Category Archives: structure information

Anchoring: Base Brackets vs Anchor Posts

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edit-Base Bracketanchor post photo

We offer two main types of anchoring for our structures: Base Brackets (left pic) and Anchor Posts (right pic).

Which one you decide to go with largely depends on your application and location. They are not to be used together, it is a one or the other option. No matter which option you choose, please be aware, there is no such thing as too many anchors!

Although the building can be anchored directly into the ground with Anchor Posts, it can also sit on a slab, curb or beam or it can be elevated on some sort of a wall. Base brackets with lag bolts are supplied standard to fasten the building to the chosen form of foundation. Anchor Posts are available at an additional cost.

Anchor Posts must be set into concrete when:

  • the soil has been recently excavated (within the last 5 years)
  • it is required by the building code (use of concrete usually classifies the building as permanent)
  • extremely windy and exposed areas exist (at least use on the corner posts)
  • more than 10% of the anchor post will be out of the ground (upgrading anchor post size may be needed)
  • there are areas where erosion has been a problem in the past

Anchor Posts SHOULD NOT be used (and base brackets used instead) when:

  • the soil is a very heavy clay (heaving would be a constant problem)
  • there is a shallow rock layer
  • there are major amounts of rocks interfering with the accuracy of anchor post setting
  • the structure will be moved shortly (anchor posts must be cleaned out before reusing)

**Recommendations are based on years of experience. Ultimately the customer is responsible to properly anchor a structure**
Please see our installation pages for a more detailed breakdown of this topic Base Brackets vs Anchor Posts

Preparing for Hurricane Teddy

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We had previously shared this ahead of hurricane Dorian last year but it is all still very relevant ahead of hurricane Teddy. Please be safe and prepare what you can. We at Multi Shelters will hold you in our thoughts this week

To our east coast customers, please note, with Huricane Teddy approaching, there are some key things you need to do to prepare and give your structures the best chance possible of surviving.

It is critically important to inspect all the greenhouses and their anchoring systems.

If you have anything extra which can be used as an anchor … use it in the direction of the prevailing winds.

Make sure that there are no loose ends of wirelock lock inserts or any plastic coverings.

Make sure that there are no frayed parts to any ropes on the tunnels and that the ropes are TIGHT.

If you see things coming apart during the storm and it is still safe to go out, cut the cover, it is easier to replace the cover then the whole structure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email or phone us this week, we will respond to every email and please, most of all be safe, our thoughts are with you

Livestock Shelter or Greenhouse?

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One of the questions we are often presented with has to do with customers wanting a structure for dual purpose. In itself, this could be considered as a wise strategy to get multiple uses for a building so that it can be used closer to year round.

The question which needs to be asked is “Are these complimentary applications?

One of these dual applications is for greenhouses and livestock shelters. There are a lot of similarities between the two with the most prominent ones being a double roof cover with air between and that they often have roll up sides.

Where the problem arises is that when you have a greenhouse, there MUST be a clear cover to allow the proper spectrum of light to come through to allow plant growth to occur. This level of light comes with heat which can easily be a problem for animals.

For a livestock shelter 90% of the battle is keeping them dry and out of the wind, cool is better then warm. If your animals will only be in the shelter during inclement weather, you will likely have more leeway in dealing with heat.

We have had customers who cover with single clear during growing season and the put an extra layer of white during the animal housing.

If you have any questions or concerns on how you plan to use your shelter, please call or email for extra input.