Carport Kits

With So Many Carport Kits Available, Which One Should You Buy?

Protecting your car from the weather can be difficult if you do not have a garage. Even if you do have a garage, it may not be big enough to hold all of the cars your family has. Between the rain, snow, sun, hail, and dirt, your car can take a beating if left outside. One way that you can save your car from the elements, is by investing in
one of the many carport kits on the market today.

As families become multi-car households, carport kits are becoming a popular solution to a lack of garage space. For many families, making their garage bigger is too expensive, and in some cases not even possible. When you are faced with the choice of expanding your garage, or leaving a car to brave the elements, a carport kit can prove to be a cost effective solution..

Most carport kits can be assembled in less than a weekend, and using nothing more than some normal household tools. Between the cost, the speed, and the ease of assembly, a carport may be a solution you want to look into.

There are many carport and metal building manufacturers to select from. Metal building kits are available for uses such as garages, storage buildings, shops, small sheds, rv covers as well as carports. Often the same manufacturer will many varieties of steel building kits, so it will be easy to compare the cost of a carport kit to a similarly sized garage kit. In some jurisdictions, a building permit will be required. Often times an engineer will be required to review and certify that the design is in compliance with the current code, particularly with respect with snow, wind and seismic loads.

For those looking for a less permanent structure, canopies are available, which are little more than a simple framed structure covered with a heavy duty tarp. Canopy kits are a good option where budget is the primary consideration. These are not recommended where heavy snow loads are encountered in the winter. Often these temporary structures
are designed with inadequate anchor systems and do not do well in heavy winds.

Once you have made the choice to invest in a carport, one of the biggest problems you will face is deciding which style you want from the many available carport kits. Carport kits come in all shapes, sizes, and building materials. All carports serve the same function, but the details of which style you choose, depends on many factors including, where you live, how many cars you need to house, and what space you will have to build your carport. You can find information
about some of the available styles below. I hope that the information you find will help you decided which of the carport kits would work best for you.

Styles

Carport kits come in a wide variety of styles making it easy to find one that fits both your needs, and your style. Here are a few of the most common styles of carport kits you can find.

The first of the two most common styles of carport kits is the stand-alone variety. A stand-alone carport does not attach itself to your house or garage in any way. The stand-alone carport may be a good option if your driveway is a significant distant from your home. Stand-alone carport kits also work well if you would like to add additional areas of parking and vehicle protection to your property. Stand-alone carport kits are available in a variety of sizes, roof styles, and materials.

The next most common style of carport kit is one that will attach to your house or garage. If your driveway is close to your home, an attached carport may be what you desire. Attached carport kits are often the choice of the people who have no garage, or would like to keep all of their vehicles in the same general area.

Roofs

Carport kits also come with a variety of roofing selections. While all of the roofing options will hold up to any type of weather, some work better for certain climates than others. The other important thing you will want to keep in mind is how the roofing style of the carport kit you choose matches the style of your house and/or garage. It is often best to keep your roofing style consistent between structures for aesthetic reasons. .

Angled roofs are the most common of the roofing options found among carport kits. Angled roofs can be found on stand-alone or attached carports, however, they are most commonly found on carports attached to a structure. If you live in an area that receives a significant amount of rain or snow an angled carport may be the best option for you. The angled roof allows rain to run off, and makes it easier to remove the weight of snow in the winter.

Another roofing option with carport kits is the flat top. The flat top roof is common to both styles of carport kits. Depending on the carport kit you purchase, a flattop roof may not provide as much protection as some of the angled roof carports. A flat top carport kit may be a good option if your home lacks angled roofing.

Materials

Carport kits are made out of many different materials. Carport kit frames are generally made of steel or wood. Both materials provide solid structural support. What the frame is made of is less of a concern than which material is used for the roof. The roofing on a carport is available in many different materials. The one you choose
depends mainly on personal preference.

The first option you have is a roof made of metal. One of the benefits of having a metal roof is you never have to worry about it ripping, or having rain damage. A metal roof is a popular option for many carport kit owners.

Another material commonly used for carports is wood. A wooden roof can provide the same amount of protection as a metal roof would. If your house or garage is made of wood, a wooden carport roof may be more visually pleasing. When purchasing a wooden carport kit, always make sure that the wood has been treated to withstand the elements it
will face outdoors. Treated lumber will provide protection from rotting and damage associated with rain, snow, and extreme heat.

Sizes

Like everything else these days, carport kits come in a variety of sizes. You can get carport kits that will fit two vehicles, carport kits that can be built onto other carport kits, and even extra tall carport kits to serve as shelter for an RV. As a rule, the bigger your kit, the more it will cost. Finding the right sized carport kit will never be a problem.

When purchasing one of the many carport kits available, there are a number of factors to take into account. It is often best to sit down beforehand and make a list of your needs and wants. As you search for your carport, make sure the one you select has everything on your list. You can often find better prices for carport kits online than you would at the local hardware store. Take your time, and make sure your carport fits all of your needs. In doing so, you can rest assured that the one you select will look great next to your house, and provide your car with the shelter it needs.

Here is a short video of detailing the assemble of a VersaTube Carport: