Technical Information

Alabama Metal Buildings: Concrete and Foundation Requirements

When installing your Alabama steel building or metal carport, proper anchoring is essential. Most of our steel building systems can be anchored to either concrete or directly to the ground. Factors like frost lines and soil conditions may influence the specific method, but here are the general guidelines for anchoring your Alabama metal building or carport.

Ground Mount – Used Instead of a Concrete Floor

Concrete Caissons (Engineering Available)

For ground mounting, we recommend digging or auguring post holes approximately 10 inches in diameter and 30 inches deep at each vertical upright—either every 5 feet or 4 feet, depending on the frame system you’ve purchased. Once the base rails are assembled, place them over the holes and secure your ground anchor to the base rail, with the remainder of the ground anchor positioned in the augured hole. Fill the hole with concrete for a secure foundation.

MR 68 Ground Clamps (Engineering Available)

The MR 68 ground anchor is similar to those used in mobile home installations. It features clamps that expand once tightened, affixed to a 30-inch piece of all-thread. Using a pounding rod, the MR 68 is driven into the ground using a large sledgehammer or smaller jackhammer. Leave about 6 inches of the all-thread exposed, over which the base rail is slipped. A nut is then placed on the all-thread and tightened to secure the base rail.

Straight Ground Mount (Engineering Not Available)

This is the simplest anchoring method, though not always preferred by engineers. Ground anchors are driven directly into the ground and attached to the base rails. While this method has been used successfully for years with metal buildings and steel carports, we recommend anchoring the four corners with concrete caissons for structures 20 feet wide or larger. The remaining ground anchors can be hammered in and affixed to the base rails.

Concrete Slab and Footing Requirements

There are two engineer-approved methods for pouring slabs and footings, along with a third method that has been successfully used for decades in Alabama counties.

First Method (Engineer Approved) Construct forms for a 4-inch thick slab using a minimum of 2800 psi concrete—thicker if supporting heavy vehicles or RVs. The footings will be 12 inches deep, with 4 inches accounted for by the slab. Reinforce the footings with 2 #4 rebar (or 1 #5 rebar) in a continuous loop around the slab perimeter. The slab itself should include #3 rebar on 24-inch centers or fibermesh reinforcement mixed in. If using fibermesh, ensure the concrete mix is at least 4000 psi to prevent the fibers from standing up during finishing.

Second Method (Easier and Engineer Approved) Below the slab, create an 8-inch deep footer that is 12 inches wide around the perimeter. Every 9 feet along the perimeter, auger a hole 8 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep. This method does not require additional steel reinforcement in the monolithic slab.

Third Method (Engineering Not Available) In rural Alabama counties, metal buildings have been anchored for decades using this method: In a 4-inch concrete slab, place #3 rebar on 24-inch centers. Around the perimeter, dig a 6-inch deep "turndown" using a shovel.

Buy Quality & Buy Direct from Waldrop Manufacturing!

At Waldrop Manufacturing, we are committed to continuous improvement in every aspect of our products. On this page, we’ll highlight key components of our metal buildings and steel carports and explain why our approach delivers superior quality.

Exterior Panels

We take steel panels seriously. Each panel used in our Alabama metal buildings and steel carports is made from steel with a minimum yield strength of 80,000 pounds per square inch (40 tons of pressure). This means the exterior of our metal buildings can withstand incredible pressure before "yielding" or "going plastic."

To protect these panels, we apply the industry's best paint system, ensuring long-lasting durability. 

Steel Frame System

Our metal buildings and steel carports are trusted by thousands of private and commercial customers across the country. Why? Because we consistently meet or exceed their expectations. We use 65,000 psi minimum yield strength steel in all our Alabama steel buildings, far surpassing the 50,000 psi steel used by many competitors. Unlike foreign steel from Mexico or China, our steel is tested, proven, and manufactured to the highest standards.

Alabama Metal Building Components Without Compromise

Base Rail System The foundation of any metal building or steel carport is critical. At Waldrop Manufacturing, we use an insert system in our base rails, avoiding any fabricated parts that could lead to weakened connections. We use rugged 14-gauge steel pins or inserts to ensure the base rail system is durable and reliable. Our 12-inch tall upright vertical insert pieces offer greater flexibility in adapting to any onsite irregularities in your land. The result? A stronger, more secure foundation for your steel building.

Side Walls – Easier Assembly and Stronger Structure It’s clear that a single-piece sidewall is stronger and easier to assemble than one made from multiple pieces. Fewer connections mean fewer potential points of failure and faster assembly time. Our single-piece sidewalls create perfectly straight, strong walls that can be easily adjusted in the field if necessary.

Peak and Eave Bends – The Power Bend Steel is strongest when it incorporates curves and angles, much like the body of a car. Our Power Bend process adds six additional surfaces and angles to each bend, enhancing the strength of our metal buildings and steel carports. Unlike the weaker crush or mandrel bends used by some competitors, our Power Bend maintains the steel's original integrity while adding strength and durability.

Our standard steel buildings come with a 3/12 pitch

Standard steel buildings eave height

Our Gambrel Barn Buildings come with a 9/12 pitch

Gambrel barn buildings eave height

Our High Pitch Buildings come with a 7/12 pitch

High pitch buildings eave height

If you need engineered plans for your metal building, carport, or other metal structure, Waldrop Manufacturing is here to help.

For those planning to build a metal building or carport in a county area of Alabama, engineered plans may not be necessary. However, if your project is located within an incorporated area, it’s important to check with your local building department to understand the specific regulations.

Working with Alabama municipalities is generally straightforward. Many of our customers have satisfied local requirements by providing drawings from us that detail the sizes and strengths of the steel used in their structures. While these drawings are not “wet stamped” by an engineer, they often meet the necessary criteria. If your project requires wet stamped, sealed plans, we can provide them for a fee. Three sets of stamped, sealed drawings, along with three sets of stamped, sealed structural calculations from a licensed Alabama engineer, are available for $650.

In addition to the engineered plans, you’ll typically need to provide a site plan showing the distances from lot lines and nearby buildings to ensure proper fire access. A hand-drawn plan is usually sufficient.

Before investing in engineered plans, make sure your project complies with setback requirements and other local regulations to avoid any issues when building your metal building or carport.

Some people prefer to avoid the permit process altogether, but it’s important to note that about 10% of these individuals eventually receive citations from their municipality for not adhering to regulations. We strongly recommend following the rules and obtaining the proper permits. However, if you choose to proceed with a “courtesy permit,” we suggest the following:

1. Verify Placement: Ensure that your structure is the correct distance from lot lines, other buildings, and other important boundaries.

2. Document Construction: Take photos of your footings, slab, or caissons during construction, using a tape measure to show depth. For footings, photograph the steel rebar in place before pouring concrete.

3. Communicate with Neighbors: Most complaints come from neighbors. Maintaining open communication can help prevent issues.

4. Follow Installation Instructions: Build your structure according to our installation guidelines to ensure it meets all specifications.

If your structure is later "red tagged," you can order plans from us and apply for the necessary permits. While this approach may work, it’s much easier to secure the proper permits from the beginning.

Professional Metal Building and Carport Installation

Waldrop Manufacturing partners with a network of professional installers who can efficiently erect your metal building or steel carport throughout Alabama and the Southeastern United States. For precise pricing, please contact our offices directly. As a general estimate, installation typically costs around 25% of the metal building’s price, plus any applicable mileage charges.

Do-It-Yourself Metal Building and Carport Installation

Waldrop Manufacturing’s metal buildings and steel carports are designed with simplicity in mind, making them a perfect choice for do-it-yourself installation. Our structures are engineered to use a minimal number of components, many of which are modular and interchangeable, ensuring easy assembly with common tools—even for those without prior construction experience. This user-friendly design benefits both DIY enthusiasts and the professional installers across Alabama who work with our products.

Key Features of Our Alabama Metal Buildings:

• Ease of Handling: Most models require little or no lifting equipment, with the heaviest component weighing just over 30 pounds.
• No Forklifts Needed: Waldrop Manufacturing’s metal buildings are easy to install, without the need for heavy machinery.
• Simple Assembly: Our Slip-Joint main frame parts make the assembly process quick and straightforward.
• Comprehensive Instructions: We provide step-by-step instructions, perfected through years of experience, along with customized drawings tailored to your specific order.