Using Canopies - Where to Place and Anchor One
So, you bought a canopy, such as a portable garage or a carport, and want to set it somewhere on your property. However, canopies can't be placed just anywhere. The first factor to consider when adding such a structure to your home is what it will be used for. Canopies can be used for everyday shelter, such as a carport, or permanent storage. The latter is particularly common for seasonal vehicles like boats and RVs during winter. Additionally, local zoning laws may restrict where such a shelter can be placed, and the shelter itself needs to be anchored into solid ground.
The first factor to consider when adding a canopy shelter is location. Where will you need the shelter to be? In the case of carports, the canopy ideally is placed over a driveway for a car to pull into the shelter. But, if the structure is merely used for storage purposes, it can be placed in the back of a home where a driveway doesn't extend. But, in such cases, many communities have zoning laws regarding where these storage shelters - and even carports - can be placed. In most cases, having one behind a home or building is perfectly fine - as long as it's not visible. Carports, on the other hand, may also be restricted to the back of the home, if building codes prevent a canopy from being near the front of side of a property.
Once you've picked out the location that suits your needs best, the next step is to anchor the shelter. Anchoring canopies allows you to experience their full benefits, such as a stable roof and frame that won't collapse from snow or wind. This is often done by setting the steel legs of a canopy in concrete and then planting the shelter into the ground. Other methods include using metal anchors to hold the structure in place. The latter method is preferred if you plan to move the canopy at a later date.
Once a canopy has been set in place, the polyethylene material can be added. Although most canopies use polyethylene and steel, some are fully enclosed and others use a valance-style roof.