GETSUP buyer guide · Last reviewed September 18, 2026
A fabric shelter relies on its foundation and anchors to transfer wind, snow and operational loads into the site. Anchors are not generic accessories, and the visible surface does not always reveal the supporting soil or concrete condition.
Choose the shelter, site and anchoring concept together. Changing one can require a new review of the others.
Quick answer
Obtain the exact model’s reactions and anchor layout, investigate the substrate and drainage, then have the foundation and connections selected for the site and local requirements. Asphalt, blocks, soil anchors and containers are not interchangeable without documented design confirmation.
Start with the site, not the anchor catalogue
- Property boundaries, setbacks and approved shelter location
- Existing grades, drainage, flood/ponding risk and snow storage
- Native soil, fill, compaction, frost and groundwater conditions
- Existing asphalt or concrete thickness, reinforcement and condition
- Buried utilities and required locates
- Vehicle impact, door loads and operational traffic
- Access for drilling, excavation, concrete, lifts and inspection
Common support concepts and their questions
| Concept | Do not assume | Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Earth/ground anchors | Any anchor works in any soil | Anchor type, embedment, soil capacity, corrosion and installation/test method |
| Concrete slab/footings | Existing concrete is thick and reinforced enough | Condition, thickness, reinforcement, edge distance, anchor design and frost/site effects |
| Concrete blocks | Weight alone makes the system adequate | Block stability, sliding/overturning, connections, bearing and approved model detail |
| Asphalt surface | Bolting only to asphalt provides structural anchorage | What lies below and what engineered foundation/anchor reaches suitable support |
| Shipping containers | Every container is a sound foundation | Container condition, support, level, spacing, corner/rail connection and complete assembly design |
Request the shelter-side information
- Base-plate or leg layout and dimensions
- Anchor quantity, diameter, grade and edge-distance requirements
- Model-specific reactions or design loads at supports
- Required bracing and end-frame connections
- Tolerances for level, alignment and container spacing
- Approved installation sequence and temporary bracing
- Inspection, torque, retensioning and replacement requirements
Drainage and grading are structural maintenance issues
Standing water can soften soil, contribute to frost movement, corrode components and enter the storage area. Grade the site to drain away without directing water onto neighbouring property or undermining supports. Keep roof runoff and snowmelt paths in the plan.
A perfectly anchored shelter on a poor site can still become difficult to operate or maintain. Resolve access, mud, ice, door thresholds and snow storage before installation.
Installation quality-control record
- Approved drawings and exact delivered model available to crew
- Site dimensions, elevations and foundation locations surveyed
- Substrate/foundation inspection completed before covering work
- Anchor make, size, embedment, torque or test results recorded as applicable
- Frame plumb, spacing, bracing and connections checked
- Cover installed and tensioned in permitted weather conditions
- Doors and end walls adjusted without removing required bracing
- Photographs, deficiencies, corrections and sign-offs retained
- Owner receives inspection and maintenance schedule
Ongoing inspection triggers
- After initial installation and first retensioning interval
- Before and during seasonal severe-weather periods
- After high wind, heavy snow, impact, flooding or ground movement
- When cover tension, doors, base plates, anchors or bracing change
- After repairs, relocation or modification
- At the intervals in the manufacturer and engineering documents
Frequently asked questions
Can a storage shelter be installed directly on gravel?
Only when the exact foundation and anchor design is suitable for the soil/fill below the gravel and the site conditions. Surface appearance is not enough.
Can I anchor a shelter to asphalt?
Do not rely on asphalt alone without a documented design. Anchors may need to extend to suitable soil or engineered concrete below.
Are concrete blocks a substitute for footings?
Only if the complete block, connection and stability design is approved for the exact shelter and site. Weight alone is not proof.
How many anchors does a shelter need?
Use the exact manufacturer/engineering anchor plan. Quantity cannot be selected from shelter area alone.
Can I use different anchors than the kit?
Only with written manufacturer or qualified engineering approval for the exact substrate and load path.
Do ground anchors work in frozen soil?
Installation and performance depend on anchor type, soil and procedure. Follow project-specific requirements and do not improvise in frozen or disturbed ground.
Can shipping containers support a canopy?
Compatible systems can use containers, but container condition, foundations, spacing and connections must be checked as part of the complete structure.
Who is responsible for site preparation?
The contract should state who handles survey, utility locates, grading, drainage, foundation, anchors, inspection and corrections. Product supply does not automatically include site work.
Related GETSUP resources
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Contact GETSUP · 905-569-8898 · info@getsupinc.com · Local pickup at 2585 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.