What Is a Carport?

The word “Carport” is a portmanteau of ‘car’ and ‘porch’ and is also known as car porch. A carport is a roofed and walled structure used to shelter a vehicle, usually parked or stored outdoors. Carports come in all shapes and sizes, with some being more like an open-air shed than a traditional garage.

Essentially, it is a roof on top of posts or columns that extends out over the vehicle. It provides protection from rain and snow and from damaging UV rays from the sun. Carports are also available in various materials, styles, and colors to complement your home or business. They are available in wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or metal structures. 

Modern carports are often used as an alternative to a garage because they are cheaper to build and maintain than brick or concrete slabs. You can attach it directly to the house or have a stand-alone structure with posts at each corner or side. 

If planning to build a free-standing structure, you’ll need to ensure that each post has a post base poured into the ground around it. It is then buried at least 2 feet deep before setting it into place.

A carport protects vehicles from the elements, especially cars, motorbikes, and other light vehicles. Its construction is an affordable means of providing outdoor living space for cars and a variety of other uses. They include storage for recreational vehicles and boats or a studio or workshop.

Can Carports Protect Your Vehicle From the Elements?

Protecting your vehicle from the elements is possible with a carport. It is a protective structure that covers a parked vehicle. You can make wooden carports or a metal carport and attach them to the side of your house. 

They’re not just for cars and trucks either. If it’s cold where you live, and your garage door is far away, a carport can keep your boat and RV safe from snow and ice storms.

However, the extent to which carports can protect your vehicle from the elements depends.

The way you install your carport can make the difference. Choosing a carport design that fits your needs and budget is essential to getting the best results.

A good carport will protect your vehicle from sun damage, rain, snow, and other harmful elements. But different types of carports available do this in different ways. Here’s how some standard carport designs can help protect your vehicle:

Gable Roofs and Overhangs

Think about how far away you want to be from the ground when you’re thinking about installing a gable roof carport. If you have a large truck or SUV, you may consider installing an overhang extending several feet over its front. 

It will keep moisture out of the engine compartment when it rains or snows — especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall during certain seasons.

Single-Wall Construction and Venting Systems

Some people like using single-wall construction because it’s easy to install, but the design isn’t as durable as double-wall construction.

Can Carports Increase the Value of Your Home?

A carport can also add aesthetic appeal to a home. If you are considering adding one to your home, you may be wondering if it will increase the value of your home. The answer is yes! Carports can increase the value of your home in several ways.

The most apparent reason carports increase homes’ value is because they provide shade and shelter from rain or snow. It makes them useful in areas that receive heavy precipitation. If you live in an area where heavy snowfall, having an enclosed space for your car will keep it from getting damaged during inclement weather conditions.

Carports also provide additional space for other items such as lawn equipment and tools needed for maintenance around the house or yard. You do not have to purchase additional storage units for these items. What is a carport space?  Carport space is an excellent option for those who want to park their vehicles in an open space but don’t have enough room.

If you’re looking to add additional living space to your home without taking up valuable land, a carport is a perfect solution. From providing shelter for your vehicles and other outdoor equipment to adding a stylish architectural element to your property, carports can be a good investment for homeowners and renters alike.

A great addition. Adding a carport can add curb appeal and value to your home or rental property in many ways:

It adds more space for parking and storage – especially if you live in an apartment or condo without ample parking.

A carport adds value to any home because it provides additional space for parking cars or storing items. It also adds aesthetic value to your property by creating an inviting entranceway. Guests will notice it when they arrive at your home for parties or get-togethers with family members.

While you can use carports for many purposes, the most common use is as storage areas. You can store boats, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles that don’t fit within the garage doors or shed. 

Some homeowners also use them to create additional parking spaces on their property. Hence, they have more room for entertaining guests at parties or other events like weddings and holiday celebrations.

The Different Types of Carports

The different types of carports can be hard to distinguish. It’s not just about the structure but also the location and how you use it.  There are many different types of carports. A few examples include:

Permanent Carport

You can attach permanent carports to your home and make them from wood or steel. They usually have a flat roof or have a slight pitch. This type of carport is permanent, but you can also remove it if you want to make room for other things.

Portable Carport

Portable carports are steel carports alongside other materials to withstand high winds and rainstorms. They come in different sizes, so you can choose one that perfectly fits your needs. 

Some portable carports have roofs that slant slightly towards the back so that water has a place to go when it rains heavily. Others have flat roofs without any slope, so there’s less chance of water pooling on top of them when it rains hard outside.

Aerodynamic Carport

Aerodynamic carports protect cars from wind damage while parked outside during bad weather conditions. They may include storms and hurricanes, which often come with strong winds, heavy rain, and hail storms.

 Aerodynamic carports are metal carports sturdy enough to withstand strong winds without blowing away or getting damaged.

A-Frame Carport

An A-frame carport is the most basic carport, and you can use it for sheltering cars and other small vehicles. It consists of two posts that support a slanted roof with two beams on each side that form an A shape when viewed from above.

Gable Carport

A gable carport has a roof that slopes down at both ends in a triangle or gable shape. Depending on the design, the carport can be standalone or attached to another building like an existing garage or house.

Lean-To Carport

Two parallel walls run along the length of your property line and meet at the front, forming an A shape from above. The wall facing your home has windows and doors. 

In contrast, the opposite long wall often has no openings other than an entry door near the front corner. It’s where it meets your home’s foundation wall or exterior wall so you can access your vehicle easily without having to go inside your home first.

Garage vs. Carport

In the past, carports were an affordable option for homeowners who wanted to protect their vehicles from the elements. Additionally, they were beneficial for those who did not want to maintain a garage.

Today, carports are still popular because they’re affordable and easy to build. However, they have some disadvantages that may make you reconsider whether building one is right for you.

When deciding between a garage and a carport, there are different factors to consider. Some people prefer integral garages because they offer more space for storage, while others prefer carports as they are more cost-effective than building a full garage.

If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, building a garage instead of a carport may be better. It offers more protection and insulation against the elements. Garages also have built-in lighting systems controlled manually or remotely through smartphone apps (e.g., Garageio).

However, if you’re looking for an affordable way to protect your vehicle from the elements, installing a carport may be the best option! But what is the difference between a garage and a carport?  A garage is an enclosed structure where you can park and store your vehicle. A carport is a roofed structure that protects one or more vehicles from the elements.

Garages have more space and can hold more than one car. You can store tools, lawn equipment, and even your favorite motorcycle in it. This type of carport accommodates only one or two cars. So what is the width of a 2-car carport? The average width of a 2-car carport is 12 feet.

Carports are less expensive than garages because they require fewer materials and construction steps. They’re also easier to install since they don’t require as much work as a garage. You need basic knowledge of using power tools like drills, saws, sanders, connecting pipes, framing walls, and painting surfaces.

Carports aren’t meant for long-term storage of vehicles because they are not secure enough against theft or vandalism. If you want an outdoor space to store your cars permanently after reaching their prime, consider building a garage instead of buying carport kits. 

Your choice of garage or carport is a matter of personal preference. A garage will be an obvious choice if you’re looking for enough space to store your vehicle and other equipment. However, if you’re looking for a place to park your car and nothing else, a carport may be more suitable.

Carports Advantages &  Disadvantages

Carports come with many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before deciding whether or not to install one in your driveway.

Advantages 

They are an affordable option. Carports are often less expensive than building an actual garage or shed. The cost and building permits of a carport will depend on the size and type of materials you use, but it’s generally more affordable than other options.

But what is the standard size of a carport?  The standard size of a carport is 10’ x 20’. It is the most common size because it is big enough to fit most cars and small enough to be affordable for most homeowners. However, there are many other shapes and sizes that you can choose from. The only limit is your budget and your personal preferences.

They are easy to install. Installing a carport won’t take long once you’ve chosen the suitable material. You’ll need to secure some posts into the ground where you want to locate the structure’s corners. After that, it’s just a matter of measuring how far apart each post should go and screwing them into place. You can also choose from several types of pre-built kits if you’d like to save yourself some work!

Carports provide extra living areas for you and your family members. If you have a large family or like to host parties at home often, having an extra living space could benefit you and anyone else who might be living with you.

It is especially true if there isn’t enough room in your home for everyone to have their room or getaway place. They can use it when they need some quiet time away from everyone else in the house. 

Disadvantages

Cost is one of the most significant disadvantages of installing a carport for your home or business property. The price of materials used to build these structures varies according to size, carport designs, and other factors, depending on where you live in the country. In addition to this upfront cost, there may be additional expenses involved with hiring.

Where to Find Top-Quality Carports

If you’re looking for a carport, you may be in for a little bit of trouble. There are so many choices that it can be challenging to find the best option for your needs. But where can you find a top-quality carport?

If you’d like to save money on your next purchase of a simple carport, you should consider buying used. Buying used is not only an eco-friendly option but also one that can save you money on your next purchase. Here are some places where you can find high-quality used carports:

• Craigslist

• eBay

• Local classifieds

It can be challenging to determine which brand is right for you with so many options available. Here are some of the best carport brands to consider:

• Sunlite

• Sheds Unlimited

• Dakota Carports

• Carport City

Conclusion 

Carports are an excellent way to protect your car, truck, or SUV from the elements. They can also add value to your home and provide extra space to store items such as lawnmowers and bikes. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. You will want to ensure that you choose a carport that fits your needs.

Some have clear spans, while others have solid walls on all sides. There are wooden and metal frames available for carports. The structures may consist of single or double walls, with or without ventilation openings. Carports may also have windows, skylights, and double doors installed for convenience and safety when working on vehicles inside them.