Buzz
If you're looking for an affordable way to shield your vehicle from the elements, consider installing a carport.
Image by iStockphoto.com/Steve ShepardYour garage is overflowing with belongings: a workbench, bicycles, an artificial Christmas tree, and more. There's hardly space left for your cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Or perhaps you've recently bought a new car, and one of your vehicles has to stay outside. You've invested a lot of money in those cars, so you don't want the weather to ruin their paint. Plus, nobody likes scraping ice off windshields early in the morning.
A carport could be the perfect solution. Typically made from materials like aluminum or steel, carports protect your vehicles from harsh weather and direct sunlight. They're open in design, offering a lighter, airier feel. Furthermore, building a carport is often more affordable than adding to your existing garage. Whether it's a car, van, trailer, or boat, a carport could be just what you need.
If you choose to add a carport to your property, you’ll be adopting a design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned 20th-century architect. In 1936, Wright incorporated carports into his Usonian homes, which were simple, one-story dwellings with minimal storage space [source: Bagde].
Carports don’t have to be gloomy. If you work a second shift or enjoy nighttime activities like fishing, you might worry about visibility when you return home after dark. Fortunately, you can easily add a light fixture to your carport to ensure you won’t be stumbling in the dark.
A word of advice: Before purchasing or installing a carport, make sure to check your local zoning regulations. Many areas have rules about setback distances, and you may need a building permit. Avoid the hassle of buying a carport only to find out later that you’ve violated a local ordinance or building code.
Let’s begin by exploring metal carports as a potential solution to your storage and weather-protection needs.
Metal Carports
A quality metal carport can be constructed with aluminum panels and steel posts. This type of structure can withstand winds up to 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour), and a 10-foot (3-meter) carport made from these materials will remain standing [source: Crowell]. Additionally, a well-built metal carport can endure up to 40 pounds (18 kg) of snow per square foot (1/3 meter) [source: OnlineTips].
Steel carports provide several advantages compared to aluminum structures. They are more durable and tend to have a longer lifespan. In the long run, choosing steel could save you money. It’s also far cheaper than renting storage space for occasional-use vehicles like RVs or trailers. Steel is also low-maintenance [source: Home Furnish].
Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to help prevent rust caused by corrosive elements such as salt and moisture. For added durability, consider a carport with a one-piece roof design, which enhances the strength of the roof.
Carports can be installed on nearly any surface, so they can be partially attached to an existing garage or home on a concrete driveway. They can also be set up in a backyard on grass [source: Home Furnish].
When evaluating metal carports, be sure to check the gauge of the steel frame. This number indicates the thickness of the steel, which affects the carport's ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. The higher the gauge number, the stronger and more durable the carport will be [source: Home Furnish, Carmichael].
If your concern isn't so much protecting your vehicles but finding a more portable solution, portable carport canopies are the perfect choice! Keep reading for more information.
Carport coverings can be crafted from a variety of materials. Some feature chromadek, a type of steel sheeting, while others are made of fiberglass, which may come in either corrugated opaque or translucent forms. When shade netting or fabric is used, the structure is referred to as a shade port [source: Bagde].
Portable Carports
Many different situations can benefit from a portable or pop-up canopy. Here are some examples:
- You have hunting dogs in need of shelter from bad weather and the sun.
- At the other end of the animal world, you might build a rabbit hutch or chicken coop with chicken wire and a portable carport, offering protection from heat and rain.
- If you sell vegetables or crafts at outdoor markets, a portable carport will provide shade and protection from the sun.
- Preparing for an outdoor event or wedding and worried about rain? A special-event white carport canopy can give you peace of mind.
- If you run a business, portable carports are an excellent solution for parking spaces for employees or customers.
- Going to the beach and tired of getting sunburned or dealing with sand blowing around? A portable pop-up canopy is the perfect solution for a relaxing day.
While most portable canopies are open, you have the option to add removable sidewalls or choose an enclosed tent design. Smaller pop-up canopies are easy to set up, lightweight, and come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for personalizing your outdoor event.
Are you into DIY projects? If so, a carport kit might be the perfect solution for you. Keep reading to learn more about this budget-friendly option.
There are plenty of portable carport accessories available to suit various needs. Carrying cases and bags are handy if you use the carport at different locations. To increase stability, you can fill weight bags with sand or rocks and place them at the legs of the carport. For better security against theft and improved stability in storms, anchor kits are a great option. If you're using the carport for an outdoor event, canopy screen kits can protect you from bugs and the elements [source: CarportsUSA].
Carport Kits
Carport kits are available for structures that are either partially enclosed or open. A partially enclosed carport is ideal for storing vehicles that are used less frequently, like trailers, trucks, and pickups. These often include a service room at the back for storing accessories and tools [source: Metal Carports].
You can also purchase a spacious open metal carport kit designed to fit two vehicles or an extra-tall one suitable for an RV. If you have specific requirements, you can even opt for a custom-designed carport to meet your needs [source: Harmon].
Before buying a carport or placing an online order, it's crucial to measure the site. Ensure you have ample clearance to assemble the kit. Upon arrival, the package will include a cover, fittings, poles, and assembly instructions [source: Harmon].
Roof design options will vary depending on your preferences. Consider the style of your home, especially if you're attaching the carport to it. Should the roof be angled, gabled, or flat? Angled or gabled roofs are best in areas with heavy rainfall. Angled roofs can also be practical if the carport is attached to the house, with the roof sloping down to the wall [source: Harmon].
Now that you've explored carport designs, materials, and portability options, you're ready to make a purchase. Check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a discount for protecting your vehicle from the elements. You might also find great deals on used carports online. Websites like eBay and Craigslist are great places to start looking [source: Carmichael].
If your carport is located in a shady area, mosquitoes might become a problem. Here's a solution: Mix a tablespoon of lemon-scented ammonia with a tablespoon of lemon dish soap and water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it around the walls of the carport and house if they're connected. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, ensure there is no standing water in your yard [source: Center Deals 07].
