Steel carports are a great option for many people out there looking to store extra cars, boats, or an RV. There are of course advantages and disadvantages to owing and steel carport and using it to house your vehicles. I will run over some of the pros and cons here and hopefully be able to assist you with your buying experience.
PROS
It is hard to beat the price of a steel carport. Compared to having an addition build on your garage or having a whole garage built putting up a car port can be a miniscule expense. It can be the difference between spending a couple hundred dollars or adding a second mortgage to your home.
It is also hard to ignore the time aspect of putting up a steel carport. Using a carport kit you can literally have a new carport up in an afternoon by yourself. Contrast this to other alternatives which may require dealing with building and zoning comities and submitting blue prints. If you want to avoid a headache this is a good way to do it.
The durability of steel carports shines brightly in the face of traditional wood construction. Having and open air structure can lead to fast degradation if you are in the right environment, but with metal it will virtually last until you take it down. Metal carport may even have a higher weather rating than the homes they are associated with. It normally takes what the insurance companies call, “an act of god” to destroy on of these structures
Getting the most out of your vehicles is important. We spend a large percentage of our income on our vehicles and it is essential that we take care of them. Not only so the look good but also so that they retain their value. Plus everyone knows that a clean car runs better.
CONS
Not all neighborhoods will allow you to add steel carports to your property. Deed restrictions can prohibit these structures. It is best to look into what your options are before you purchase. Not having all of the facts before you buy can lead to some difficult situations.
There is no doubt about it. A carport is great option but it isn’t the same as keeping you vehicle inside. It is impossible to keep all of the rain and dust off of your vehicle if all four sides of the structure are open. Carports are a good solution but not a perfect solution. For new vehicles or vehicles you want to keep in immaculate condition you may want to keep them inside.
Safety issues – this is related to the previous point. Parking in a carport, if it is not on enclosed property is no different than leaving a car outside in terms of safety. If you are in a high crime area a carport won’t do you much good.
These are just a few of the considerations that you should take into account when considering a carport. Shop around and educate yourself about the different aspects of steel carports.