Considering a Carport

Your vehicles represent a substantial investment, so you want to do everything you can to protect them from the elements. If you have a built in garage, that’s wonderful, but if you don’t, a carport is a great substitute. What is a carport? It is a structure, typically featuring a roof supported by beams or posts, built to house a vehicle, primarily providing overhead protection from the elements. Carports are smaller, quicker to build, and more cost-effective than garages, and can increase the value of your home. Here, we’ll look at different types of carports, and the benefits of investing in one.

Benefits of Carports

Why would someone choose a carport instead of a garage? In some cases, carports are a better option. Let’s look at some advantages of a carport.

• Carports are easier to build than garages. Sometimes, they’re as simple as a roof with a frame, but even more complex carports only take a few days to install. Carports don’t have doors, windows, air-conditioning or electrical wiring, so they don’t always have to conform to building codes that apply to garages. What’s more, because carports don’t necessarily need a floor or even a concrete slab, it takes less time and money to construct them.
• Carports are less likely to become dumping grounds than garages. Because carports are smaller and less structured than garages, they are less prone to clutter. Therefore, a carport will always be available for its intended use: parking a vehicle.
• For homes without a garage, a carport adds value. When it comes time to sell the house, having a place to store vehicles makes the property more appealing to potential buyers. If there is not a garage, a carport offers an advantage by providing an alternative to parking on the street.

Types of Carports

Carports are made of many different materials, and Rocket City Metal and Portable Buildings offers pre-engineered galvanized steel framed structures in a variety of options. Metal carports are the most long-lasting, durable structures, able to withstand large amounts of rain and snow, offering the most protection for whatever you choose to store inside. Maybe you don’t need a classic carport in the sense that you don’t need to store cars. You can use a carport for many things, including storing your belongings or setting up a workshop. You can use carports for boats, for recreational vehicles, or even for hosting parties. Different carports have different features, to meet the needs of the unique person building the carport.

• Open sided carports are supported by beams or posts, rather than walls. They offer some protection for your vehicle and make it much easier to unload your car in the rain.
• There are different roof options available for carports. The most economical carport frame has rounded edges and panels that run horizontally or front to back. There is also a boxed eave style carport frame, with an A-frame look and horizontal panels. With either of these options, it’s recommended to upgrade to vertical if the structure will be larger than 36 feet in length. That way, you’ll avoid potential leaks at the seams. A vertical roof style carport is the strongest type of carport, with an A frame and roofing sheets running side to side, like a house roof, to allow for optimal drainage.
• Carports are available in a wide range of sizes. At Rocket City Metal and Portable Buildings, we offer everything from a one car carport to multi-car carports to large, commercial carports that are 40 feet wide.

Are carports worth it?

Deciding whether a carport is worth the investment means considering several factors regarding your home and property. Carports can protect your vehicles from natural elements like dust, leaves, rain, snow, hail, and UV rays. However, when the weather is severe, the carport might not be up to the task. It’s important to understand wind and snow load ratings, so that you can determine whether or not a carport is suitable for your area’s weather. The higher the rating, the better the durability during wind or snow storms. If your home endures high winds and heavy snow, it is a smart move to invest in a carport that is highly rated for these categories. No matter where you live, you can’t go wrong with a steel carport, which is extremely durable and is likely to be the highest rated for wind and snow.

Ultimately, a carport is typically a sound investment. They can protect vehicles from the elements, deter would-be car thieves, and provide storage space for your home. Whether you’re looking for a place to park your car, somewhere to store your tools, or space to throw a neighborhood barbecue, a carport makes a great addition to your house. Choose a carport that matches the style of your home, and you can add curb appeal to the list of reasons to get a carport.

Find Your Carport at Rocket City Metal and Portable Buildings

At Rocket City Metal and Portable Buildings, we want to help you turn your building dreams into a reality. The Tennessee River Valley’s premier dealer for the highest quality portable metal building on the market, we also offer various sizes and styles of metal carports, garages, barns, and more! Our flexible, adaptable, customizable structures can help you eliminate storage fees while keeping your possessions safe and adding value to your property. What’s more, we offer flexible financing and rent to own options, to make it easy for you to get the structure you need. Call for a free, customized estimate, in Athens at 256-678-9898 and in Meridianville at 256-678-9798, or contact us through our website.