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Secure Aluminum Ramps and Steps for Hurricane

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A hurricane anchor and strap are the most reliable way to keep any outdoor aluminum ramps, steps, or canopies secure.

If the product is made and installed by Upside Innovations on concrete, the product should withstand winds from a category 5 hurricane. On concrete, we always install ramps and steps using 3/8” wedge anchors, and canopies are secured with 5/8” wedge anchors. The brand we use is Red Head. If the product is installed on asphalt, we may use asphalt anchors. Below are some of the common anchor types used for securing exterior ramps, stairs, and canopies.

Anchor Options for securing Stairs and Ramps

Anchor Options for securing Stairs and Ramps

Wedge Anchor

Concrete wedge anchors are the perfect choice for heavy-duty applications that require a secure hold. These anchors are extremely popular and offer one of the strongest possible bonds, making them ideal for securing materials and equipment to solid concrete or masonry surfaces. Wedge anchors look and function like a sleeve anchor, but feature a smaller sleeve near the bottom of the anchor. This design provides added holding power and makes them ideal for use in challenging applications.

  • Drill a hole with a diameter equal to the nominal anchor hole at least 1/4” deeper than nominal anchor embedment; align the holes with the holes in the ramp, step, or canopy footplates.
  • Clean out the hole with pressurized air or a vacuum.
  • Hammer the hurricane anchor into the hole, but do not hammer the nut as it will ruin the threads.
  • Upside typically uses Red Head wedge anchors


Asphalt Anchor

Asphalt is relatively weak when it comes to anchoring structures to it. As the name implies, asphalt anchors are ideal for attaching items to an asphalt surface and are installed by drilling an oversized hole, adding expanding cement or low shrink epoxy, and then pushing in the anchor. After curing, the bolt can be removed.

  • Drill a hole in the asphalt that is equal to the diameter of the anchor; make sure the holes in the asphalt align with the holes in the footplates.
  • Fill the hole with grout.
  • Push in the hurricane anchor.
  • More detailed installation instructions at BoltHold Anchor Installation Guide

Hard Rock Anchor

Hard rock anchors are designed for applications that are solid rock with rods that are driven into the rock.

  • Drill a 5/8” hole 5.5” deep and on a 90° angle on the center of the anchor location for the pilot stud.
  • Drill (2) 3/4” holes at 45° angles using the anchor head as a location guide.
  • Place the rod through the top of (1) square tube and into the hole.
  • To achieve minimum allowable pullout resistance, drive the rod at least 24” into the surface.
  • Place the second rod through the other tube.
  • The distance from the square tubing to the ground surface should not exceed 1”.
  • Use the strap to wrap around the cross-bracing of the ramp or step; secure the strap with the bolts and nuts at the top of the anchor.

If the product is resting on soil: you can secure it by using an earth auger anchor.

Auger Anchor

Auger anchors are easy to install and screw directly into soil, sand or gravel.

  • Use a metal rod through the eye of the anchor to drive it into the ground.
  • Wrap the strap around the cross-bracing of the ramp or step, and loop through the eye of the anchor.

Still don’t know which product is best? Give us a call.

Our Services

Our team designs, manufactures, ships, and installs ADA & IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies to fit YOUR custom project. Our experts will work with you throughout the project to ensure your installation is correct to your specifications and code-compliant.

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