CLEARSPAN
™
CARPORTS
8
Revision date: 04.27.09
LAY OUT THE BUILDING SITE
After the site is prepared, identify the location of the shelter
corners to help square the frame after it is assembled.
Taking these steps
before
assembling the shelter saves
time and ensures that the structure is positioned as
desired. The following procedure is a suggested method.
Its use depends on the size of the shelter, shelter
application, the footings, and the method used to anchor
the shelter.
SQUARE THE SITE
1. Identify a corner where a building rafter will be
positioned, drive in a stake, and string a line the exact
width of the building and stake in place.
2.
Sting a line at least as long as the building from the first
stake at 90°.
NOTE:
A transit can be used to ensure an accurate 90°
angle, or the 3-4-5 rule can be used. Refer to diagram.
Using multiples of 3-4-5 such as 6-8-10 or 12-16-20
helps to maintain an accurate 90° angle.
3. After squaring the position of the building and placing
a stake at all corners, string a line between the stakes
to mark the base of the building.
If an optional ground post anchoring kit has been
purchased, the ground posts must be driven to the proper
depth. Width of the shelter is measured from the center of
one ground post to the center of the remaining ground post.
ATTENTION:
Skip this procedure and continue with the
rafter assembly steps if ground posts are not used.
Gather the parts:
• Ground posts
• Post driver
1. Identify a corner where a ground post will be positioned
and drive the first corner ground post into the ground.
One (1)
foot above
ground level.
Ground Level
Ground Post
NOTE:
Flip the ground post so the non-drilled end (no
bolt holes) is up and insert the ground post driver into
the post. Drive the post into the ground. When properly
driven,
the non-drilled end of the ground post will be
one (1) foot above the finished grade.
2.
After the first corner ground post is in place, string a
line the width of the building (30' center-to-center) and
drive the second corner ground post into the ground
just enough to hold it in place.
3. Use a transit or line level to drive the second corner
ground post to the same depth as the first ground post.
4. String a line at least as long as the building 90° from
the line between the first and second corner ground
posts.
5. After squaring the position of the building, measure the
length and drive the third corner ground post.
6. Repeat the same step for the last corner ground post.
NOTE:
The distance measured diagonally between
corner ground posts must be equal for the building to
be square.
7. Check all dimensions (and adjust if needed) before
driving the remaining posts to the required height.
8. After all four corner posts are accurately installed, tie a
string line between the tops of the corner ground posts
on the same side of the shelter. The string is used to
identify the tops of all remaining ground posts. The
string must remain tight and level.
9. Use a tape measure to mark the 5' on-center locations
of the remaining ground posts.
10. Drive the remaining ground posts into the ground at the
required 5' on-center width and to the height identified
by the string.
NOTE:
Verify that each ground post is plumb and
driven to the correct depth.
11. Continue with the
End Rafter Assembly
instructions.