Spring has poked it’s warm rays into our lives once again. For many snow birds it means it is time to return to their northern homes. As with spring, so comes home improvement projects. We all have a list, from the constant war on the dandy lions, to the bird baths that need washed out and filled, in every corner of our yards there is something that needs done. Looking into carport options is also a good thing to do, now that the ground is thawed and the temperature is pleasant to be out in.
Carports are many. Metal, poly, vinyl, wood, and aluminum are among the most common choices for these shelters for our cars. Even when considering a garage, doors range between typically eight and ten feet wide. Most pre-made carports are at least ten feet wide. So this provides the needed space on each side of the vehicle to get around.
10x10 Arrow Attached Carport
Let’s look at door widths. Carports with ten foot widths are designed for a single car. Carports with sixteen foot wide entry ways are for two cars to sit abreast. When trucks or SUV’s are the car of choice for a family, the twelve foot wide widths are very nice. The extra foot of room on each side of the truck compensates for the vehicles overall larger side. Garage doors can be the eight foot wide size, because you are only driving though them, not getting out until the car is parked on the inside.
When considering colors, the lighter colors deflect more colors and darker colors absorb more heat. Considering cars are left parked typically overnight, and with the open design of the carports, it is reasonable to assume that the heat issue is not that important. One of the largest benefits to carports is the protection of the car or truck from the UV-rays. As a child I can recall the door molding, just inside of the truck windows, scraping off in little rows as I ran my fingernails over the faded brown color.
Another great use for carports deals with the UV rays of the sun and children. Children love to play outside in the summer time. With as strong as the sun can be, and as hot as the outdoors can become, placing a carport over a patio or children’s play area is a great way to help protect them. I remember seeing on little girl last summer at the doctors office. She had severe redness and low grade burns on her face, neck, and one shoulder where her skin was exposed. She had been playing in a wadding pool for a few hours in the afternoon sun. The water magnified the sun and ended up harming this poor little girl. Afterwards the family erected a carport. It was amazing, all the kids in the neighborhood thought it was great, so they stayed and all played an roller skated in and out of the carport in the July sun.
This particular carport attaches to a home. 10×20 and provided by Arrow Sheds. It has vinyl coated steel with a 15 year limited warranty. All parts are pre-cut and pre-drilled. Arrow also offers it in the 10×10 size.
So whatever style you choose, carport options abound. Colors, size of vehicles, and materials are all things to consider when choosing the one that will meet your needs.
Tags: attached carport, carport addition, carport options, carports, single slope carport kits, wooden carports