The standard size appears to be up to 52ʹ wide, up to 16ʹ sidewall height and there are 4ʹ and 5ʹ incremental length extensions. These structures are available in a wide range of colours and are also considered stronger alternatives to aluminium carports. It is advisable when enquiring about your type of application to be as precise as possible as the Versatube representative can offer reinforced customisation to cater for local authority compliance. While Versatube have excelled in the commercial and industrial market with large engineering projects (covers for plant machinery), the same patented technology can be found with their domestic products. One customer who purchased a two car carport with truss bracing found the product top class in terms of value for money, design, quality and ease of use. Another customer who purchased the same carport stated it was a great product but found assembly quite a challenge.

It seems that the Versatube carport is a strong player amongst the many competitors that are vying to get your business. Manufactured from patented Slip-Fit steel tubes that fit together, they offer a long lasting structure that is guaranteed for twenty years. The dealers offer to include installation in the price of the carport but also offer a Premium DIY Kit for the enthusiast. If you decide that you have the expertise to carry out the installation yourself, some preparation work needs to be done, in particular the ground upon which the Versatube carport is to be built. The ground needs to be levelled flat with a decline of about four inches to make sure that water can run off the back gable and not the front. Also before attempting to purchase the kit you need to ensure whether you need planning consent. If you decide you will do the assembly yourself, plan on spending about eight hours on a standard sized carport (from 8ʹ to 30ʹ wide). If you are adding to the standard structure such as a sidewall or back or front then expect to take longer. If anchoring to concrete there are about seven standard anchor bolts that have to be installed using a hammer drill. If you are anchoring to a wooden deck, the company recommends lag bolts installed through the pre-drilled holes in the base and then screwed down securely.

For the average consumer who only wants to protect a midsized sedan or normal sized boat there is an economical solution that most reputable suppliers stock. These portable carports are about 10ʹ wide by 16ʹ length and 10ʹ height and the frames are constructed   from heavy duty structural steel with the main cover and side panels being made from specially treated polyethylene that will withstand all weather conditions. These covers have a five to seven year life expectancy which is ideal for a temporary fix. Should you require more use out of the cover, then there are upgraded models to choose from but naturally will cost more. Customers who have purchased these portable garage carports have claimed that they have very easy installation directions to follow and the completed product looks even better than advertised. Others who opted for the supplier to do the installation have also given good reviews on the quality of the finished product.

While a portable garage carport theoretically is a ‘quick fix’ solution and not considered a permanent structure, there still may be some restrictions on where to place it. Recently, DeWitt in New York enacted a law regarding driveways and front yards and the only option for owners of a portable garage carport with vehicle is to keep it in the back. For those who don’t comply they are liable to a fine of $200.00. At the moment RV’s, cars or boats can be left in the front of the property for no longer than ten days before the owner is fined. The only other option for these people is to store their vehicles away from home which is rather expensive and not really a solution. People have petitioned the DeWitt enactment and at the time of writing no further updates are available, however, even if you live elsewhere or in another country, your local authority may have some similar restrictions. Just as you need planning consent for a carport, it is wise to see what restrictions, if any, are applicable.

It seems that the portable carport market is extensive and there is a lot of competition, so as a result the products seem very good and they are built for longevity and very easy to assemble. Although most people purchase  a standard size or model for their car or RV, some manufacturers can make up a customised kit, so it is important to get your requirements attended to as soon as you can. Most manufacturers maintain that their kits can be built in less than a day by the average DIY person, but bank on two days if you are undertaking a larger, more ambitious carport. One customer who opted for the DIY method from one of the large manufacturers took delivery of a standard size carport canopy with enclosures for his vehicle and claims it has easily withstood two winters in New England. Another one who bought the same product from the same company has maintained that it was very easy to assemble and is very functional.

So, if you value your RV or automobile or boat, and want to extend the life of it and increase the resale value, but only want a temporary solution for some reason (you could only be renting your home), then a portable carport seems a pretty good choice. However, just because it is a portable structure it does not mean that you don’t need a permit. It is best to find out before you make a purchase whether it complies with local building regulations. In an event most portable carport dealers will advise on this and they can even certify it for wind speed or snow load depending on what your budget is. In catering for the DIY person who does not have the budget, or simply does not have the need for a more costly quality carport, some suppliers offer a budget specification which includes covers made from 9oz, triple layer, UV treated, 100% waterproof material that has a two year warranty. The frame is made from heavy duty structural steel that has a surface preparation bonded with DuPont thermoset baked on a powder coated finish that is rust and chip resistant. Note that for these models there is no guarantee for snow or wind load unless the purchaser is prepared to pay for engineering drawings.

The choice of suppliers, especially online is endless, and kits are available in all shapes and sizes and can even be customised to suit customers’ requirements. Whether you want to protect your RV, car, and boat or just want extra covered storage space used for a multitude of purposes such as for horses or other animals, all kits can be modified at a later date as well. If you are technically oriented and want to install the carport kit yourself then choose a supplier that has the DIY person in mind, as some suppliers include installation in their price and only use their own contractors .Also the kits come with clear, concise instructions and are assembled without problems as one customer testifies, that upon completion of his dream carport, he was inundated with enquiries from his associates. Another customer purchasing from the same DIY supplier was unsure of what he wanted so after many detailed quotes finally decided on his choice and was ‘over the moon’ upon completion of his RV carport.

It is vital that you choose the right supplier especially if you opt for the DIY way. Considerations are quality, price and ease of assembly and only choose a reputable supplier. There are also budget carport kits available that have canvas or vinyl awnings and are very affordable. Whatever  way you choose to go make allowances for the ‘extras’ that will add to your budget such as applications for permits or planning consent as nearly all  carport kits are considered outbuildings. Also consider where the anchor points are going to be and whether they need to be anchored in asphalt, concrete or just plain ground. It seems steel is the preferred route over aluminium in the higher end market and kits are easily assembled with pre-drilled frame components. These frames are usually heavy duty square tube steel and when assembled produce a carport that is sturdy, durable and pleasing to the eye. The roof material is normally made from fluted steel and cut precisely to length and then painted with a baked finish.

There is a twenty year limited warranty against rust on the framing and roofing material under normal user care and maintenance. Depending on where you reside in the US, you can make enquiries either online or at any of their five service centres scattered around the country. Standard items included in each carport are temporary pin anchors but for an additional fee you can purchase concrete or mobile home anchors. There are no kits available for the DIY enthusiast and the company will install and comply with all local authority restrictions. Amongst the satisfied customers is a purchaser of two of their carports (24ʹx41ʹx12ʹ)   and he has claimed that  they have resisted strong gusts of wind at 80 mph   and steady winds of 50 mph. His location in a valley has testified to the carport’s durability. Another has claimed that the installation team installed two carports in one day at their Pocahontas ranch and are very satisfied with the products.

It usually takes between two and four weeks after receiving the order from the dealer to take delivery of the American carport and it usually installs and assembles in one day. However, depending on what additional items or non standard options were ordered, it could take up to two days. If required, additional items can be added to the carport at a later stage but they will only do this for their own products and not any other manufacturer. Apparently there is a service charge added for this and to add a walk-in, overhead or roll-up doors, the original American carport has to be at least six   feet high. Little things to watch out for is that the company installs with three foot temporary pin anchors as a standard feature for ground, clay and asphalt installation but they also state that they are not responsible for these anchors. They recommend using double helix mobile home anchors or concrete anchors for concrete installation at an additional cost to the buyer. Although the company is represented online there are no prices reflected and they prefer the customer to contact one of their professional dealers located around the country where prices vary from state to state. All orders are COD but they also accept personal checks and all the major credit cards.

For the larger type or non standard vehicle, the choice is for the A-frame type that has a sloped roof so snow or water cannot load the structure. In some of the kits you can opt for either a soft or hard top and should you wish to protect your vehicle further, removable side panels can be fitted temporarily or even permanently. Because they are lightweight, a lot of consumers purchase for a ‘quick fix’ and when read to move on they simply disassemble the structure to fit to their next venue. Applications include temporary accommodation for farm animals, boat protection or just renting a property. It is best to purchase from a reputable supplier as there are lots of kits to choose from and sometimes difficult to distinguish between products especially online. There are varying reports with customers who have bought kits but in the mid range customers who bought the kits opted to have them installed by the company they purchased from and generally were most satisfied with their products. One carport purchaser claimed that the installation team finished the assembly in two hours and was most impressed with the efficiency. Another claimed that the same company, who are one of the leaders, installed his RV port in just three hours.

It seems when it comes to metal carports, aluminum carports are a big player offering the extra flexibility of lightweight portability. However, whether you require a temporary fix, or you plan to have a more permanent plan of action for your RV or boat, there are still plans that need to be carefully looked at beforehand. One is the ground upon which your aluminum carport is to be erected. The ground needs to be level within a tolerance of three-four inches otherwise you will need to trim the legs to fit the contour to the ground. If a company is doing the installing and there is more than a four inch tolerance level, they may charge extra to rectify it. It is worthwhile to check this beforehand.

So you got yourself relocate. You will probably rent your new place. It might have a garage with it, but you may use it for storage.

Working people who are moving around are facing some problems with car maintenance. The simple solution would be a portable carport. If you would leave your car exposed to the weather conditions, the sun rays can damage your car’s paint and make it fade away in no time. You want to avoid the car shop as long as you can, don’t you?

Rain can also damage your car shield. We live in times when rain in urban areas can be acidic and will lead to damaging your car in the long run.

Weather can really make your car look aged in just a short time. So it is really best that you protect your car from sunlight and rain whenever you are home. If you don’t have a garage for your car and you live in a rent house, then buying a portable carport can lengthen your car’s lifespan.

Portable carports are easy to assemble or disassemble, not like regular carports. It is ideal for those who have jobs that require them to move a lot from one place to another.

A basic portable carport has a frame and a strong awning. Frames are usually made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. Portable carports that have a vinyl frames are also becoming popular as of their low price. However, vinyl portable carport is less durable as a steel or aluminum one.
The awning of portable carport is usually made of a lightweight weather-resistant matter. Perhaps, the most popular portable carport canvass is one made of vinyl fabric.

Another use for portable carport – you can use a portable carport as an outdoor party tent if you will plan to host an outdoor event. It can also be used as a spontaneous tent if you will hold a garage sale during summer time.

In the same way, people who own a carport would like to have the best awning that would give the most effective shelter for their cars.

In the past, there used to be only one kind of carport — made of wood. Needless to say, wooden carports are elegant. But wooden carports have wooden awnings which are less practical lately.

Wood is vulnerable to fungus damage and would not hold up the damaging elements for a long period of time. In addition, wood awnings are quite pricey. For persons whose main worry is to supply protection for their cars without spending large amount of money, wooden carport awnings would be a poor choice.

I believe that every homeowner would want a carport canopy that would have strong durability. We certainly want carport awnings that can endure the elements for a long time. And when we think about durability, nothing would beat steel carport awnings.

Unlike old wooden carport canopies, steel carport awnings are nearly resistant to fungus and are not affected by it. Steel carport awnings would not rust and would last for more than 20 years. But durability is not the only virtue of steel carport awnings. Steel can prevent UV rays, the main reason of car paint fading. With steel carport awnings, you can be certain that your car would be safe from damaging UV rays, rain, and snow.

However, steel carport awnings can cost you a lot. But if you are looking for almost the same durability and best weather-protection attributes that steel carport awnings offer, there is a more reasonably priced option for you—aluminum carport awnings. Just like steel, aluminum can successfully protect your car from the snow, rain and the sun rays. Sure, it doesn’t have the same duration as the steel awning; but aluminum awnings can also provide long lasting protection for your car.
However aluminum carport awnings might still be too expensive for some homeowners. But there is no need to worry if you are on a low budget. You can still afford good protection for your car with alternative carport awning materials like polyethylene or vinyl awnings.
Polyethylene is a water-proof plastic material that can withstand high temperatures. Vinyl is quite similar to polyethylene. It comes at the same inexpensive price and it can withstand heavy rain or strong heat. The great thing with a vinyl carport awning is that it is fire resistant.

Steel carports are not cheap. But if you are looking for quality, the steel carports are your first choice. They may have a higher price-tags compared to other carports, but buying a steel carport will ensure you will get the best product that your money can buy.

There are several reasons to choose steel carport – strength, protection, durability.

Steel has always been one of the favored metals to use. Almost all materials made of steel are the best than materials from other metals. Steel carports are tougher than carports made of wood or plastic. Steel carports can easily last a few decades. When it comes to durability, steel carports outranks any other carports in the market.

Most of car owners want to keep good care for their cars as a way to avoid unnecessary repairs. Early repainting is a big issue for car owners. Usually, a new car’s paint would last for some time, provided that proper care is given. Using a carport might delay this problem for some years. Another problem is acid rain. In our time, acid rain has become more and more evident. This is true especially if you are living in the city. Leaving your car outside without a protection is definitely not a good idea. Exposure for acidic rain can destroy the car’s paint in no time. But if you have a steel carport, you would not worry about peeling car paint. Steel carports offer the best protection from acidic rain, no doubt about it.

Steel carports will also protect your car from other nature elements. Your car would not suffer any damage during unexpected hailstorms if you have a steel carport. Also, you would not waste your time taking off snow from your car during winter.

Investing your money in a good steel carport might be one of the best investments if your car is important to you. Keeping the value and condition of your car is a sound and practical move.

Prefab carports are built for people who are interested in move ability. They can be moved from one place to another with no problems. Usually, Prefab carports are screwed together or bolted. All you have to to do is unscrew the bolts and you can move it to another spot. The roof and the sides are removed easily as detach pieces and the whole carport is ready to go. Prefab carports are largely being used by renters since they can take the carport with them without any problems when they leave.

There are numerous benefits to using prefab carports. Carports are much less costly than purchasing the supplies and building a garage by you. Building up a carport, particularly with a prefab carport kit, is much faster than building a garage all by you considering that all the garage parts have been already in the factory. There’s no speculation concerned when you buy a prefab carport. The tools in factories nowadays are so advanced the pieced fit together without any miss.

Clearly, the prefab carport will not include the ground base so you’ll have to take care of it yourself. But before you start, make sure you have the carport plans so you know what size to make the foundation. If you already have a foundation and just need the prefab carport, check to see if there are any offered prefab carport designs that match the size of your portion. Bearing in mind the huge number of carport designs and styles, there are good chances you’ll find a prefab carport kit that meets what you needs.

You might be able to build your carport in one day all by yourself. Or you possibly will need the help of some of your friends. It depends on the size of your carport. Consider the option of wasting weeks, or even months building a garage from scratch and add in the annoyance of not having one pieces fit another precisely as you’d like and you’ll start to understand how prefab carport can save lots of time, money, and frustration.