How to Design a Metal Carport
A metal carport can provide good protection for autos or an RV, but a poorly constructed metal carport can hurt the look of a building or home. You can design the structure to add value to your property. Invest the time to review the construction materials available and how to combine them for the best effect. Keep the design simple and neat, and use all components in a neutral color to help the structure blend well with its surroundings. In addition, create a structure that can withstand strong winds and storms. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tools
- Sketch pad
- Home design books
- Carport websites
- Concrete slab
- Consultation with local builders
Instructions
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Measure the space available for the carport. Use a sketch pad to draw the carpet roofline and other features. Design the space with a flat metal roof, arched roof an or A-frame roof. Review home design books or carport websites to select a roof that will work with other nearby buildings. Choose a simple flat roof design, for example, if the carport will be placed near a house. Design the carport large enough to extend roof protection on all sides, especially for costly vehicles.
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Consider your budget and needs when determining the carport's final size and materials. A metal carport should be at least 20 feet wide to accommodate two cars, for example. Plan to build a carport for a motorhome at least 2 feet taller than the highest point of the RV. Investigate prices to determine whether to use aluminum or steel, or other materials.
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Review home design books or carport websites to review textures of metal coverings. Select a smooth metal roof or a corrugated metal design, based on the manufacturers' advice. Obtain information about gauges of steel and other metals. Examine options for high-tech metal carports, including solar coverings.
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Review various premade metal carport systems online to learn about support posts and framework. Take into account the climate in your area. Consider buying heavy-gauge steel framing to build a carport in areas affected by high winds. Plan to use a less-expensive gauge of metal and framework, if the carport will be attached to a building.
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Include a slab for the metal structure if the budget allows. Design the slab to extend a few inches beyond the metal floor posts. Plan to secure the metal carport directly to the concrete flooring to stabilize the structure.
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Tips & Warnings
Attach the carport directly to a house or building with bolts and angle-iron hardware. Use metal accessories that can be installed to show as little as possible. Adding too much metal can devalue the look of your home. Seek advice from local builders on various options for securing a metal carport to a building.
Never skip the process of attaching a metal carport to either concrete flooring or a building. Strong winds can easily lift the structure and slam it into a neighbor's house. Winds traveling 40 mph can quickly lift and move a metal carport.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images
