabric storage shelters become an increasingly popular cost efficient outdoor storage solutions, consumers must take extra care in assuring that the shelter is properly anchored.  Lack of anchoring and incorrect anchoring is one of the most common causes of damaged shelters and its interior contents.   Unlike conventional wood, vinyl, and brick exterior buildings, fabric shelters do not have the proper weight to maintain stability in harsh weather environments.    A variety of shelter anchoring systems exists depending on the application and mounting surface.  Potential purchasers must thoroughly investigate the type and quantity of anchoring needed for their application.

One of the significant advantages of canvas storage shelters is that they can be mounted to any surface including concrete pads, asphalt, gravel, dirt, rocky soil, sand, wood rails, metal storage containers, and even concrete block walls.   Many consumers, business owners, and contractors mount these fabric structures on walls to provide additional clearance or height for items such as machinery or equipment.   Regardless of the application, the manufacturer will offer the proper anchoring mechanism depending on customer application.

Base plates are ideal for all shelter mounting applications

Most fabric shelter frames consist of round steel tubing which is swaged for single pipe truss applications.  Without the use of base plates, the tubing end would be contacting the resting surface which would allow for easier “sinking” of the pipe into the ground because of the low amount of surface area.   Base plates provide a “flat” higher surface area for “anti-sink” properties.   Base plates are required for mounting surfaces such as concrete pads, wood rails, wood header walls, and asphalt.   Most base plates have pre-drilled holes for insertion of wood lags and concrete anchor bolts.

Auger anchors or ground posts for dirt surfaces

Many consumers chose to place the fabric shelter on“dirt” or gravel type surface.  These applications require auger anchors or ground posts.   Auger anchors and ground posts can vary greatly in length.  However, as a general rule, longer anchors will provide more holding force the fabric shelter.   Auger anchor typically have a “spade” plate which is welded to the bottom of metal rod.  The spade plate is inserted in the ground with gravel or dirt being used as “backfill”.   Ground posts are typically driven into the ground using a weighted hammer.   Ground post can also be utilized to increase the height of the shelter.

Sufficient shelter anchors required

Fabric storage shelters are available in a variety of sizes and styles depending on customer applications.  These units provide an excellent value based outdoor storage alternative, however, portable shelter owners must acquire the correct and sufficient number of anchors to properly secure their unit.