Are you in need to cover your car? Have you considered a carport? We understand that a garage can overwhelm the look of your entire property and that garages are expensive to build and maintain. There are several popular metal carports with a variety of roofing styles and structural variations. Each one has a different charm and appeal to it.
In case you are thinking that a metal carport will look like some blunt greyish structure, hold on to that thought. We have compiled some of the best designs that will blow your mind away. So, let’s begin with the first and the most basic one, i.e., an attached carport design.
Let’s Have a Look at Some Popular Metal Carports Design
1. Attached Carport
One side of this type of carport is attached to one side of the house. You can think of it as an extension of your home. It is the most common alternative to a garage since there are few parts to assemble, and less expensive.
It covers your vehicle yet lets air flow throughout the home. You can easily repurpose them as a patio, outdoor sitting area, or fire pit area.
Do you know what is the average size of a carport? For two cars, it is 20 ft. x 20 ft., while for one car, it is 12 ft. x 18 ft.
2. Detached Carport
These are freestanding carports that can be installed anywhere on your property. In recent times, detached carports have become more popular as they are easy to install without punching any holes in the house siding. They protect your car from direct sun, rain, and snow damage.
Further, many metal carport dealers provide 3D design tools to custom design your own structure. You can even envision it on your property.
3. Detached with A Lean-To Carport
Same as above, but will have extra space in the form of a lean-to. You can install a lean-to on one side or both sides of your metal carport. This will provide extra space for keeping items such as gardening equipment or workshop tools. You can even pursue your DIY wood projects and do all the cleaning after finishing your project.
4. Enclosed Carport
Usually, carports are open from all sides, but according to International Building Codes, a carport can be enclosed from at most two sides. This means you can either install full or partial sidewalls to your carport.
These types of carport are beneficial for rough weather conditions. If you want to use your carport to park your car and store it, an enclosed carport is the one you should go for.
Q. Do you know what is the average price of a carport?
It is $1,900 and above, depending on tour customization.
5. Single-Slope Carport | Flat Roof Carport
A flat roof is the simplest carport design you can find. However, they are not recommended as they often need regular cleaning since flat roofs do not let debris fall off the ground.
A single-slope roof is also known as a skillion roof. They are similar to flat roofs except tilted at an angle to facilitate the dirt and debris fall off the ground. They have a single flat surface as opposed to corrugated metal panels. None of these are ideal for areas with extreme weather conditions.
Q. Do you know how many roofing styles there are for a carport?
You can choose between regular style, box eave (horizontal), and vertical roofing styles, not just flat roofs and single slopes.
6. Solar Carport
Solar carports are growing in trend due to their practicality and usability in both residential and commercial spaces. You can generate free electricity out of it. A metal carport is best for installing a solar roof as it is sturdy, has a higher weight-bearing capacity, and is extremely durable.
Further, if you own an electric car, a solar carport can be your parking space and charging station. These popular metal carports are undoubtedly more expensive than non-solar carports, but they pay off itself in the long run.
7. Metal Pergola Carport
Do you want your carport to have a discreet look? If yes, a metal pergola carport is the best candidate for you. The metals used are generally steel and aluminum, as both are durable and strong. Both are lightweight compared to wood and can withstand elements.
This design has an adjustable louvered roof (slats) that can be adjusted to change the shade, light, and airflow. These are also not suitable for extreme weather conditions, though.
Q. Do you know you can DIY a carport?
Many metal builders offer DIY carport kits and portable carport if you keep changing your location every few years.
8. Cantilever Carport
It is similar to an awning. It has a single ground post from one side. You can choose them in long-lasting materials such as metal. They can be painted to give an elegant appeal. These types of carports are popular in commercial spaces as they give maximum utility in minimum space.
It is good for small cars and does not occupy much of the driveway area. You can have a cantilever 1/3 of the length of the joist that is supported. For snowy areas, you can opt for 1/2 of the length.
Q. Do you know what the best material is for a carport?
Its steel. It is one of the most durable, robust, high load bearing, fire and pest resistant, and prevents free housing for termite colonies.
9. Kaleidoscopic Roof Carport
Here, roof panels display a kaleidoscope of colors, such as pink, green, blue, etc. Some metal panels can also shift color from silver to lavender to mint green to silver blue using silicon dioxide platelets. If you are a huge fan of vintage look, you will love the colorful glass panels that will give off vibrant colors inside your carport as sunshine.
You can also use it as a garden patio or lunch area or organize personal gatherings under it. After all, who will mind pulling up to this parking area every day?
So It Seems
Among all kinds of carports available in the market, you can go for one that fits the bill and your budget. There are plenty of popular metal carport designs that you can discuss with your metal dealer before finalizing one for your lot. Whichever design you select, make sure they provide complete shade to your car.
Be transparent in your communication with the designer about your budget, needs, and wishes. This will enable them to design the best carport for you and further tailor it to your custom needs. Check up on the functionality and style that meets your priority.
