Top Metal Carports and Gazebos

Top Metal Carports and Gazebos

Carports can do a great job of protecting your car, truck, boat, motorcycle, garden machinery, and more from winter weather and summer sun. For those who don’t have a garage, a carport is an affordable alternative that can often be assembled in a few hours.

Deciding on the best carport can be difficult as there are many options designed to fulfill specific needs. Some are lightweight, temporary structures while others are more permanent. There are many different configurations, too.

Keep reading to find out the important details to consider, and learn about the pros and cons of some of the best carports currently available.

Before You Buy a Carport
Carports vary from simple shelters to durable enclosures that keep vehicles and equipment hidden from prying eyes. However, it’s fair to say that even locking models don’t offer a huge amount of protection from a determined thief. If security is a major concern, or the goal is to install a workbench, refrigerator, or other convenience, then it might be worth investing in a prefabricated garage.

Keep in mind that local zoning laws may prevent someone from installing a carport. There may be outright bans or restrictions on size or how close it can be placed to a neighbour’s property line, and a permit (and a fee) may also be necessary. Make sure to check with the local municipality before buying. Don’t make assumptions just because someone nearby has added a carport.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Carports
There are hundreds of good carports on the market with something to suit virtually every need. In order to get the right balance between features and value, each of the following aspects are important to consider.

Fixed vs. Collapsible
At the budget end of the market, collapsible carports are little more than a fabric canopy over a steel or aluminium frame. Good ones are nevertheless capable of protecting a car from bad weather or from strong sunlight that can bleach the car’s paintwork. Other models can have enclosed sides, zippered doors, and even windows. Other than cost, the big advantage with collapsible carports is that they are relatively easy to move from one place to another, and some can be easily packed away. However, over time, the fabric cover can degrade.

Fixed carports can be either attached to an existing building or freestanding. Frames are stronger than the frames of collapsible models. Roofs are steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate. These are usually intended as permanent structures, so plenty of thought needs to go into positioning.

Size
The floor space provided by a carport is obviously a key issue. While 10 feet by 20 feet is the most popular, we found those that range from a compact 10 feet by 10 feet to an enormous 20 feet by 29 feet. While most are used to protect cars or trucks, they can also be used for boats, motorcycles, garden tractors, mowers, and more. It can be difficult to visualize sizes, so it may be a good idea to tape out an area in the yard to represent the amount of space a particular carport will need.

It is also important to consider clearance height. The differences between a compact car and a large truck or a trailered boat are considerable. Be sure to check the door opening if the carport has one.

Protection
Many carports are open sided—not just collapsible models, but fixed ones, too. While these don’t offer the same level of overall protection as fully enclosed models, positioning them in a sheltered spot out of strong winds can help.

While enclosed carports provide much better defence against rain and snow, the roof and sides are invariably made of some kind of fabric. The strength and durability of this is then a key issue. Waterproofing and UV resistance are common. Nylon, polyester, and polyethylene offer good strength. So-called “ripstop” materials help prevent small tears from growing. It’s nice to find actual material thickness quoted, but often manufacturers just use phrases like “triple-layer” or “heavy-duty,” which aren’t particularly informative or helpful when trying to compare options.

Assembly and Installation
Carport assembly and installation is generally considered a job for at least two people. Although components are not particularly heavy, they can still be unwieldy. When it comes to assembling the roof, for example, it might well be necessary for someone to be standing on a ladder while the other person supports the components being fixed.

Many carports can be assembled with the tools provided, but it’s not always the case. It is an area worth checking when looking at products. There’s also the question of an appropriate surface. Collapsible carports can go just about anywhere, but fixed models generally need a hard concrete or tile base.

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