There’s nothing quite as frustrating as walking to your car, only to find it hot in the sun or covered in rain.
It’s in those moments that you realize how much a bit of extra shelter, like a carport, could make life easier. One may wonder, what is a carport?
A carport offers that peace of mind, providing a quick and affordable alternative to a full garage. A carport doesn’t free up space for storage and provides convenient access.
But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you? Think of it as a practical, cost-effective solution that not only shields your car from harsh weather but also frees up space for other uses.
This blog will help you understand what a carport is, its key benefits, and how it compares to a garage.
What is a Carport?
A carport is a roofed structure designed to provide basic shelter for vehicles, typically supported by posts or beams.
It serves as protection against weather elements like rain, snow, and sun, but does not offer the same level of security as a fully enclosed garage.
Carports are often more affordable and quicker to install, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a simple solution to protect their vehicles.
They can also be used for other purposes, like storing outdoor equipment or creating shaded outdoor spaces.
Overall, a carport provides an effective yet budget-friendly option for vehicle protection.
Primary Functions of a Carport
Carports are versatile structures that serve more than just one purpose. Understanding these functions helps determine if a carport is the right choice for homeowners.
1. Vehicle Protection
Carports offer excellent protection for vehicles. They shield cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles from harsh weather conditions such as rain, sun, hail, and snow.
By keeping the vehicle out of the direct elements, carports help prevent paint fading, interior damage, and rust or corrosion that can result from moisture exposure.
This extra protection also reduces the likelihood of weather-related issues like cracked windshields and seats.
2. Storage Space
They also provide valuable extra storage space for items like boats, RVs, motorcycles, trailers, and other vehicles that need shelter.
Beyond vehicles, the covered space offers protection for outdoor equipment, garden tools, bicycles, lawnmowers, or patio furniture.
By utilizing the space of a carport, homeowners can declutter their yard and store larger items.
3. Convenience
Unlike garages, which require you to open heavy doors, carports have open sides, allowing quick, easy parking or loading and unloading.
It eliminates the need to fumble with garage doors, and users can swiftly move in and out without delays and much hustle and bustle.
This simple feature enhances the convenience of daily activities, especially on rainy, snowy, or windy days when staying dry and comfortable matters most.
4. Air Circulation
The open sides allow for natural airflow, which helps reduce moisture buildup around vehicles.
This is especially important because trapped moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors, which are common in garages that lack ventilation.
This natural ventilation is an effective way to prevent damage to both vehicles and stored items, while also promoting a cleaner, more breathable environment.
Types of Carport
When considering a carport for the property, it’s important to understand the different types available. Each design has its own benefits that require different available space and budget.
- Freestanding Carport: A standalone structure not attached to the home. Ideal for properties with limited space or for those needing extra parking in the yard.
- Attached Carport: Connected to the house, typically on the side or rear. Offers the convenience of easy access and is often more secure.
- Single Bay Carport: Designed for one vehicle, these are compact and affordable. Ideal for smaller homes or those with one car.
- Double Bay Carport: Designed to shelter two vehicles, providing more space for larger families or multiple cars.
- Custom Carport: Tailored to specific needs, these carports can be built in various sizes, materials, and designs to suit your space and style preferences.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Carport?
Building a carport typically costs between $2,000 and $10,000, with a midpoint range of $6,000 to $8,400 for a standard 18×18 or 20×20-foot structure installed on a concrete slab.
Larger custom builds can be designed to accommodate very large footprints, including extended width and depth options.
Custom designs built from steel, wood, or polycarbonate are considered a higher tier due to their material selection and design flexibility.
DIY construction helps reduce overall expenses, while professional installation increases the total investment due to labor and setup requirements.
Final costs vary based on size, material choice, geographic location, and optional upgrades.
Freestanding designs generally fall on the lower end of the cost range, while attached styles tend to require a larger overall budget due to structural integration.
Carport vs Garage
When deciding between a carport and a garage, several factors come into play. Understanding these differences can help you make the right choice based on your needs and available space.
1. Structure
A carport is typically an open-sided structure supported by posts or beams, offering a roof for vehicle shelter but leaving the sides exposed.
This design allows for easy access but provides limited protection from the weather. In contrast, a garage is a fully enclosed building, complete with walls, a roof, and a door.
It offers more comprehensive protection from the elements and provides a secure, private space for your vehicle.
While the carport is simpler and more open, the garage offers stronger security and full coverage.
2. Construction Time
Carports are quicker to install, often taking just a few days. Since they don’t require full walls, windows, or a door, the construction process is simpler.
The cost of labor and materials is usually lower, which makes it a quicker and more affordable option. On the other hand, garages take longer to build.
They require more materials, including walls, a door, and sometimes even a foundation, which can make the process more time-consuming.
If you’re in a hurry and need shelter fast, a carport might be the better option.
3. Ventilation
The open sides allow air to circulate freely, which makes carports a great option for preventing vehicle rust or the unpleasant smell that can develop in a closed space.
Garages, while offering complete protection from the elements, often lack ventilation.
Without proper airflow, garages can trap moisture, leading to potential issues like dampness, mold, and odors.
Installing a vent or dehumidifier in a garage can help, but it still doesn’t compare to the airflow a carport offers.
4. Storage Space & Maintenance
In terms of storage space, carports are more limited. They provide shelter for vehicles but don’t offer additional space for tools, equipment, or outdoor items.
While it’s possible to store bikes or other small items, the lack of walls means there’s little security for your belongings.
Garages, on the other hand, provide ample storage for not just vehicles, but also for tools, equipment, and personal items.
However, garages come with higher maintenance requirements. Keeping the space clean and managing the interior space can involve more effort and cost.
5. Accessibility
Carports offer easy access due to their open design. There are no doors to open, meaning you can park or unload quickly.
This is particularly useful when it’s raining or you’re carrying large items. However, the lack of walls may mean less privacy and security.
Garages, while more secure, require opening and closing a door, which can be inconvenient, especially in bad weather.
Additionally, garages might be smaller, which can make it harder to navigate, park, or load large items.
Limitations of a Carport
While a carport offers many advantages, it’s important to consider its limitations. Understanding these downsides can help you make an informed decision about the house and the lifestyle.
- Limited Protection From Weather: Carports provide basic shelter but do not fully protect vehicles from extreme weather, such as heavy snow or high winds.
- Lower Security: Due to their open-sided design, carports offer less security against theft or vandalism than fully enclosed garages.
- Exposure to the Elements: Carports cannot fully shield parked vehicles from dust, falling debris, or intense sun.
- Limited Storage Space: While some items can be stored under a carport, the lack of walls means storage options are minimal and less secure.
- Impact the House Decor: Carports may not blend seamlessly with the design of a home, potentially affecting curb appeal.
Why Choose a Carport Over a Garage?
Choosing a carport over a garage offers several benefits, especially for those looking for a more cost-effective and practical solution.
Carports are generally less expensive to build and install, and they are quicker to set up, often taking just a few days, compared to the longer build time required for garages.
Carports also offer excellent airflow, which reduces moisture buildup and prevents mold or mildew, unlike garages that can trap humidity.
The open design of a carport provides easy access for parking and unloading, making it more convenient, especially on rainy or snowy days.
Additionally, a carport requires less space and can be a better fit for smaller properties or areas where a full garage may not be practical or necessary.
Conclusion
The choice between the two ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and available space.
Carports are more affordable, quicker to install, and provide better airflow, making them a great choice for those on a budget or with limited space.
But they offer less protection from extreme weather, lower security, and limited storage options.
On the other hand, garages provide full protection, better security, and additional storage, but they cost more and take longer to build.
If you need a budget-friendly solution with a basic vehicle shelter, a carport might be right for you. However, if security and extra storage are priorities, a garage could be a better fit.
Have you installed a carport or garage? Share your experience in the comments and join the conversation.
