Why Metal Carports are Ideal for All Weather Types
Many popular options for adding outdoor storage really only work well in certain climates. Weather patterns in other areas are too likely to damage these structures, resulting in varying options for carports and sheds depending on your local conditions. Metal carports stand out in this way by offering resistance to basically every weather condition that occurs in the U.S. Whether you live in an area where wildfires occur annually, deal with multiple feet of snow each winter, or worry about high winds and tornadoes in the summer, you can find a metal carport designed to withstand the threats. Find out why metal carports can handle so many kinds of weather conditions due to their unique design and material.
Rain and Flood Resistance
Even the most basic open metal carport designs are great at keeping rain off of your vehicle or belongings. If you occasionally experience serious downpours, you'll appreciate that the standing seam metal roofing used on these structures is much less likely to leak than the asphalt shingles found on most garages. Asphalt roofing can experience leaks even when brand-new if wind and heavy rainfall combine to force moisture around the edges of each shingle and under the surface. Metal standing seam roofs don't suffer from the same effect, especially when installed vertically rather than horizontally. Enclosed metal carports with sealed edges can also withstand minor flooding conditions to keep your belongings safe and dry.
Fire Proof Metal Construction
The steel used for metal carport construction can eventually bend or melt when exposed to extremely high temperatures for long periods, but other than that, they're practically fireproof. Since the steel can't catch on fire like the wood, vinyl siding, and roofing of a garage does, your carport won't accelerate the spread of fire across your property either. Fire will roll on by looking for more fuel, leaving your carport singed but likely without any other major damage.
Hail Damage Protection
With hail ranging in size from a pea to a softball, it's often one of the most damaging weather conditions that can occur in the majority of the country. Even small hailstones can fracture windshields, scratch paint, dent hoods, and otherwise ruin your vehicle's appearance and function. With hail often accompanied by rain, snow, or high winds, metal carports are the best choice for resisting this kind of damage. Hail rarely dents the thick metal roofing used on these structures, and if it does, you can simply buff them out and repair any scratches or chips to the coating. Compare this with the need to completely replace the asphalt shingle roof of a garage if it is significantly damaged by hail.
Wind Rating
Open carports, in particular, are prone to wind lifting due to the design of open walls so the wind can get in and under the roof. However, these structures are easily secured against winds of any speed with the right anchors and a concrete foundation. Enclosed carports are less likely to lift, but they still face a lot of shearing forces pressing sideways against the roof edge and walls. Look for wind-rated metal carports that have been designed and tested to withstand the highest possible winds in your area.
Snow Load Support
Finally, don't forget about snow. Snow is often ignored as a damaging weather condition because it seems fluffy and light as it falls. Yet with a maximum possible weight of 21 pounds per cubic foot, those flakes quickly add up to push down on a structure's roof with hundreds or thousands of pounds of extra force. Metal carports reinforced for snow loads will resist all this weight, while garages and sheds built from wood are much more prone to damage.While metal carports will last for years in every part of the U.S., they still need to be designed specifically to the challenges of your area. Work with a metal building manufacturer who understands what weather you experience on a daily basis to ensure you get a structure that will last.
