Carports have evolved from basic structures into versatile architctural elements that expand outdoor living areas, enhance the look of your property, and safeguard your vehicles. Prioritizing car maintenance is essential due to the depreciation over time, as well as the impact of weather conditions and bird droppings. Let us delve into this guide and explore various carport types, from traditional designs to innovative and modern options.
Most Popular Carport Types
Carports are functional, weather-resistant structures that provide shade. They are low maintenance and can attach to different buildings. They are ideal for garages or when extra vehicle storage is needed. Here is a list of the most popular different types of carports:
1. Gable Roof Carports
The Gable carport features a unique roof design that seamlessly combines historical elegance with a modern aesthetic. There are two types of carports of gable roofs: standard and Dutch.
The standard version is the most popular, offering several advantages such as blending seamlessly with your home’s design, showcasing a traditional style, durability in harsh weather conditions, and straightforward installation. While they may be a bit more expensive and time-consuming to build, they are known to increase overall property value, making them a wise investment.
Features of gable roof carport:
- The gable roof style has slanted sides that meet at the top to form a point, and it can be designed to complement most house styles, whether attached or free-standing.
- is the most prevalent and effective choice for areas prone to heavy rainfall or snow because of their sloped roofs that efficiently channel water and debris.
2. The Dutch Gable Roof Carports
This design not only offers aesthetic appeal but also creates an attractive outdoor space perfect for entertaining guests while providing shelter from both the sun and rain.
Key Features:
- The Dutch Gable carport features a standard gable roof with parapets, making it an excellent choice for heritage and colonial structures.
- Unlike the standard gable roof carport, it incorporation porches, with a roof designed to have a central triangular pitch and both ends transitioning vertically halfway through, featuring Dutch gable infill on both sides.
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3. Skillion Carports
Skillion rooftop garages feature a single sloping sheet, ensuring efficient water drainage and maximizing sunlight exposure.
Key Features:
- Their straightforward design reduces material requirements, making them a cost-efficient choice.
- The single-sheet construction allows for adjustments in size, pitch, and height, providing versatility for various parking needs.
- It is distinguished by its single-level roof with a one-directional slope, typically set at 3 degrees or as required.
- This design prioritizes effective runoff and sunlight capture, simplifying the installation process due to the use of only one sheet.
4. Flat Roof Carports
Your garage serves a dual purpose: protecting your vehicle from the weather and enhancing your home’s exterior appeal. This design is considered the best among the different types of carports as a flat roof carport fulfills both these functions while adding value to your property.
Key Features:
- They typically require no extra support beyond the standard frame, maintaining a clean and open appearance.
- The flat design ensures stability and easy access, and the slight pitch of the roof efficiently drains leaves and debris, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
- These carport types are often cost-effective, easy to install, and require minimal upkeep.
- They offer versatility in sizing and color options, allowing you to customize the roof’s angle for slight water drainage.
- The slightly angled design offers benefits like effective rainwater drainage and prevention of build-up.
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5. Freestanding Carports
A standalone carport, also known as a freestanding carport, acts as an open-air garage, protecting your vehicle from weather conditions. It provides a cost-effective and quick solution for homeowners, offering an open-sided roof and creative styling options.
Key Features:
- They are available with gable or flat roofs and a variety of placement options.
- These carports are versatile, suitable for various purposes like car parking or workspaces, and available in single or double frames.
- They are low maintenance, stylish, and customizable in various colors, made of high-quality materials such as polycarbonate and aluminum.
- You can choose features like sunlight control options, such as clear, opal, or heat-repellent options.
6. Hip Roof Carports
A hip roof carport is designed in the shape of a pyramid, with the option of a rectangular hip roof with two triangular and trapezoidal sides. It has the potential to increase property value due to its self-bracing and modern house construction-like design.
Features:
- This carport typically has a standard pitch of 20 or 22 degrees but can be customized for a steeper angle.
- Carports with hip roofs are safer in strong winds than those with gable roofs.
- They are better suited for strong winds or cyclonic areas because they require less diagonal bracing and are self-bracing.
- They have a continuous level fascia, making it easy to install gutters around the edges.
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7. Attached Carports
Attached carports, as opposed to freestanding carports, are attached to a home or building. They can be expensive, especially if your home does not have an existing roof line to connect to, but there are several advantages to consider.
Because an attached carport is considered part of your home, its resale value will be considered. It has a sheltered pathway that leads from your home to the carport. Furthermore, these carport types are connected to your home to improve car security, providing better protection against potential threats.
8. Open Sided Carports
An open-sided carport is a framed structure with a roof that offers protection from rain and UV rays but not from severe storms or strong winds. Despite its limitations, these type of carports offers several advantages, including its simple and cost-effective construction, easy maintenance, and suitability as a parking space. However, its simplicity and openness restrict its functionality, making it unsuitable for secure storage spaces.
9. Single Carport
A single carport is intended to house a single vehicle, with a standard width measurement of 12 to 18 feet. It’s critical to think about the size of your specific vehicle, especially if you have larger ones.
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10. Double Carport
A double carport is designed for two cars to be parked side by side without the doors colliding when opened. A double carport’s standard width is usually between 18 and 24 feet. If you have a larger vehicle, change the dimensions. Additionally, you have the option of incorporating blinds or vertical decking to create partitions between the cars when positioning them next to each other.
11. Tandem Carport
A tandem carport, like a double carport, can hold two vehicles. Instead of parking the cars next to each other, this setup allows you to park them one behind the other. When space width is limited, a tandem garage or carport design is a good option.
12. Attached Skillion Carport
One of the most popular carport options is the attached carport, with the skillion roof design being a widely chosen option due to its single-sloped roof surface.
Key Features:
- It offers stability and support by connecting to your home’s existing structure.
- Alternatively, you can opt for an attached skillion carport type with a flat or gable roof design that eliminates unnecessary gaps between your home and the structure saving space.
- This carport can serve as an extension of your home, providing an area for hosting family BBQs and parties.
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13. Cantilever Carport
Among the different types of carports, cantilever carports are a modern variation of carports that extend from a single ground post, as opposed to other carport types that have structural posts on both sides. They provide shelter, shade, and an elegant appearance. They are made of long-lasting materials like metal and polycarbonate.
Cantilever carports provide exceptional stability despite having only one supporting structure. These carport types are especially popular among businesses because they make efficient use of available space.
14. Insulated Roof Carports
While all types of carports protect your vehicles and belongings from UV rays and the elements, insulated roof carports provide additional protection against the sun’s heat. These carports reduce heat transfer, resulting in a cooler outdoor environment. In hot weather, homeowners frequently choose insulated roof carports to protect their cars or other stored items.
Furthermore, insulated roof carports become a more appealing option if you use your carport for gatherings and BBQs. These insulated roofs can be incorporated into a variety of carport designs, adding a double layer to your carport’s structural strength and sturdiness.
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15. Manual Simple Folding Carport
Manual simple folding carport are a versatile and dependable vehicle shelter solution. They are simple to assemble and do not require any specialized tools or equipment.
Features:
- These simple carports have a completely foldable structure, allowing for easy storage when not in use.
- They are built to last, made of high-quality materials that withstand the elements and provide reliable protection from the sun and bad weather.
- Additionally, they are UV resistant, protecting your vehicles from prolonged sun exposure.
- They can be used for various purposes such as a temporary garage and car parking tent, adapting to your needs and situations.
16. Dome-Shaped Carports
Dome-shaped carports add striking design detail to properties. These carport types have domed roofs that look like inverted bowls, giving them a sleek and modern appearance that appeals to both homeowners and businesses.
Key Features:
- They provide UV protection as well as environmental protection while allowing for efficient drainage of rain, snow, and debris.
- They are also less noisy in windy conditions, ensuring durability and stability even in the most extreme weather conditions.
17. Regular Roof Carports
While the term regular suggests a lack of specificity, it is the most common type of carport roof.
Features:
- They have a simple carport style, which resembles a steel barn without doors or enclosing walls and are widely used for the majority of carports on the market.
- Among carport roof styles, this is the most cost-effective and easiest to install.
- It lacks a ridge cap, side trim, and hat channel.
- These simple carports provide dependable protection against mild wind, are suitable for various carport needs, and boast commendable longevity with proper maintenance.
In regions prone to severe conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, or substantial snowfall, a standard roof may not be the optimal choice. To withstand extreme weather, a more durable roof is necessary. To prevent leaks along the seams, limit the carport’s length to 31 feet or less if opting for a standard roof.
18. A-Frame Roof Carports
An A-frame roof, also known as a boxed-eave roof in the context of carports, forms a roof that closely resembles the letter A as the sides converge at a central point.
Key Features:
- It effectively regulates rainwater, preventing water pooling concerns.
- Unlike a regular roof, the roof panels end at the roof’s edges, giving it the appearance of a traditional house roof.
- A-frame roofs are preferred if you want a carport that blends in with the architectural style of your home.
- A-frame roofs may not be appropriate for carports longer than 31 feet, as longer configurations risk seam leaks.
- Because of their steep roof angles, A-frame carports are most reliable in mild climates. However, for severe weather, you should consider another roofing style.
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19. Vertical Roof Carports
Among the various kinds of carport, the vertical roof is the sturdiest choice, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and enjoying a longer lifespan. Its durability results from vertical panels that extend from the carport’s peak to the eaves, excelling at handling high winds, heavy rainfall, and snow accumulation. It also exhibits superior rust resistance compared to regular or A-frame roofs.
For carport designs longer than 31 feet, the vertical roof is recommended, as it is less prone to seam leaks due to its vertical roofing panels. Moreover, a wide range of color choices is available, allowing you to customize the appearance. When constructing a new carport for your home or business, professional guidance is crucial, especially concerning your carport roof.
20. Flemish Gable Carports
The Flemish Gable carport, also known as a Dutch gable carport, is a unique twist on the traditional gable roof style that incorporates the addition of a sloping pediment structure. This style lends itself well to modern enhancements and can be used to create an inviting space for evening gatherings.
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21. Pitched Roof Carports
Pitched roof carports offer a versatile and visually appealing shelter solution for your driveway or property. They can be tailored to meet diverse requirements, enhancing your parking area. These carports combine effective weather protection with modern and attractive designs, adding value to your property.
Moreover, you can select from various lengths and depths, spanning from 3 to 14 meters. They come in a range of appealing colors and offer optional customization, various size options, and durable Polycarbonate and Aluminium structures.
22. DIY & Customised Carports
Among the popular kinds of carports, DIY carport construction is typically straightforward, and many individuals can successfully complete it. However, it is essential to exercise extra caution during the building process to prevent errors that could pose risks to both people and vehicles.
For personalized carports tailored to your specific needs, it is advisable to engage experienced professionals. Collaborate with experts to discuss your design vision and concepts. Furthermore, transparently communicate your budget considerations to enable them to develop a tailored plan and offer optimal solutions. Customization remains an effective strategy for imbuing your property with a distinctive and unique character.
Ultimately, there are various carport types, ranging from traditional attached and freestanding designs to modern cantilevered and manual simple folding carports. These structures are cost-effective and high-quality, providing safety for your vehicles against rain, snow, and sun damage. Nevertheless, your decision should align with your specific requirements and budget, ensuring you find a carport solution that meets your priorities, whether it’s functionality or style.
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