A metal carport is a convenient and multi-purpose alternative to a full-fledge garage. It helps protect your precious vehicles from the elements and provides you with extra space for lounging or storage.
Regardless of what you’re using your metal carport for, choosing the right one can be tough, especially if you have no clue about what you want or need. That’s why we came up with this comprehensive guide to help you pick out the perfect carport.
1. Consider Your Vehicle
You need to start taking into consideration the number and type of vehicle you’ll store to ensure proper carport sizing dimension if you’re buying a metal carport in keeping your automobile.
The type of vehicle determines the carport dimensions you need. A one-car carport can effectively accommodate regular cars and SUVs or a small truck. However, if you own large vehicles such as trailers, RVs, or heavy-duty trucks, you need to consider a double or triple carport for better accommodation.
In addition, if you have two or more cars to store, you should consider having a spacious carport installed. There should be enough space between vehicles so that the doors of each car can be opened freely without touching or hitting the other vehicles.
Furthermore, you also want to consider the height of your vehicle. Proper height considerations ensure that there’s enough clearance. RV or truck will require a taller carport, preventing them from coming into contact with the carport roof and getting damaged.
2. Compare Prices
Although carports are more affordable than garages, you still need to shell out a few thousand dollars. Metal carport prices will vary depending on the:
- Area where you live
- Size and style of the carport you choose
- Material gauge
- Installation cost
- Supplier
In general, carport kits range from USD$1,000 for the lower-quality ones up to USD$5,000 or more for the high quality or customized carports. Consider your budget, purpose and make sure to compare prices from different providers.
3. Steel Grade And Gauge Framing
The gauge and grade of the steel determine the strength and durability of the metal carport and how well it stands up under harsh weather conditions.
Metal carports can be found in two categories:
- 14-gauge framing
It’s the industry standard of frame thickness and the most accepted gauge for metal structures such as carports. A 14-gauge framing measures 2.5 by 2.5 inches in diameter.
- 12-gauge framing
Measuring 2.25 by 2.25 inches in diameter, a 12-gauge framing offers a higher tensile strength that provides higher wind and snow ratings. It is mostly recommended for areas with high winds or heavy snow as well as for carports 10 inches and taller.
4. Pick A Roof Style
The metal carport roof will primarily protect your vehicle against the element. In choosing the right one, consider the climate in your area. With that said, you have two options:
- Vertical Roof
A vertical roof is the best option, especially if you live in areas with heavy rain or snowfall. It allows rainwater and snow to exit off the sides. It is slightly more expensive because of the additional framing.
- Horizontal Roof
With a horizontal roof, the panels run from side to side. It means not great for areas that get a lot of snow or experience heavy rain. It is, however, better for areas with heavy winds. Plus, it’s also much affordable than vertical roofs since it doesn’t need hat-channel pieces installed.
5. Customization Options
In addition to the technical aspect of choosing a carport, another important thing you need to keep in mind when looking for the best carports is whether or not you can customize the structure.
While most pre-designed options can accommodate general homeowner requirements, make sure to look around for carport providers that offer customization options. This way, you don’t have to settle for anything less and get a carport that’s precisely made for you.
Whether you wish to add an extra window or door or want a roof that’s a bit higher to accommodate your customized tall vehicle, a customized carport will ensure satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
When planning to buy a metal carport, make sure to keep the above considerations in mind. This way, you can pick the right metal carport for your needs and expect to get years of reliable performance from this multipurpose home extension.