Carports

Durable and Versatile Metal Carports

For a stylish and functional way to protect your vehicles from the elements, metal carports are an affordable and simple option for any property. These shelters are a practical solution for storing anything from boats to outdoor furniture. Choose from all-purpose fabric carports or metal canopies for cars that will conveniently blend into your backyard space, including an attached patio and freestanding carports. Choosing the right carport depends on your needs and what type of weather you need your carport to withstand.

What is a Carport?

A carport is a great option for protecting your vehicle from the sun and direct rain. Carports are typically constructed from four or more posts and feature either a metal or canvas roof. Although carports don't have any walls, the roof provides excellent protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can damage your vehicle's paint or even compromise the integrity of your vehicle's roof over time.

There are a few different types of carports, most notably steel or metal carports and fabric or canopy carports, as well as permanent and semi-permanent carports. Whether a carport is permanent or not will depend on whether you bolt the structure to a concrete slab. Of course, metal carport kits offer better protection because they are sturdier and can support more snow on the roof than their lighter fabric counterparts. That said, fabric carports are a great option in regions where heavy snowfall is less common, and they are also considerably cheaper. In some cases, fabric carports are even portable. If you would like more advice on choosing the best option for your home, check out our article on the pros and cons of metal vs. fabric carports.

The Pros and Cons of Metal Carport Kits

There are some pros and cons to metal carports. Let’s look at those now so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not a metal carport kit is the right choice for you.

Pros

• Great protection from the sun
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Easy to install
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Limited protection from rain and snowfall
• Not as sturdy as garages
• Unlikely to increase the value of your property

Fabric and Portable Carports

Fabric carports are a versatile choice when looking for shade coverage for your vehicle or other belongings. The ShelterLogic Monarc Canopy is a unique portable carport that is both easy to assemble and easy on the eyes. You will enjoy the sophistication this structure brings with its arch design, clean lines, and earth tone blends. This type of steel carport, with its easy assembly and bolt-together frame, can even provide quick protection from inclement weather in a pinch.

A fabric carport like the Monarc Canopy will protect from harmful UV rays at a fraction of the cost. But fabric doesn’t mean flimsy. It is constructed with a ripstop tough polyethylene fabric that is waterproof and UV treated. A fabric, portable carport is a great choice in climates where you aren’t anticipating heavy snow or damaging winds. This will provide you with quality coverage at a cost that won’t break the bank.

Metal and Steel Carports and Canopies for Cars

When you need unmatched durability and protection from Mother Nature, metal carports are a great investment. When you want long-lasting, all-weather protection, these carports are quality solutions that will stand the test of time.

For a carport that can withstand 100 MPH winds and a snow load of 35 PSF, look no further than the Carport from Arrow. This metal carport kit is specifically designed with inclement weather in mind, with a 10-year warranty! You can customize the width and length of your carport, from 10 or 12 ft. wide, all the way up to 100 ft. long. Covers are also available in some sizes. What’s so unique about this choice is it can withstand accumulated snowfall, which means your car, truck, or boat is safe from the elements. This high quality carport also includes:

• Premium powder coating provides corrosion and rust resistance
• Easy installation with slip-fit connections
• Heavy-duty galvanized steel roof in eggshell or charcoal finish

For metal carports made from hot dipped and galvanized steel entirely, this attached patio cover/carport or freestanding carport will prove to be resilient and durable choices.

The attached option is perfect as an awning on your house or trailer. It will breathe life into your entryway while successfully shading your belongings from sun damage. The vinyl-coating over galvanized steel has 5 times the coating thickness of standard steel buildings. And the 15-year warranty is a bonus!

The freestanding steel carport is also ultra-strong with exceptional rust resistance thanks to its construction. The added bonus with this choice is its easy assembly with pre-cut, pre-drilled and labeled parts to ensure a successful DIY project.

Carport FAQs

How much does it cost to build a carport?

The cost of a carport can have a significant range depending on the style, material and size of it. Basic canopy carports can be found for as low as $100 where a high quality metal carport kit with a custom roof style or steel structure can exceed $3000. Make sure you choose the right carport for your needs based on size requirements, quality and style. Shade, convenience and durability are just a few of the things to consider when building a carport. Also consider your needs, a utility carport that can be used as an RV cover or a larger recreational vehicle while a metal structure shelter can house cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.

Do I need a permit to build a metal carport?

Building permits are typically required for any building over 200 square feet, however this can differ based on where you live. Unfortunately when it comes to assembling a metal carport or garage kit with a steel frame there is not a universal answer. Checking with your local authorities for specific laws and policies in your town is recommended as each city will have different requirements for portable and permanent carports.

Does adding a metal carport increase home value?

In short, yes a carport can increase the value of your home. The estimated increase in home value has a large range between $750 to upwards of $8,000 or more. However, there are a number of factors that can determine the added value. A cheap aluminum carport kit may not increase your property value at all, whereas a permanent high quality steel carport or garage kit can be very valuable.

Should I choose a Carport or a Garage?

There are a few different factors that you should consider when deciding whether to purchase a carport or a garage to protect your vehicle. Specifically, there are four main factors that need to be considered: the climate in your local area, the size of your property, whether you rent or own your property, and the degree of versatility you need. For more advice on this topic, check out our article on how to choose between a carport and a garage for your home. 

What's the Best Climate for a Carport?

The weather patterns in your local area are of the utmost importance when deciding whether to choose a carport or a garage. A carport is best suited to hotter, drier regions that receive less annual rain and snowfall; this is because the fabric roof on a carport will not be able to support the weight of heavy rain buildup or snow. As such, if you live in a region that gets a lot of snowfall, then the roof on your fabric carport can be damaged relatively easily. Carports works very well in areas with year-round sun because they provide excellent protection from the sun and are also more affordable than garages.

How do you stabilize a carport?

To stabilize a carport, you should ideally anchor your carport to a concrete slab, as it provides the most resistance against swaying. The anchors should be buried deep into the concrete, and vertical points attached. You can also attach corner braces to each corner, use rebar spikes to anchor the carport, and add a snow brace on the inside of the roof’s structure.

Can I purchase the frames and canopy separately?

Frames and canopies can be purchased separately, as well as enclosure kits. In order to do so, you’ll need to know the carport’s model number and part number to the pieces you would like to order separately. To order these pieces, you can place your order with us at 1-800-932-9344.

Can you attach a carport to a house?

You can attach a carport to the side of a house, barn, or other structure to provide added stability to the system. If you are planning on building an attached carport, it is important to ensure that the roof slopes away from the home so as not to create drainage issues that could damage the side of your home.

Are metal carports worth the money?

Yes, metal carports are a great investment both in the resale value of your home and in the protection of your vehicles and other valuable property. Not to mention, investing in a higher quality metal carport from the beginning will ensure less time and money spent on repairs and replacements in years to come. Metal carports offer superior durability and strength, and when you shop with ShelterLogic, they’re easy to set up, saving you valuable time.

What is the difference between a detached garage and a shed?

There are a few key differences between our portable garages and sheds:

1. Size: First and foremost, most storage solutions marketed as sheds are going to be smaller than portable and detached garages.
2. Entry and access points: At ShelterLogic, our portable storage sheds have one to two wide openings for entry and roll-up door kits. Storage sheds, on the other hand, typically have a single or double swing door.
3. Flooring: While storage sheds will be like small buildings with a floor completely enclosing the space, portable garages do not come with flooring.