Covered parking is an important factor in protecting the investment made in vehicles, and businesses are discovering that carports are a very affordable option to large warehouse parking. But savvy business owners are also discovering that these very functional structures offer many more benefits than just a place to park vehicles.
Vehicle Protection
Covered parking not only protects vehicles from the damage caused by prolonged sun exposure but it also protects vehicles from rain and snow. Business owners in cold climates are seeing a great increase in productivity when their employees are not forced to scrape snow and ice from vehicles before beginning their day’s work. In addition, the carports provide the perfect location for basic vehicle maintenance such as checking the oil, tire air pressure and coolant level.
Outdoor Seating
Businesses that require outdoor seating are also finding carport structures very beneficial. Theme parks, local and neighborhood parks and businesses that have outdoor entertainment features are using carports to offer patrons a shaded area for dining or relaxing. Carports are also very useful when creating outdoor classrooms at schools, parks or other facilities.
Entertainment Pavilions
Outdoor concert venues are gaining in popularity as patrons enjoy the natural setting. But the outdoor environment can pose issues for performers. As a result, many venues are installing large carports to provide the entertainers with the shade needed to protect equipment and have some respite from the heat.
Outdoor Showrooms
Many businesses which offer outdoor furniture, playground equipment or even construction equipment are purchasing large carports to function as outdoor showrooms. Not only does it provide protection from the sun for their sales staff and customers, but it also allows them to install lighting for use at night. The open ends of the structure also make it very simple to move items into or out of the showroom area.
Community Pools
Community and private swimming pools use carports to provide large shades areas for swimmers as they are taking a break from the pool. These structures offer a variety of sizes and can be installed very easily. And possibly the best feature is that carports are much more cost effective than other types of shade structures.
Carports are not just for residential covered parking any more. Businesses are learning that they offer many uses far beyond the traditional function. And the availability of combo carports that offer secure storage makes them even more useful in many business applications.
When you begin to consider adding covered parking to your property, you will quickly learn that you really have two choices. A carport does provide a covered parking area but it is not fully enclosed. A garage offers a fully enclosed structure complete with a door and possibly even windows. There are several factors which will have an impact on which selection will best meet your needs.
Climate
One of the big reasons that homeowners want to have covered parking is to protect their vehicle from the elements. But different climates have some very different weather issues to take into consideration.
If you are in the southwest where the sun blazes down on vehicles for over half of the year and can result in temperatures exceeding 150 degrees in a closed car, then shade is the desired goal. A carport will provide the shade that you want to protect your car’s finish as well as some relief from an ultra-hot car when you open the door. The same carport will also provide you protection from the few days of rain that the southwest experiences each year. But living in the north where snow is possible for 6 months or more each year, a garage is more suited to your needs. Your vehicle will be protected from the blowing snow as well as being insulated from the subzero temperatures.
A carport, if large enough, can provide some protection from the elements for items such as lawn equipment or bicycles but it really doesn’t offer the ability to secure tools, a workshop or storage for items like Christmas decorations or sports equipment.
A garage, on the other hand, does allow for added storage in cabinets as well as a designated work area. An additional benefit is the fact that all of the items stored in a garage can be secured with door locks and even a security system if desired.
If money is not a consideration, then a garage could possibly work to solve more than just one issue for you. Having a place to park that protects your vehicle and a place for added storage allows the garage to meet two needs for the cost of just one structure.
Weigh Your Options and Needs
Covered parking is always the best option to protect the investment in your vehicle. But the climate that you live in and your desire for added storage space and workspace can make a garage a better solution to meet multiple needs. Investing some time and thought into your needs and your budget will allow you to select the option that will be best for you.
Metal Carport/Garage Combo Kits: The Best of Both Worlds!
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “should I get a carport or a shed?” Have you ever wished your carport had a bit more shelter available or wished you could lock something up in your carport?
What you’re describing — whether you realize it or not — is a combo structure.
These unique, highly functional prefabricated building designs incorporate aspects of both carports and storage sheds or garages to create a perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. Usually consisting of an open-sided carport attached to a small, fully enclosed shed, these steel combo units provide the perfect combination of access and protection to care for all your prized possessions.
Why do you need a combo storage building?
While carports can be very versatile and have a lot to offer, there’s no getting around the fact that you can’t keep anyone out from under your carport if they want to get in there. Likewise, if you’d like to have a convenient sunshade or shelter from the rain when you’re entertaining guests, it’s probably not going to work well to force everyone inside your storage shed.
That’s why a combo carports can be so beneficial. It can offer the best of both worlds: open access and versatility under the carport, and secure protection in the enclosed shed.
What’s more, if you already have two structures on your property to offer these benefits, a combo unit can pull them together on an overall smaller footprint to leave more room for other things.
To see all the different variations available in prefabricated combo kits, view our catalogue!
How to choose the right combo kit for your needs
Choosing the right combo building comes down to understanding what you want and need out of a prefabricated structure. As noted above, if you’re just looking to protect your car or other items from the worst of the rain and snow, a carport will do that for you. It’s going to be less expensive than a larger combo unit and much quicker to build. You just need to determine what size you need, then consider color, style, and materials based on your preferences.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a perfect mix of the form and function of both a carport and a storage shed, a prefab combo building is your best option.
Should you order a DIY carport combo building kit or hire a professional?
While it is possible to save a little money ordering a do-it-yourself steel building kit off of Amazon and having it shipped to your house, we’ve found that a lot of business owners underestimate the time and labor required to properly construct a quality prefab building. Additionally, the cost of shipping is probably going to be substantial, since the kit you receive is going to be very heavy.
In our professional opinion, your best option is to let a team of professionals handle delivery and installation of your new combo unit for you. And, that’s not just because Carport US offers some of the best installation services in the nation, absolutely FREE with your purchase of any storage building. It’s also because we’ve been to many properties over the years where the owners have gotten a DIY kit partially erected before throwing in the towel and calling for help. Or, they’ve completed a DIY kit, but then needed to call us in to install the replacement that they had to buy when their “project building” collapsed.
To get a high-quality combo structure on your property that’s going to stand the test of time and function well for the price, you should really have a professional install it for you.
What to look for in a prefabricated combo builder
The most important factor you’ll want to consider when searching for a prefabricated storage structure builder is an experience.
And, that’s not just a matter of how many years a given contractor has been putting up steel structures. Years of general experience is important, but experience with the particular kits and materials you’ve selected is even more important to ensuring the success of a project.
If you hire an installer who’s put up a hundred carports, but hand him a design or set of materials he’s never worked with before, he only has a slight advantage over your mailman or hairdresser when it comes to constructing that combo structure. There’s bound to be a lot of trial and error and he’s not going to be as fast or efficient as usual.
On the other hand, a contractor who’s put up a hundred combo units identical to the one you’ve ordered is going to be able to hit the ground running and not look back. You’ll have the best quality construction in the quickest turnaround time, and that means the highest customer satisfaction rating possible.
What makes CarportUS.com combo building kits the best in the business?
CarportUS.com may be a relatively new website, but the professionals behind it have decades of experience selling, installing, and maintaining steel storage buildings across the country. That’s why you can be confident that any combo building you purchase from CarportUS.com is going to be the very highest quality, delivered safely and securely, and installed by experts with loads of experience.
Our prefabricated metal combo units are rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph, and snow loads up to 35 pounds per square foot. Additional leg bracing, upgraded anchors, and other optional enhancements can extend that level of stability even further.
Our economical pricing and quick lead times are driving more and more customers to purchase our buildings as opposed to traditional red iron buildings. And, with 14 colors to choose from, we’re sure you’ll get exactly what you want.
If you find a combo structure in our catalog that you like, we’d be honored to deliver and install it ourselves at no extra charge. We’ve put up hundreds of metal combo structures all over the east coast, and we’re highly experienced with every kit we sell. Contact us to discuss your options is you have any questions at all.
Metal Commercial Buildings: The Business End of Prefabricated Steel Structures
If you’re running a business, funding growth and expansion is a continual balancing act. You can’t ignore the need to support growth, but, at the same time, you can’t overspend on potential and disrupt necessary cash flow for immediate needs.
That’s the main reason so many business owners are turning to prefabricated metal commercial buildings when they need to set up an additional workspace, storage space, or other facilities for their businesses. Prefabricated steel structures are less expensive and much faster to erect than traditional buildings of similar size and function, and yet they can accomplish nearly any purpose you can imagine for businesses that demand the best from their facilities.
Why do you need a commercial building?
The most common reasons why people purchase metal commercial structures include the following:
Need more production space
Need more storage space
Need a more secure facility
For business owners who have started their businesses out of their own homes or garages, or have begun in a small facility, but have outgrown the space, a prefabricated commercial building can be a cost-effective and highly functional means of expanding the available space for manufacturing, testing, or even office space.
If the company requires a lot of storage space for raw materials, finished product, or parts, supplies, tools, and vehicles, a prefabricated metal commercial building can be just the thing to offer flexible warehousing.
Finally, for businesses that have acquired a number of valuable assets over the years and are beginning to realize the need for better security and protection for all those valuable items, a steel structure can be a simple and inexpensive way to secure what would otherwise be left out in plain sight.
To see all the different variations available in prefabricated commercial buildings, view our catalog!
How to choose the right commercial building
Choosing the right commercial grade steel building comes down to understanding what you want and need out of a prefabricated structure. As noted above, if you’re just looking to protect your car or other items from the worst of the rain and snow, a carport will do that for you. It’s going to be less expensive than a large commercial grade building and much quicker to build. You just need to determine what size you need, then consider color, style, and materials based on your preferences.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a permanent shelter that’s going to offer complete protection from the elements, security for your possessions, and/or give you space to conduct business, what you’re describing is a prefabricated commercial grade building.
Should you order a DIY commercial building kit or hire a professional?
While it is possible to save a little money ordering a do-it-yourself steel building kit off of Amazon and having it shipped to your house, we’ve found that a lot of business owners underestimate the time and labor required to properly construct a quality prefab building. Additionally, the cost of shipping is probably going to be substantial, since the kit you receive is going to be very heavy.
In our professional opinion, your best option is to let a team of professionals handle delivery and installation of your new commercial building for you. And, that’s not just because Carport US offers some of the best installation services in the nation, absolutely FREE with your purchase of any storage building. It’s also because we’ve been to many properties over the years where the owners have gotten a DIY kit partially erected before throwing in the towel and calling for help. Or, they’ve completed a DIY kit, but then needed to call us in to install the replacement that they had to buy when their “project building” collapsed.
To get a high-quality commercial grade building on your property that’s going to stand the test of time and function well for the price, you should really have a professional install it for you.
What to look for in a commercial grade builder
The most important factor you’ll want to consider when searching for a prefabricated storage structure builder is an experience.
And, that’s not just a matter of how many years a given contractor has been putting up steel structures. Years of general experience is important, but experience with the particular kits and materials you’ve selected is even more important to ensuring the success of a project.
If you hire an installer who’s put up a hundred barns but hand him a design or set of materials he’s never worked with before, he only has a slight advantage over your mailman or hairdresser when it comes to constructing that commercial grade building. There’s bound to be a lot of trial and error and he’s not going to be as fast or efficient as usual.
On the other hand, a contractor who’s put up a hundred commercial buildings identical to the one you’ve ordered is going to be able to hit the ground running and not look back. You’ll have the best quality construction in the quickest turnaround time, and that means the highest customer satisfaction rating possible.
What makes CarportUS.com commercial grade building kits the best in the business?
CarportUS.com may be a relatively new website, but the professionals behind it have decades of experience selling, installing, and maintaining steel storage buildings across the country. That’s why you can be confident that any barn you purchase from CarportUS.com is going to be the very highest quality, delivered safely and securely, and installed by experts with loads of experience.
Our prefabricated metal barns are rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph, and snow load up to 35 pounds per square foot. Additional leg bracing, upgraded anchors, and other optional enhancements can extend that level of stability even further.
Commercial grade buildings are built with two things in mind: durability and strength.
We build our structures to exceed our customers’ expectations. With our engineered truss system, we can reach widths of up to 60′, and 16′ tall. Full customizable, these buildings are great for protecting large construction equipment, semis, building materials, farm equipment, and more.
Our economical pricing and quick lead times are driving more and more customers to purchase our buildings as opposed to traditional red iron buildings. And, with 14 colors to choose from, we’re sure you’ll get exactly what you want.
Due to the weight and size of these buildings, the customer will need to provide a lift at the time of installation for the installation crew to erect the building. Also, all commercial grade buildings must be placed on either a cement pad, piers, or footers. Buildings longer than 41′ may incur an additional freight charge.
If you find a commercial building in our catalog that you like, we’d be honored to deliver and install it ourselves at no extra charge. We’ve put up hundreds of metal commercial buildings all over the east coast, and we’re highly experienced with every kit we sell. Contact us to discuss your options is you have any questions at all.
One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “What color carport should I get?” We understand how difficult it can be to choose colors for your carport.
You want your carport to look good on your property. If you’re visual, you probably need to see something before deciding if you like it. We’re the same way, which is why we love to show people different color combinations. This way, they know exactly what they are getting when their carport arrives for assembly.
For those who are adventurous and creative, you probably want to select your own colors. This customization makes your new carport unique to you. So you know what colors you can choose for your carport, here is some information on what we offer.
What You Need to Choose
You have to make three color decisions when you choose your carport. You will need to choose the colors for the:
Roof
Trim
Walls
You have 14 colors to choose from:
White
Pebble
Sands
Rawhide
Clay
Earth
Pewter
Quaker
Royal
Galvalume
Evergreen
Barn Red
Black
Burgundy
All of these colors are available for the roof, trim, and wall.
Sometimes, as we’re helping customers choose, we try to come up with as many different combinations as possible. You can do the same from the comfort of your home or office.
All you have to do is click on the part of the carport you want to change the color of, such as the roof, trim or wall. You can then click on the color you want to make that part of the carport.
Give it a try right now. Click on ROOF COLOR and then the white. Go back to the top, click on TRIM COLOR and click on royal blue. By the way, you can see the name of the color just by mousing over each one. Finally, click on WALL COLOR and then choose a color. You will surprise yourself with this one because the whole look of the carport changes.
Contact Us When You’re Ready to Purchase a Carport
Once you’ve found the colors you like best for your carport, give us a call at 844-557-6375 or contact us here. We will get the carport style and colors you want ordered and delivered as soon as possible.
We look forward to seeing what you come up with for your carport colors. Like we mentioned above, we love the different color combinations people come up with, so share yours with us soon.
Carports: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know and a Few Things You Never Knew to Ask
While they’re especially popular across the Southeast United States, carports are popping up all over the country.
Why?
Because they’re inexpensive, functional buildings that are quick and simple to install and use. If all you need to do is keep your car, boat, or lawn mower dry and snow-free, a prefabricated carport is a great choice.
What is a carport?
A carport is basically a garage without walls: a covered structure used to provide limited protection for vehicles (or other valuable equipment,) from rain and snow. A carport can either be free standing or attached to a wall, although the majority of prefabricated modern carports are free standing.
Unlike a garage or shed, a carport doesn’t have four walls. On some designs, they will have one or two, but others are designed almost like a pole barn with just a roof and supporting stilts or struts. Because of this key design feature, carports offer less protection than garages but allow for better ventilation. As a result, a vehicle stored in a carport won’t likely develop frost on the windshield. And, if you need to work on a vehicle using chemicals with potentially dangerous fumes, a carport won’t require the same artificial ventilation a garage or barn might.
The history of the carport
The carport enjoys a long and interesting history in the United States. While the basic carport structure has been used all over the world in one form or another, it’s been especially popular in the U.S. for over a hundred years.
The English word “carport” comes from the French word “porte-cochère”, describing a covered portal or tunnel. According to the Carport Integrity Policy for the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office:
“As early as 1909, carports were used by the Prairie School architect Walter Burley Griffin in his design for the Sloane House in Elmhurst, Illinois. By 1913, carports were also being employed by other Prairie School architects such as the Minneapolis firm of Purcell, Feick & Elmslie in their design for a residence at Lockwood Lake, Wisconsin. In this instance, the carport was termed an “Auto Space”. The late architectural historian David Gebhard suggested that the term “carport” originated from the feature’s use in 1930s Streamline Moderne residences. This term, which entered popular jargon in 1939, stemmed from the visual connection between these streamlined residences and nautical imagery. In the 1930s through the 1950s, carports were also being used by Frank Lloyd Wright in his Usonian Houses; an idea that he probably got from Griffin, a former associate.”
The W.B. Sloane house with (allegedly) the world’s first carport.
As far as we can tell, the first known home designed with a carport was the W. B. Sloane House in Elmhurst, Illinois, built in 1910. (Pictured)
Why do you need a carport?
Basically, if you own any vehicles or other valuable equipment (such as a boat, ATV, snowmobile, motorcycle, or riding lawn mower) but don’t have another option readily available for keeping it protected from the worst of the elements, then you need a carport.
On the other hand, if your chief concern is security – you want to make sure no one lays a finger on your 1967 Camaro – then a carport isn’t the best choice. Likewise, if you need to make sure what you’re storing is completely out of the weather, including temperature and humidity extremes, a carport won’t accomplish that for you. You may want to consider a large storage shed, barn, or garage instead.
What are the different kinds of carports available?
The basic carport design categories can be broken down as follows:
Freestanding Fixed
Freestanding Mobile
Attached (or, like the first carport ever built in the picture above, built into the home.)
While there’s technically nothing stopping you from “attaching” a freestanding carport to another structure, that’s not how they’re designed and you could run into complications as a result.
The most common prefabricated carport available is the freestanding fixed design. These carports are designed to be placed on a relatively flat surface, apart from other structures, and are anchored to the ground in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion. They are available in many different sizes, shapes, colors, materials, and roof designs to accommodate your particular needs and aesthetic wishes. Some common designs include vertical, boxed eave, and standard carports.
Freestanding mobile carports are designed to be set up and taken down and transported easily. These accomplish the same purpose as standard carports while adding the convenience of mobility for various applications. To accommodate set up and tear-down, and to make moving them easier, mobile carports are typically framed with tubular steel and may have canvas or vinyl type covering which encloses the frame. The covering may even include walls and may have some type of entryway, making it similar to large tents, such as those employed by the military. Of course, the convenience of mobility requires a sacrifice in weight and sturdiness, so mobile carports are less likely to last a long time under harsh weather conditions.
How to choose the right carport
Choosing the right carport comes down to understanding what you want and need out of a prefabricated shelter or building. As noted above, if you’re just looking to protect your car or other items from the worst of the rain and snow, any carport will do that for you. You just need to determine what size you need, then consider color, style, and materials based on your preferences.
On the other hand, if you want a permanent shelter that’s going to provide complete protection from the elements, offer security for your possessions, and maybe even pass as living space in certain circumstances, what you’re describing is a storage shed, barn, or garage. No matter what options you choose among carports, you’re never going to find one that offers what you’re looking for.
Should you order a DIY carport kit or hire a professional?
While it is possible to save a little money ordering a do-it-yourself carport kit off of Amazon and having it shipped to your house, we’ve found that a lot of homeowners underestimate the labor required to properly construct a quality carport. Additionally, the cost of shipping is probably going to be substantial, since the kit you receive is going to be very heavy.
In our professional opinion, your best option is to let a team of professionals handle delivery and installation of your new carport for you. And, that’s not just because CarportUS offers some of the best installation services in the nation, absolutely FREE with your purchase of any carport. It’s also because we’ve been to many properties over the years where the owners have either gotten a DIY kit partially erected before throwing in the towel and calling for help. Or, they’ve completed a DIY kit, but then needed to call us in to install the replacement that they had to buy when their “project carport” collapsed.
To get a high-quality carport on your property that’s going to stand the test of time and function well for the price, you should really have a professional install it for you.
What to look for in a carport installer
The most important factor you’ll want to consider when searching for a carport installer is experience.
And, that’s not just a matter of how many years a given contractor has been putting up carports. Years of general experience is important, but experience with the particular carport kits and materials you’ve selected is even more important to ensuring the success of a project.
If you hire an installer who’s put up a hundred carports, but hand him a design or set of materials he’s never worked with before, he only has a slight advantage over your mailman or hairdresser when it comes to constructing that carport. There’s bound to be a lot of trial and error and he’s not going to be as fast or efficient as usual.
On the other hand, a contractor who’s put up a hundred carports identical to the one you’ve ordered is going to be able to hit the ground running and not look back. You’ll have the best quality construction in the quickest turnaround time, and that means the highest customer satisfaction rating possible.
What makes CarportUS.com carport kits the best in the business?
CarportUS.com may be a relatively new website, but the professionals behind it have decades of experience selling, installing, and maintaining steel storage buildings across the country. That’s why you can be confident that any carport you purchase from CarportUS.com is going to be the very highest quality, delivered safely and securely, and installed by experts with loads of experience.
Our prefabricated metal carports are rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph, and snow load up to 35 pounds per square foot. Additional leg bracing, upgraded anchors, and other optional enhancements can extend that level of stability even further.
All our carports are built with strong 14 gauge galvanized steel framing with center bracing and 29 gauge metal roofing. All base units have 6’ legs spaced 5’ on center or less, and (4) 2’ corner braces for added strength and stability. Concrete or rebar anchors included.
Our carports are available in sizes ranging from 12′ to 30′ wide, and from 21′ to 51′ long, accommodating up to three vehicles of nearly any size, with room to spare. Standard, boxed eave, and vertical roof styles are available on all of our prefabricated carports.
If you find a carport in our catalog that you like, we’d be honored to deliver and install it ourselves at no extra charge. We’ve put up hundreds of metal barns all over the east coast, and we’re highly experienced with every kit we sell. Contact us to discuss your options is you have any questions at all.
If you want to protect your car from getting too much sunshine or being affected by inclement weather—and storing it in your garage isn’t an option—getting a carport can be a great choice. Prefabricated carports can come prepackaged and allow the individual to assemble them, or you can hire a professional to construct the carport on your property. But which kind of carport should you choose?
What if you aren’t sure which carport will best suit your needs? Choosing the right type of carport can be a difficult task, but it helps to know a little more about the options available to you so you can make an informed decision.
Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Wood
Carports mainly come in three types of materials: steel, aluminum, and wood. Step one is to determine which of these options will be best for your needs when choosing a prefabricated carport. In general, steel and aluminum are both longer lasting and more popular than wood, although some individuals do choose wood for aesthetic reasons.
Between steel and aluminum, steel is much stronger. This means your carport will be much more durable if you choose steel. If someone accidentally bumps the carport while pulling in or out, steel is likely to hold up better, as well as in the event of strong winds or other weather conditions. Still, many people like aluminum because it is lighter.
Both steel and aluminum are resistant to rust and other issues, especially if they are coated, but steel that has been scratched can begin to rust. Therefore, it is always important to keep up with the maintenance of a steel carport.
Style of Carports
There are also several different styles of carports you can purchase, whether they are built by a local company or prefabricated. For example, an A-frame carport or a boxed eave metal carport has an apex at the top and looks similar to the way the roofs of most homes do. Vertical roof carports look very similar to A-frame carports, but the former has roof sheeting that runs vertically instead of horizontally. This is meant to help snow slide off the roof easily.
Some individuals may also want to consider springing for extra wide carports. This can be especially helpful to those who have large vehicles, those who want to pack two vehicles into a carport, and those who are basically looking for a larger protective area for their vehicles. In general, there are many different types of prefab carports that you can find, so don’t limit yourself to just one design.
Which Kind of Carport Is Right for Me?
It’s important to consider your needs when choosing which kind of carport is right for you. Since there are so many different styles and several types of materials a carport can be made from, the decision comes down to what you want to use it for, typical weather conditions, and individual preferences.
If you’d like more information about the types of prefabricated carports available, check out our carports structure guide or contact us below. We’re happy to answer any question you have.