GARAGE BUYING GUIDES

CARPORT BUYING GUIDE

GUIDE

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WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A CARPORT / RV COVER

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE ARE YOU LOOKING TO STORE?

Coast To Coast Carports is pleased to offer financing to qualified buyers. We are happy to make the process of buying a carport or metal structure easier for our customers. There are just a few things you need to know about how our financing works. We require a certain amount of money up front. This is along with a 10% down payment for your proposed building. We’ll need you to have a minimum credit score. All financing customers must be homeowners.

WHERE WILL YOU INSTALL YOUR NEW METAL CARPORT OR RV COVER?

Do you know where you want your metal carport or RV carport to be installed? Our installation team will need enough space to set-up and install your carport or RV carport, and space to access the installation site. Working with our trained customer service representatives we can help you. One of the most important things to remember is that custom metal carports must be installed on a level surface. Do you have enough level space for the size metal carport you want?

DOES IT NEED TO BE CERTIFIED?

Many local building regulations also require that the metal carports be certified when installed. Certifications are required to make sure the custom-built carport can withstand a specific amount of wind and snow. A local inspector will review the build site and the building plans to make sure the structure is sound. Work with our trained customer service representatives to learn more about what Carport Central provides when you need to certify your building, and what you need to do before your metal carport installation.

HOW’S THE WEATHER?

Your perfect custom carport may depend on the local weather forecast. Many first time carport buyers don’t take into account the local weather and only expect the carport to keep the rain and sun off of their vehicles. If you live in a climate where you get heavy snowfall or driving rains that blow sideways, consider getting a structure that is more enclosed to protect your vehicle. Anchoring structures on concrete slabs is also recommended for high wind areas.

HOW ABOUT STYLE?

Carport central offers many different metal carport styles to fit your needs. Not only can we customize roof options, but we can also provide you with the choice of colors so it will fit with the look of your home. Call our customer service representatives to learn more about Carport Central metal carports for sale.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A CARPORT / RV COVER

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE ARE YOU LOOKING TO STORE?

Coast To Coast Carports is pleased to offer financing to qualified buyers. We are happy to make the process of buying a carport or metal structure easier for our customers. There are just a few things you need to know about how our financing works. We require a certain amount of money up front. This is along with a 10% down payment for your proposed building. We’ll need you to have a minimum credit score. All financing customers must be homeowners.

ROOF STYLE

Finish your custom carport with something sturdy that will stand up against the elements. All roof styles can be certified for structural integrity, but finding the right roof type for your climate and need is important. We have many different metal carports for sale and many options to customize your metal carport. You want to find a strong roof type that fits with your home and will stand up be st to the elements. Talk to our customer service representatives to learn more about which roof type is best for you.

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Vertical Roof Top

If you live in a climate with heavy snowfall or heavy rain, Carport Central recommends the vertical roof style carports. The vertical roof panels allow…

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BOXED EAVE STYLE - BETTER

This is also an A-frame design, but rather than vertical panels, these panels are installed horizontally. This is more affordable since it does not…

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REGULAR - GOOD

This roof style is the most economical. Here in the regular style roof carport, the corrugated ridges run from end to end. This roof style is great…

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR NEEDS

WIDTH SIZING CHART

Carports come in standards widths of 12’, 18’, 20’, 22’, 24’, 26’, 28’, 30’, 32’, 34’ 36’, 38’, and 40’. For reference, if you plan to store a single car, truck or RV the standard width of 12’ will work. However if you plan to store more than one car, or larger equipment, see the approximate guide below to help you determine your needed width:

  • 12’ Single car, truck or RV
  • 18’ Two compact cars
  • 20’ Two midsized cars
  • 22’ Two full sized cars, trucks or SUV
  • 24’ Two full or oversized cars or trucks
  • 26’ Three midsized cars or trucks
  • 26’ Three midsized cars or trucks

Work with our customer service representatives to find the right custom metal carport or RV carport for your needs.

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Length

Again, how will this be used? Will you store only one car, or multiple cars in your new metal carport? The industry standard length for prefabricated carports are 21’, 26’, 31’, and up in 5’ increments. If you plan to use the steel carport for any purpose other than storing cars, like storing family bikes or other sports equipment, you may want to consider a longer custom steel carport. If you are looking to just store a standard mid-sized car, 21’ should suit you just fine.

Side Height

Remember you still need to be able to get your vehicle into the custom metal carport! Steel carport height is measured by the side height, meaning the height on the sides of the structure, not from the very top point of the roof to the ground. Side height is used to make sure a vehicle can clear the lowest point of the carport. The standard option offered on metal carports is 6’ height with the height requirements increasing to 8’ for any structure 32’ or wider. If you have plans to enclose your carport in the future, it is best to get the necessary height now so the structure is tall enough for the garage door to be installed. Work with our customer service representatives to find the perfect height carport or RV cover for your needs.

STEEL GAUGE FRAMING

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 14 GAUGE AND 12 GAUGE FRAMING?

Many first time carport and RV cover buyers ask about the difference in the 14 and 12 – gauge steel framing.Our most economical option is the 14 gauge steel framing. This is the industry standard, measuring 2 ½” x 2 ½” in diameter.

The lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger the material. Our 12-gauge framing is 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” in diameter and has a higher tensile strength that provides higher snow load and wind load ratings. Which is why we recommend the 12-gauge steel for areas with heavy snow and high winds, as well as carports 10’ and taller.

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CERTIFICATION CONSIDERATIONS

CERTIFIED V. NON-CERTIFIED BUILDINGS

A certified building has been designed by an engineer and has ratings for wind and snow load. Some local ordinances require that you certify any building that you construct. The objective of the building codes is to insure safety and to protect the public. Some states, don’t require buildings to be certified because they may not have to worry about heavy snowfalls and high winds. Certain states require that any new structure constructed be certified. Some require all structures to be inspected, while others only require that occupied.

Additional Option

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS CAN BE ADDED TO CUSTOMIZE THE CARPORT FOR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS - CUSTOMIZATIONS INCLUDE:

GABLE ENDS –gable ends increase the appearance by concealing the frame and braces. It provides additional strength by added framing support and provides better protection for your vehicle. It’s much more expensive to add gable ends on after installation, so it’s important to consider adding them in right away.

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