Metal Carport
A metal carport can be the answer to quite a few problems for the vast majority of property owners. If you live in an area with frequent bad weather or excess sun, the last thing you want is to leave your car under the elements.
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From sun wear to rust to chips and scratches in the paint, any number of different problems can occur when a vehicle is left exposed for too long. All metal carports are effective in that they remove the elements from the equation at a much lower cost than a permanent garage structure.
Choosing a Steel Carport
Metal carports can be either permanent or portable. One of the primary considerations is the way the structure is anchored to the ground. Especially if you live in an area where high winds are common, the anchorage requirements should be considered carefully. While a freestanding carport is appealing for its low cost and ease of construction, placing one in an area that is windy could result in damage to your vehicles. Many inexpensive carports are designed to merely rest on the ground or secured in a questionable manner.
The Assembly Process
Some metal carport kits are more DIY friendly than others. Most follow a similar assembly process. Although a concrete foundation is the most permanent and preferred base, there is usually an option to place the carport on a gravel or earth prepared base. Care should be taken to ensure that the base is level as a warped base will make assembly problematic.
If a level concrete slab is used, the post base rails are usually secured to the slab with wedge anchors or similar fasteners. For prepared compacted earth or gravel bases, a specialized ground anchor is typically used. Once the post base rail is attached to the earth or concrete, the roof/wall framing assemblies are erected and attached to the base rail.
Once the frames are erected the roof sheeting is attached. While the process described here has been summarized, most metal garage kits will come with complete illustrated, step by step instructions.
Most carports are designed to be supported with 3 – 4 posts per side. Roof profiles are available in arched, flat or gable designs. The most appropriate roof type will depend on the area; snow-prone areas require steeper pitched roofs.
There are also steel garage kits that come with full or partial metal wall sheathing, providing more complete protection from the elements.
For more detailed information on metal carport options, refer to the links below: