Many people ask the question: “what is a carport?” here we will explain what a carport is, how it differs from a garage, and why you should consider adding one to your house. A carport is a covered structure offering limited protection to your car or cars. A garage is a completely enclosed structure, which is more expensive and time-consuming to construct. A carport is a good choice for many people, protecting their cars from the weather, and providing a versatile covered area, which can give additional room for other activities.
What is the Function of a Carport?
A carport is designed to protect your car from the weather. Parking your cars under cover can extend their life, as they are not exposed to harsh conditions such as rain, wind, or heat. Carports can also make it easier for you to get in and out of your car without getting soaked! If you have ever had to unload your car in the pouring rain, you can imagine how much nicer it would be to be able to do this undercover. Carports are often attached to your house, giving you a weatherproof route to your door. Carports can also be used for other pastimes. The British weather can be unhelpful, BBQs can be rained off, family gatherings can be forced inside, and having a carport can give you an extra room outside of your house that can be exceedingly useful.
Advantages of Carports
Carports, as opposed to garages, are an excellent choice. They are cheaper and simpler to construct than garages, having often only a roof, and supporting structure. Someone competent at DIY can build a carport, whereas a garage is more complicated and timely to build. The open sides of a carport mean that you don’t have problems with dampness or condensation. Carports can be used for an array of other pastimes, not just storing your cars, such as BBQs, and picnics, protecting young children and pets from the heat, giving you a dry and protected space to carry out maintenance on your car, and storing items away from inclement weather.
Do I Need a Planning Permission to Build a Carport?
As long as your carport is under certain dimensions, you won’t require planning permission and can construct your carport under permitted development. Your carport must have eaves no higher than 2.5 metres, a total ridge height of no more than 4 metres, and not be within 2 metres of the boundary of your property. You can’t build a carport at the front of your house without planning permission, and if you live in a listed building you must seek planning permission. Houses within National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have different guidelines, and it is always wise to seek advice if you are unsure. If you have any doubts then ask before building so that you don’t get embroiled in a planning row with your local authority.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Carport?
Our carport systems are competitively priced so that we can offer an affordable carport system for you. Our simple polycarbonate carport system is designed to give you a high-quality fantastic value carport that will last you for many years to come. Our carport systems are available in a range of different sizes, and the prices vary according to size. If you want to price up a carport to suit you, take a look at our carport system.
Can Carports Increase the Value of Homes?
A carport is an excellent investment. Not only does it give you a versatile space that you will find incredibly useful over the years, but it can also add value and desirability to your home should you come to sell your property. Anything that sets your property apart from other properties for sale will increase its value, and also appeal to more people. Many potential buyers will choose a home with a carport over one without. Even if it doesn’t increase the value of your home, it may increase the interest in your property which can lead to a quicker sale. This can have many positive implications. If you are considering selling your home, it could be wise to invest in a carport to improve your sale position.
How Long Does Carport Last?
The average lifespan of polycarbonate sheets is between 10 and 20 years. Many polycarbonate manufacturers offer a 10-year guarantee on their polycarbonate sheeting, please ask our friendly and helpful team for advice on guarantees. This durability means that your initial financial outlay is a good investment. Polycarbonate is a very resilient and long-lasting material that is designed to be flexible, light, and resistant to bumps and knocks, which is why it is our first choice for carport design.
Types of Carports
There are many different options for carport designs. You can have incredibly elaborate carports and very simple ones. Some people construct carports with one or two walls, giving extra weather protection. Carports can be built out of different materials, such as wood, steel, or brick, and with different roof designs such as pitch or gable. Our carport system is designed to be long-lasting, economical, and easy to erect, though we do offer an installation service if you require it. Our carport system can be constructed as a pitched roof, or as a gable design, depending on what you prefer.
What is the Difference Between a Carport and a Garage? Which is Better?
Carports are open-sided structures with a covering roof providing protection from the elements, whereas garages are enclosed buildings, which are large enough to contain a car. Both can be useful additions to your property. Garages are more expensive and complicated to build and can have problems caused by poor ventilation. However, they do offer a more secure structure, which can be useful in certain areas. Carports are an economical alternative to garages and are quick and easy to install. They are very versatile for a range of situations, not just protecting your cars. It is easy to see why carports are a popular choice for many people, and why many of our customers choose to install carports rather than garages at their homes.
Is Carport a Good Idea?
Carports are an excellent idea for many houses and can offer more options than garages. If you are looking for a usable covered area for a range of different activities, then a carport is a good choice. Whether you are fed up with getting drenched whilst getting out of the car when you get home, want a dry and clean space to work on your car, or just want a covered area to give yourself more usable outdoor space, then a carport will be right for you.
Where to Buy Carports?
Here at Glazing Systems, we sell our versatile polycarbonate carport system. This is designed to be a simple and cost-effective carport solution that you can install yourself, or you can take advantage of our experienced carport installation team. To see how you could transform your outdoor space, take a look at our carport system. or simply contact our friendly team for helpful carport advice at 01942 871183 or by email to sales@glazingsystems.co.uk