Vehicles, tools, lawn equipment, outdoor furniture, heavy machinery, and many other household items can be expensive, especially when they need to be repaired or replaced. To protect these items from the elements, a carport offers an affordable option that is also a great investment into your home. Whether you already have a garage or not, a carport could be for you.
What many homeowners do not know is there are several types of carports that can be customized to fit their needs. Craven Construction has been installing quality carports for over two decades. To help you understand carports and how one could fit your needs, we’ve put together this quick guide.
What is a Carport?
A carport, or steel structure, is an outdoor structure that provides protection from the elements for a variety of items. Houses without garages typically consider a carport as a viable option for car, boat, or RV storage. These steel structures can be designed to house several vehicles, including internal walls, and even a door if necessary.
Depending on the needs of the homeowner, a carport can be custom designed to house all of your vehicles, equipment, or tools. Read about the three different types of carports / steel structures available.
Three Types Of Carports Explained
1. Open Sided
Just as the name would imply, open sided carports will typically contain four metal posts with a roof, but open sides. Open sided carports or steel structures are great for protecting a vehicle, boat, RV, or camper from the elements. They are a great option for those who just need protection from the elements. On the flip side, open sided carports do not provide a lot of privacy, locking device, or side protection. Open sided steel structures are a cost effective way to stay dry when entering your vehicle or if the top of your equipment needs to be covered.
Example Uses:
- Vehicle – Create a space that has cover from the rain, snow, or excessive sun to keep you and your car safe.
- RV / Camper – protects the vehicle from sun exposure and keeps internal temperature at a healthy level.
- Equipment – If you have speciality equipment on your property that needs safeguarded from the elements, a carport can provide ample shelter.
- Freestanding Pavilion – If you entertain outdoors during the year, an open sided structure can provide essential shade and safety from the elements.
2. Attached
Again, as the name suggests, this type of carport is attached directly to your house. Similar to a garage, an attached carport is designed to connect to the roof with steel posts on the other side with a new roof connecting in the middle. An attached steel structure can be designed with or without exterior walls. Adding walls will give the structure a greater feel like a standard garage along with the additional storage it adds for outdoor equipment.
Example Uses:
- Vehicle – A space covered that offers a safe shelter to store a vehicle while giving an area out of the elements.
- Workshop – If you have a hobby that requires specialty tools or large equipment that does not fit in your home, a carport is a viable option.
- Sitting Area – An attached carport can provide a comfortable sitting area, close to the house, and out of the elements.
3. Full Enclosed
Steel structures can be completely enclosed and custom designed to fit your needs. A fully enclosed structure can be constructed anywhere on a property and include several rooms. This allows for space to store a vehicle, a quality workshop, and a space to lounge when all the work is complete.
Example Uses:
- Workshop – A fully enclosed carport can provide essential space and security for special tools and equipment.
- Vehicles – If you are a collector, have cars that are only driven when the weather is good, or you work on cars a lot, a full enclosed carport offers essential protection and safety for storage.
- Animal Shelter – A steel structure can provide essential shelter for an animal that does not live inside the home.
Read More Sample Uses For A Carport Here.
If you are interested in a new carport or steel structure for your home, contact Craven Construction today. Our team is experienced with designing and constructing any of these carports. Trust the expertise of our team and have the added peace of mind with our team being fully insured and certified. Call our office to schedule your FREE estimate and enjoy your new carport!
Interested In A Carport?
About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.