Metal Vs. Vinyl Carports
Carports are like garages without a front door. Sidewalls and back walls are optional, and carports rarely if ever have doors. The roof is the only component that carports share in common with garages. Metal and vinyl carports are among the more popular materials used to make carports. They are similar in their overall purpose of providing protection, but quite different in terms of strength and portability. Does this Spark an idea?
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Metal
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A metal carport is good choice is you are installing a permanent structure. It is strong and sturdy enough to stand up to inclement weather and provides years of protection for whatever lies underneath. Steel and aluminum come close, but they fall short of metal's strength and durability. The carport can be built wide and deep enough to protect multiple vehicles, work as a stand-alone structure or you can attach it to your home or an adjacent building. The carport can be designed as a flattop metal covering, or as a three-sided structure with a top, and sidewalls made entirely of metal. Support columns can be made of any number of materials, including concrete, aluminum or metal.
Vinyl
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A vinyl carport can be installed as a permanent or a portable structure. Vinyl carports are also called canopy carports, which has a roof made of thick, commercial-grade vinyl attached to poles that form the frame. Options include attaching vinyl to the sides so the body of the vehicle is protected as well as the top of the vehicle. The metal poles that compose the frame can be reinforced with cement to make the carport a permanent structure, or simply driven into soil so the carport can be portable. The top and sidewalls have hooks that detach from the frame so the carport can be taken elsewhere and reassembled.
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Similarities
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Carports provide an affordable option to building a garage. A carport can eliminate the expense of storing an RV or boat at a storage facility and can also be a convenient storage area for garden equipment. Carports can also be used as a shaded space during outdoor parties. You can use concrete or metal support columns with either a metal or vinyl carport.
Differences
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Metal carports are permanent, sturdy, and a good choice for protecting vehicles -- but they are not portable. If you have vehicles and equipment that need that type of protection, a metal carport is the better choice. However, if you want the capability to take your carport with you -- you'll get more flexibility with a vinyl carport. You can dig up the frame, strap the frame and vinyl canopy to the top of your RV or the side of your motor boat and take it with you to use as a camping tent or party canopy to extend your enjoyment of the great outdoors.
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