Complete guide to choosing the right carport to meet all your needs

Not only do carports protect your vehicle, but they are also a reasonable and more practical alternative to conventional garages. There are several varieties of carports to match the different needs, without necessarily burning a hole in your pocket. 

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You've come to the right place if you’re looking for an outdoor carport.

Table of Contents 

• What is a carport?
• Different types of carports 
• Key features to look for in a carport 
• How to pick a carport right for you
• Our top 5 recommendations for heavy duty carports
• Cleaning tips to maintain your carport 
• DIY carport ideas

What is a carport?

Carports are used to protect cars from harsh weather and other external factors with their covered tops. These canopy-like structures are usually installed outside the house. 

Carports came to exist in the early ‘90s following the advent of cars. Over the years they’ve become a budget-friendly substitute for an in-built garage. While some come with open sides, some designs offer full coverage. 

Carports are made in different sizes, and materials and come with a range of features. For instance, a heavy-duty carport provides a durable shelter for your car. 
Whereas, the more delicate ones can be aesthetically pleasing to compliment your home but are prone to weather damage. 

Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of factors to consider before purchasing your first carport such as size, space, budget, environment, design and more. 

Different types of carports 

Depending on the material they are made of, carports are mainly of three types. 

Metal Carport

Known for their durability, metal carports are weather-resistant and most suitable for regions with extreme, snow, rain or scorching sun. These are also cost-effective. 

Steel and aluminium carports are also heavy-duty carports and last a long time as the metal is galvanized, meaning they don’t rust easily.  

Fabric Carport

Carports made of fabric are usually portable and easy to assemble. Being flexible and lightweight, the fabric carport is more prone to wear and tear. 

Portable carports that are UV-protected are resistant to sun and rain. As they can be set up anywhere, fabric canopies are a great choice for picnics, garage sales, or even as a temporary shelter for your car. 

Wooden Carport

While the wooden structures are aesthetically pleasing, they are expensive and require regular maintenance. They are easily susceptible to insects and pets, which is the last thing you wish in your garage. 

Still, wooden carports are known to last long when taken care of and add great appeal to your surroundings. These are great value if you don’t mind taking a shot at being a handyman. 

Solar Carport

Solar carports are popular among businesses and organizations, which use large structures as opposed to personal use. In simple terms, they are parking spaces covered with PV panel canopy.

They generate solar power, thus optimizing large unused spaces and conserving energy within the community. These are cost-efficient and contribute to savings in the long run. Solar carports also require little to no maintenance.

Key features to look for in a carport 

It’s essential to keep in mind the below factors when getting a carport for your home.

Size

The length and height of carports vary depending on their purpose. For instance, some people prefer additional space to use as storage. 

However, heavy-duty carports are smaller than standard carports as strength overpowers space in their design. Metal carports are meant to withstand harsh conditions, so thicker structures tend to eat away at the space. 

The dimensions of the carport also depend on the size of your vehicle. A single carport would be around 10 × 20 to 12 by 24 ft, and this is suitable for single cars, SUVs, or vehicles of similar size. It can also be used as a small outdoor workshop. 

A carport between 20× 20 ft and 24 × 25 ft is recommended for two cars or bigger vehicles. Meanwhile, a triple carport, between 26 to 30 ft is ideal to house a large boat or a tractor. 

Clearance space

Aside from the size of your vehicle, you must also choose a carport that supports its height. It’s recommended to have at least 200 mm of space between the vehicle and the roof and the vehicle. 

Obviously, larger vehicles such as caravans or RVs demand more clearance. Carports with a larger overhang offer additional storage and protect your vehicle from various elements. 

As a carport is open from the sides, less space between the roof and the top of the car is ideal for better protection. 

Roof style 

The size and design of the roof determine the longevity of the carport. A larger roof tends to collect more snow or rain, making itself susceptible to structural issues. 

Larger carports are also less resistant to wind, unlike the smaller ones, which are less affected by external factors. 

Among the more reasonable styles are gable and flat roofs, which are common in most households. The gable roof has a triangular peak at the top of the roof, easily sliding down the snow or water. 

While, the flat roofs are simple, sleek, efficient and budget-friendly, they have a reputation for poor drainage. The debris easily collects on the top, thus making it less suitable for regions with harsh weather conditions. 

The vertical roof carport on the other hand boasts features like excellent drainage and is more weather-resistant. However, it’s more expensive than the regular roof and requires extensive labor to be installed. 

Functionality 

Carports have multiple functions, other than providing shelter and coverage. The modern designs come with intriguing features for an enhanced experience. 

The integrated storage compartments, lighting fixtures and enclosed or roll-up side panels for privacy are just some of the many features to consider while choosing a carport. 

If you’re keen on having more storage, we recommend carports with built-in cabinets or overhead racks. For added convenience, you can go for automatic lighting, such as motion-activated lights.

How to pick a carport right for you 

When selecting a carport, you must always consider the right measurements that benefit your vehicle and give you additional space for other uses. Here’s how you measure the space within which the structure is installed.

● Measure the length, width and height of your car. To fit more than one car in a single carport, you should also consider the minimum space between them.

● Now pick a spot ideal for the outdoor carport in your property. Measure the area and compare it with the dimensions of your car.

● Keep in mind the clearance space and extra room we previously highlighted. However, a heavy-duty carport wouldn’t occupy much area.

● Ensure there aren’t any instructions around or over the installation. Overhead power lines or utilities under the ground can cause major issues.

● Choose a carport that suits your purpose best. For instance, you can consider a fabric carport if you’re planning a road trip or a temporary shop for your business. Whereas, a wooden carport is ideal for a contemporary home in a pleasant environment.  

Our top 5 recommendations for heavy duty carports 

Below are our top 5 recommendations for heavy-duty carports that can withstand extreme conditions with multiple functionalities. 

GARVEE 10x20 Portable Garage Heavy Duty Carport Canopy 

Whether you want to safeguard your prized vehicle or throw an outdoor party during the monsoon, we have just the carport for you. 

The 10 x 20 Carport by GARVEE boasts enhanced durability, with roll-up sides for extra coverage and protection against natural elements like rain and wind. 

Available in three colors - Yellow, White and Grey -  the easy-to-assemble steel carport structure weighs ‎138 lbs. With adjustable height up to 10 ft, the heavy-duty carport is available for $451.99.

GARVEE 13x20 Heavy Duty Carport

The UV-resistant waterproof car canopy by GARVEE is sturdy and offers more stability, although it doesn’t require tools to set up.

The heavy duty carport is known to last longer than the average fabric structure thanks to its skirt design. 

The spacious carport provides a 13 x 20 ft coverage area, and it's compatible with all weather conditions. The open sides make it an excellent choice for small outdoor gatherings, especially on a sunny day. 

GARVEE 6x8 Portable Carport 

If you’re a biker looking for a solid canopy to protect your machine, which is also easy to bring with you on the road, look no further. 

The GARVEE 6x8 Portable Carport with a Rolled-Up Zipper Door and waterproof Garage is specifically designed for motorbikes. They can be set up anywhere in a few simple steps, and come with multifunctional storage space. 

Made of PE tarp material, the fabric carport is tear-resistant and protects your vehicle from all weather conditions. The compact carport costs $159.99. 

GARVEE 13x20 Heavy Duty Portable Carport

The sleek heavy-duty carport by GARVEE is worth every penny.  The 13x20 carport is perfect for parking a full-size truck, SV or even a boat and it only weighs 82 pounds. 

It is designed to provide maximum protection with its sunproof, waterproof and dustproof features. Made of alloy steel it is suitable for all weather and its roll-up doors offer easy access. 

The modern design adds a great appeal to your house and backyard, It is perfect for various occasions such as a workshop or a party and can be set up in less than two hours. The portable carport is available for $537.99.

GARVEE Waterproof Motorcycle Shed 

The compact 135.5 x 53.9 x 75.6 inches heavy-duty motorcycle shed by GARVEE is easy to use and weighs only 48 pounds. 

The portable garage is a universal fit and secures your motorcycle or bicycle with military-grade protection in harsh conditions. 

Made from Polyurethane, it is waterproof and offers UV protection. You can fold it with ease and pack it in an Oxford carry bag which comes with the shed free of cost. Additionally, it includes a black code lock in its design so you don’t have to worry about your possessions. 

the Waterproof Shed with a 600D Oxford Cover is available for $239.99 on GARVEE. 

Cleaning tips to maintain your carport 

The maintenance of a carport mainly depends on its material and design. As it is constantly exposed to elements such as wind, rain, snow and even dust, proper cleaning ensures its longevity. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance of carports prevent repairs and maximize their utility. Here are some basic cleaning tips.

● Frequently remove leaves, debris and first accumulated on the roof and in the corners. 

● Gently wash the surface and frames with mild detergent and water. Regularly check for signs of damage, rot or cracks in wooden carports. 

● Flat roof carports are notorious for collecting water, leaves and dirt, blocking the drainage system. The roof needs a timely inspection to avoid damage and sagging. 

● The hinges and sides in metal carports need to be lubricated regularly to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. It also prevents wear and tear. 

● Signs such as sagging roofs or cracks in the roof or foundations indicate structural damages and need expert attention. 

● Loose and missing bolts must never be ignored as they are essential to hold the structure together. Any missing bolt must be replaced immediately by a professional. 

DIY carport ideas 

If you aren’t willing to spend an excruciating amount of time, energy and money building permanent carports, try our suggestions for DIY carports. 

Freestanding carport - These free-standing carports aren't attached to any other structure. They can fully balance on four posts supporting the roof. Some of them can be permanently attached to the ground. 

Portable carports - Portable carports are mostly built from DIY kits and some of them can be prefabricated. They consist of metal frames attached to a sheet made of aluminium or the same material as the beams. Portable sheds are easy to move around as they aren't attached at the base.

Custom carports - Custom carports are slightly expensive, but they are built to your specifications. They can be sized differently and include custom features on demand. 

You can easily set up the below carports with little to no tools. They are also convenient to handle and pocket-friendly compared to conventional carports. 

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