Tips for Buying Your First Carport

If you’re looking for a way to store and protect your automobiles from the elements without the need to build a garage, a metal carport is a terrific investment worth considering. With the durability of a high-quality, properly built carport, you can have the perfect long-lasting, all-weather shelter for your car that will stand the test of time.

A carport is a semi-covered structure usually supported by steel posts with a fabric or steel roof. These sturdily built, generally open-style designs are low-maintenance and perfectly complement any outdoor setting.

Metal carports come in a variety of forms, including attached, which are designed to connect to a home, garage, or other structure, and freestanding, which are intended for construction just about anywhere.

But in order to find a carport that ticks all the right boxes, you need to know exactly what you should be on the lookout for. To help you out, here are handy tips for buying your first carport:

1. Determine the carport size you need.

One of the key factors to consider when shopping around for your first carport is its size. So what size of carport do you need?

If you already have a garage, chances are you’ll just be needing some additional covered parking for your home, so a one-car carport might suffice. But if the carport will be your primary parking structure, then a two-car design would be a better choice.

In deciding on the carport size, you need to consider how many vehicles you’ll be parking there and the sizes of the vehicles.

One other thing, when deciding on the carport size, make sure the site for the carport is adequate for the size you want.

2. Decide on the placement of your carport.

So, you’ve finally chosen the right-size carport for your needs. Now, it’s time to ensure you have a suitable location for the placement of your carport. Remember that you need to find a place that will provide appropriate footing for the carport, as it will bear significant weight. Also, if you plan to cement the ground of the carport, make sure this is factored into your site choice.

Aside from these ground-related considerations, think of the height of the carport and see if there are obstructions, like cables or power lines and overhanging branches or nearby trees, that would affect the location you choose.

The main thing here is to factor in where exactly you’ll be positioning the carport before placing your order with a reputable carport supplier.

3. Choose a carport style you want.

Today, automobile owners are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying metal carports, especially with the customization options available. However, it would be best if you still narrowed down your options to a particular carport style after considering the following criteria:

• Freestanding or attached: Each type of carport has its pros and cons, so make sure to go over these. Let’s say you want a freestanding unit, but do you have the right space to accommodate the carport you want? If you plan to have an attached unit, do you have the budget for it?
• Amount of coverage: Coverage involves the roofing structure and requires protection from the sides. Your choice here depends a lot on your budget and the general weather conditions in your area. For places with generally calm weather, opting for an open-side carport is more affordable and practical. But if your priority is weather protection and security for your vehicles, then you can choose a carport with closed sides.
• Roof design: The most basic and affordable roof design is the flat roof. However, since a flat roof doesn’t drain water, it might not be able to provide the type of weather protection you want for your vehicle. How about one with a slanting roof or an A-frame carport? These types have more complex designs and tend to be pricier, but they are also more durable.
• Material: Choosing the right material for the frame and reinforcement ultimately determines how long your carport will last. Steel is a choice material in carport manufacturing as it is durable and lightweight, although other materials like aluminum and timber are also used.

4. Select a color that’s in harmony with your home.

Although your carport may not necessarily be attached to your house, it’s considered good practice to select a color that doesn’t clash with the overall aesthetic of your home. When you choose a color that complements or matches the theme for your home, it creates a sense of cohesion and consistency.

Once you’ve covered all the above items, you can consider yourself ready to buy your first metal carport.

Need help with designing or building your carport? Please get in touch with Metal Carports.