Dreaming of a new carport, but your land is not flat? You are not alone! Not every property has a smooth and flat surface for construction, but that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. With the right planning & materials, you can install your side entry metal carport even if the land isn’t perfectly flat. Let’s see some practical tips and step-by-step guides on how to install steel carports on uneven terrain.

Get To Know Your Terrain Before Steel Carports’ Installation

1. Assess The Slope

Identify The Uneven Terrain – Start with identifying the slopes. These are gentle inclines or declines in the land that are manageable by excavation or filling. Next, identify steeper hills with pronounced slopes and note any rough patches like irregularities in the surface, bumps, dips, etc.

How To Measure The Slope? You will need a level and a measuring tape. Place the level on the ground where you plan to install the carport. Lift the end on the level till the bubble is at the center and measure the distance from the raised end to the ground.

• Divide the measurement by the level’s length to get the slope; e.g., if the level is 24 inches, and the lift is 2 inches, then your slope is 2/24 = 1:12.

2. Soil Types And Their Impact

Different soil types will affect the installation & stability of the steel structures. Let’s see how:

• Clay – It is dense and holds water, making soil heavy and slow to drain. It can cause the foundation to shift due to expansion and contraction with a change in moisture level. Thus, this type of soil needs proper drainage solutions.
• Sandy – It is loose and drains quickly, which helps avoid waterlogging. It is generally less stable and may need additional reinforcement to prevent shifting. It is ideal for lightweight structures.
• Loam – It is a balance of sand, silt, and clay, giving good drainage and stability. It gives an ideal base for construction as it supports stable foundations and resists soil erosion.
• Rocky – It contains a mix of rocks and soil, which offers good drainage but can be difficult to dig. You may require special equipment for installation, but it gives a solid foundation for the carport structure.

3. Potential Issues With Uneven Land

Water Runoff – Uneven terrain can lead to water logging or improper drainage, which can cause erosion and rust on posts with time.
What to Do? Ensure proper grading and install gutters with downspouts to redirect water from the metal carport.

Soil Erosion – Slopes and hills can lead to soil erosion, which can compromise the stability of the foundation.
What to Do? You can adopt soil erosion measures like retaining walls, ground covers, erosion control blankets, etc., to avoid erosion.

Hidden Obstacles – Uneven land can have hidden rocks, roots, and other obstacles that can interfere during the installation process.
What to Do? Conduct a thorough site survey and remove any obstacles before laying the foundation.

Choosing The Right Foundation For Steel Carports

Concrete Slab

• About – It has a flat, durable surface for metal carport installation. You can lay concrete mix with reinforcement on-site and let it completely cure (for about 28 days) before installation.
• Pros – It is strong and can bear heavy loads easily. It requires less maintenance once installed correctly. It is a highly stable and level surface for a carport structure.
• Cons – It can be expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to remove once installed.
• When to Use – If your local soil type is stable & has good drainage, like loam, you can choose a concrete slab of 4 inches thickness. For heavy traffic areas, you can opt for up to 8 inches in thickness.

Gravel Bed

• About – It is a layer of gravel that is crushed to create a stable base. You have to excavate about 4 to 6 inches of topsoil and install geotextile fabric (to avoid weeds & avoid mixing gravel with soil), then add a base layer of gravel (3 to 4 inches) with a top layer of gravel (2 to 3 inches).
• Pros – It is affordable and allows water to drain effectively, reducing the risk of water pooling. It is easy to install, and you can do it yourself.
• Cons – It is less durable and may need regular leveling to avoid shifting. If left without maintenance, weeds can grow through it easily.
• When to Use – A gravel bed best suits sandy and well-draining soil types. It is ideal for moderate traffic & semi-permanent structures but not good for heavy traffic.

Pier Foundation

• About – It is individual concrete piers placed at specific intervals to support the carport building. The piers must be about 24 to 36 inches deep, well below the frosting line. Ensure piers are 6 to 8 ft. apart, depending on the size and weight of the carport steel frames.
• Pros – It can be used on uneven or sloppy terrain and is highly cost-effective. The Pier foundation needs fewer site preps and less excavation.
• Cons – Pier foundation may not offer the stability of a concrete slab and requires precision measurement & placement. You may have to conduct regular checks for adjustments.
• When to Use – A Pier foundation is suitable for rocky and clay soil types where excavation can be difficult. It is also ideal for sloppy and uneven terrain.

Asphalt

• About – It is a mixture of aggregates and bitumen that is commonly used to make roads. It is a durable and flexible material.
• Pros – The asphalt base can withstand heavy traffic and heavy load. Being flexible makes it less prone to cracking and can be quickly installed (compared to concrete).
• Cons – Asphalt needs regular maintenance (sealing and patching) and is heat-sensitive, which can cause deformation.
• When to Use – Asphalt foundation is suitable for carport metal buildings with heavy vehicle traffic and ideal for well-draining soil like sandy or loam.

Choose The Right Anchoring For Vertical Roof Carports

1. Importance Of Anchors For Stability & Safety

Anchors attach the steel frame of a carport with its foundation. Proper and correctly chosen anchors ensure the stability of the metal car shed and prevent it from shifting, tilting, and being damaged by strong winds. Improper anchoring can lead to collapse, accidents, or costly repairs.

2. Types Of Anchors

• Concrete – This is meant to be a concrete foundation for a stable hold and is suitable for heavy-duty carports in windy areas.
• Ground – It can be driven into soil, dirt, and grassy surfaces. You can use ground anchors with sandy or loam type of soil for a temporary or semi-permanent carport.
• Auger / Mobile Home – It has helical blades that allow anchors to be screwed into the ground for a stronghold. You can use it for clay or rocky soil base and in areas with high-speed winds.
• Asphalt – This is meant to be used for asphalt foundations in driveways or parking lots. Asphalt anchors can be used when a permanent and stable foundation is needed. It suits heavy-duty carports exposed to high wind loads.

Installation Tips For A Side Entry Metal Carport

• Preparing The Site – Clean the area and remove all the obstacles, including vegetation. You can use a shovel or rake to level the ground or a bobcat/ professional to level large areas. Once done, mark the area (edges) using string for foundation.
• Setting The Foundation – Depending on your property’s soil type & terrain, you can choose a foundation we discussed above.
• Assembling the Carport – Usually, your metal building dealer and team will do this. They will install the frame, roof, panels, and accessories to complete the structure.
• Drainage Solution – Install gutters with downspouts to channel water to a collection tank. Identify what might create water pooling and remedy it. You can dig a trench to divert water away from the carport.

Ensure a regular and scheduled inspection of the carport, especially the roof and foundation, for structural integrity and longevity.

Take The Next Step In Installing Your Side Entry Carport On Uneven Terrain

By following these practical tips and understanding the specifics of your terrain, you can easily install your side entry steel carport on uneven ground. You can consult with a soil inspector for professional advice and tips. So, what’s your lot soil type & which foundation have you chosen for the carport building? Share it with our readers.