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Strong winds can do serious damage to metal sheds if they’re not anchored with the right method, or not at all. Even if they have some weight behind it, it’s not safe. The good news is that anchoring can be done with basic tools and skills. This guide will show you how to anchor a metal shed in different ways.
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How to Anchor a Metal Shed and Keep It Fixed
Stop your shed from shifting or tipping in the wind with these methods and a few tricks:
Fix your shed based on what it’s sitting on
Different ground types need different ways to secure your shed into the ground:
- Concrete base: Concrete is one of the most stable surfaces to anchor to. Use expansion anchor bolts or rawl bolts. Anchor all four corners, and consider adding extra bolts along the longer side if your shed is large.
- Soil or grass: Go with ground anchors, like a screw-in (auger style) or hammer-in (U-shaped) types. Drive or twist the anchors deep into the ground at each corner. Use heavy-duty straps or metal brackets to connect them to your shed’s base frame. Optional: Set anchors into small concrete pads for extra strength.
- Paving slabs: You can do the same thing with concrete, but with more caution. Use anchor bolts, drilling through the shed’s frame and into the slab. If the paving isn’t strong enough, place extra weight inside the shed, like slabs or sandbags, to help hold it down.
You may need to buy these anchors and other items yourself, unless you already have them on hand.
Or try a shed anchor kit
A shed anchor kit is the fastest option because it includes everything you need in one pack. Most kits come with:
- Ground anchors or bolts
- Fixing plates or brackets
- Screws and washers
Most kits are installed by anchoring each corner of the shed base to the ground. Some may also include extra brackets to secure the longer sides. Follow the kit’s instructions, as parts and steps can vary.
Tip: If you’re installing on soft ground, like soil or grass, look for a kit with screw-in ground anchors. For concrete or paving slabs, opt for a kit with anchor bolts designed for use on hard surfaces.
Use the foundation kit
Many metal sheds do not have a floor included, instead offering a foundation kit with which you can install your own floor. While you could simply install some floor panels on top of this, the foundation kit presents the opportunity to anchor the shed at the same time as giving you a standing surface.
The foundation kit usually consists of a steel perimeter frame and crossbars. You can fill this with concrete and attach the foundation kit to it using bolts at the anchor points (or embed the frame entirely). Alternatively you can use a combination of ground anchors on the foundation kit and then fill with gravel or other aggregates to form a weighty floor on top.
Reinforce with extra weight (optional)
After anchoring, you may go ahead and add some extra weight inside. Paving slabs, sandbags, or even water barrels will do. Place them near the corners and along the walls since that’s where the wind hits hardest. Spread the weight out evenly so one side isn’t doing all the work.
Maintain your metal garden storage anchors
You don’t have to check your anchors all the time, but they still need the occasional check. This is because bolts can loosen, parts can rust, and weather can cause wear over time.
Do this at least once or twice a year, and after storms or strong winds. That way, you’d know if you have to tighten loose bolts and replace rusted or damaged parts if there are any.
In case you see any standing water near it, chances are the gutters or downpipes nearby are blocked. Clear the debris and lay down some gravel or a soakaway trench so the water drains off instead of pooling.
Round-up
Now that you know how to anchor a metal shed, the rest comes down to keeping it that way. Make sure it’s well-fixed to the ground, add some weight if needed, and check on it from time to time. It doesn’t take much, but it makes a big difference when strong winds hit.
Head over to this guide, ‘Ultimate Yearly Shed Maintenance Checklist’ for more.
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