Committing to a garage construction project requires planning, money, and time. Therefore, building a carport can be easy, faster, cheaper, and a more practical option that you can handle. A carport is a covered structure that offers limited protection and security to vehicles from rain and snow. A carport helps boost the curb appeal of your property and also increases the property’s value.
A 6-Step Guide To Building A Carport
There are different types of carports, such as wall-mounted or lean-to, cantilever, and free-standing carports. Wall-mounted carports are mounted on the wall and don’t have ground supporting posts. Cantilever carports are rigid structural elements supported at one end only, while free-standing carports are stand-alone structures that don’t require the property’s support. If you’re looking to build a carport, this post is for you. We’ll outline a step-by-step plan for building a carport. Take a look!
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Purchase The Building Materials
Wood and metal are the most common materials used to build carports. However, the choice of wood or metal will depend on the style, design, and climate conditions. Wooden carports are made from wood and are most preferred because they’re cheap and easy to build and customize. They come in various styles and rooflines, including modern polycarbonate or traditional shingles.
Metal Carports are made from aluminum, steel, and other metallic composites. They’re relatively expensive to build but are worth it due to their durability. However, you can customize the structure and use cheaper building materials that suit your budget.
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Identify The Site
After getting all the necessary materials you require, it’s time to select an excellent location to build your carport. It’d be best to locate your carport near the house for convenience and security reasons. Situating it too far means you get wet during the rainy season and have trouble accessing your vehicle. You also need to choose a flat terrain with good drainage and ensure no drainage lines or power lines run below your selected spot.
The local municipality also influences where you build your carport. Check with them for guidelines and building codes. Also, remember to get building permits if required; this helps avoid legal issues that could be costly.
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Measure Out The Carport
A standard carport structure measures 16 by 8 feet, forming a rectangular shape. However, this depends on the size of the vehicle or the number of cars that need shelter. Measure the rectangle and ensure it offers a proper layout. If you’re designing a free-standing carport, be aware it utilizes six posts, four at the corners and two in the middle of the length dimension. Therefore, mark the positions of the six posts on the ground.
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Prepare The Ground
Preparing the ground entails different processes like digging the holes for the six posts. Each hole should be 2 feet deep but can go up to 4 feet for areas with bad weather conditions. Deeper holes are suitable for areas with strong winds and heavy snowfall. When digging the holes, use a string or batter board for perfect alignment. Use the 3-4-5 rule to ensure the corners are at perfect right angles. After digging, pour six inches of concrete mix, place the posts and continue pouring. Give the concrete time to dry.
Preparing the ground also entails leveling the ground by removing any layers of grass with a shovel or a metal rake. Ensure your ground is as flat as possible. After leveling the ground, pour the ground cover. While the bare ground is great in some cases, it makes you carry dirt into the house, and the ground is prone to wear with time. The best idea is to use concrete as it’s durable and extends your carport’s lifespan.
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Build The Roof
After the ground and posts are in place, fasten the rafters to the side posts. Rafters support the roof and measure 2*4*10 feet. To secure the rafters, you can use the notch or hanger method. The front and back rafters are fastened to the front and back posts, while other rafters are arranged at equal distances. Next is to place your roof sheeting across the rafters and ensure they’re inside the side posts, then bind it with the right fasteners. Add a cap flashing where the roof meets the post’s edge for a complete waterproof edge.
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Inspect The Structure
After you’re done constructing the carport, take time to inspect every aspect to spot any potential mistakes or issues. Additionally, check the structure’s stability; if it requires more strength, add braces for reinforcement.
Conclusion
There you go! A six-step guide to building a carport. We hope the above information helps you build a stylish and functional carport that suits your needs. When choosing a material to build your carport, remember to consider your style, design, and local climate conditions.
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