Garden sheds are considered Class 10a buildings according to the Australian Building Code, and as such, these structures must meet specific requirements to ensure their safety. Anchoring the shed to the ground is one such requirement.
Across Australia, these sheds must be securely fastened to the ground or concrete slab they sit on. This is especially important in Australia’s tropical northern climates, where high-speed storm winds could potentially damage a garden shed. Anchoring also adds stability to sheds on uneven or sloped ground.
Fortunately, securing your shed is a fairly straightforward process. Most small garden sheds, carports and other metal structures can be fastened to the ground with low-cost anchoring kits and some common household tools.
Why You Should Secure and Anchor Your Shed
After your garden shed has been built, the final step is properly anchoring it to the ground. Anchoring your garden shed provides many benefits. They include:
- Ensuring Legality: Your local building council will typically have rules in place for garden shed anchorage. Be sure that you meet or exceed these requirements because building violation fines can be costly.
- Add Strength and Stability: Steel and aluminium buildings are designed for durability and rigidity. Yet, without proper anchoring, this natural strength is reduced. First, anchoring the shed will ensure it never shifts or moves. Sheds on uneven surfaces are prone to shifting, which is prevented by anchoring. Additionally, some anchorage systems tie down the roof – in effect, applying downward pressure from the top – which helps to add rigidity to the outside walls.
- Prevent Damage: High-speed winds can tear apart non-secured sheds. So be sure you follow the manufacturer’s anchoring suggestions. The size and materials used to construct the shed will determine the type of anchoring system to use, as well as the number, spacing and depth for each anchor.
Types of Garden Shed Anchorage Systems
The type of anchoring system your shed requires will mostly depend on its size and the types of materials that are used in its construction. For example, aluminium sheds use different anchor types compared to wood sheds. The type of foundation will also determine the type of anchoring system to use.
Additionally, the size of the shed dictates how many anchors will be required as well as their spacing. In general, small sheds of about 1.5 m x .8 m will require about 6-8 anchors around its base: An anchor at each corner, as well as one in the middle of each side wall. Two common anchor types include:
- Auger Style Anchors: Auger anchors resemble large corkscrews and this type of anchor screws directly into the soil. The anchors are then secured to points on the garden shed via sturdy wire.
- Concrete Anchors: Large masonry bolts can help to anchor a metal shed directly to its concrete foundation. Typically, the bolts are fastened through the sheds metal floor deep into the concrete foundation.
A garden shed can be a welcomed addition to your home. But remember, for maximum sturdiness, the shed needs to be properly anchored. If you have questions about anchoring requirements or need guidance on how to anchor your shed, contact the team at Col Western Sheds today.
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