A Home for Your Car: Carport vs Garage Comparison Guide
Both carports and garages have pros and cons, ultimately with the same goal of protecting your vehicle from the outside elements. Although their purpose is the same, the structures are different…
What Is a Garage?
A garage is a completely enclosed structure with walls, roof, and an entrance. There are detached and attached garage options for your home. Detached means it’s not part of the house and attached means it’s connected to the house and has a door attached to enter the home.
What Is a Carport?
A carport is a semi-covered structure that stands on its own or attaches to a home. Carports are either fabric or metal and their roofs consist of posts or beams.
Appearance
There are different looks and styles to choose from for both carports and garages. Garages will always have fours walls and a roof because they are a completely enclosed room no matter if it attaches to your home or not. The siding and roofing material will match the rest of the property whether it’s built as a freestanding structure or attached to the house.
A carport will either be a metal frame with a roof, a permanent structure attached to the home, or a metal frame draped in fabric. Some carports have walls made out of stone, brick, or siding to match the house. Carports always have at least one side wide open allowing it to also serve as an outdoor patio area.
Durability and Protection
Both carports and garages can accommodate for unpredictable weather, hot or cold. A garage will offer more protection because the vehicle is covered on all four sides. It also protects against heavy rain, sleet, snow, and hail well because of its structure.
A garage offers more protection against theft because it has locks. You can set up the garage to be part of the homes’ alarm system if you have one.
Both carports and garages are able to provide vehicle protection from inclement weather. If you live in an area that has a lot of snow or frequent high winds, make sure you choose the appropriate material to withstand tough weather. We can help you with questions about snow loads and other weather related queries. There are durable carports available if you’re considering choosing a carport.
Storage
Garages can keep your vehicle safe and can also be used for storage. Some people also use their garages to hold their tools, garden accessories such as a lawnmower, and bicycles. You can even add a loft to a garage and have additional space.
Carports, on the other hand, are to store a vehicle and not normally used for the storage of other items. Since there’s always at least one wall missing it doesn’t offer protection from theft and complete protection from the outdoors or animals coming into the carport.
At CarporUS, we have combination carports that have storage areas in the back!
Permits
Garages are considered part of the living area which means permits and inspections are normally required. This can sometimes delay construction and raise budget costs.
Carports, on the other hand, aren’t considered living space, but you still may need a permit, depending on your local regulation.
Carport or Garage: That Is the Question?
Whichever option you choose, CarportUS is committed to installing the best option garage or carport for you. Contact us today to discuss your future project, or start designing your building here!
