Carports can be a great addition to any home whether you choose a free-standing structure or one attached to your home. In addition to protecting your vehicles, carport canopy options can also be used as a patio or lounging space. Choosing the right carport option for your climate, home age, and style consideration will enhance the value of your home. Investing in a carport will provide you with a cooler home and additional space for multiple activities. Here are our tips to choose between all carport canopy options and find one that will best suit your needs. 

Choose A Carport That Fits Your Climate

Carports placed in most climates can stand for many years, however, some extreme weather conditions could impact the longevity of the carport materials. The type of weather that your area frequently gets should be considered before installing a shade cover. Areas with heavy snowfall will require a more sturdy structure than mild climates.

Carports of all types that are placed in harsh climates may need extra maintenance in order to maintain their appearance. Staining, coatings, or repairs will need to be done frequently to save you from unnecessary replacement costs.

Aluminum Canopies

This is a lightweight material that still provides durability in carport design. Aluminum offers a sleek and minimalist design that provides enough shade over a driveway or parking space without overshadowing the home. 

Aluminum canopies over a carport are easy to install because of their lightweight design. They are relatively affordable as well because of the small amount of material and the ease of installation. 

Polycarbonate Panels

Polycarbonate is a UV-blocking and durable material often used for carports. Filtered light comes through the panels so that it is less intense but still provides warmth. They can be adjusted to offer flexibility in shading and even come in colored options to provide colored reflections. 

Fabric Canopies

For homes that only need shade and not weather protection, fabric options can be utilized. These carports or canopies are more cost-effective options than other materials and can still provide adequate shade for your home. Fabric is often UV-treated to limit rotting and frequent replacement. Fabric carports also allow more flexibility as they can be made to roll up, come in many colors, and offer flexibility in shade levels. 

Wooden Canopies

Wood is a classic construction material that can also be used for carport canopies. Natural wood can blend seamlessly into your rustic or traditional home while providing shade and cooler temps for the home. Treated woods like cedar are best for outdoor elements like carports. A lattice-type carport made of wood slats will provide shade and airflow.

Carport Sizes

Before anything else, you should measure the space where you want the carport to be placed. Depending on the size, the price of materials will increase the more space you want to cover. You will want ample space for vehicles or lounge furniture but you should also keep future considerations in mind. While your carport may be used for a vehicle now, it could need to serve a different purpose in the future. 

Most medium-sized carports or ones that are attached to a home are affordable. Take into account the size of your home and your land to choose a size that doesn’t overpower the space. 

Customization Options To Enhance Carport Style

Carports can be customized in order to match your home design and personal style. One of the benefits of working with a carport or shading company is that there are many decorative elements, colors, materials, and additional features you can add to your design. Adding a more personal touch to a carport canopy will help it feel less like an added expense and more like a needed enhancement. 

Other customization options include:

• Powder-coatings
• Curved or other roof shapes
• Shelving or cabinets
• LED lighting
• Solar panels
• Flooring options like pavers, gravel, or stamped concrete
• Side panelling
• Windows
• Sliding doors

Options From Kool Breeze

Kool Breeze is known for its durable shading options in Utah. We offer carports in many different materials and colors as well as attached and free-standing structures. Our company has been family-owned and operated since 1947. Our experts have many years of experience in the industry and our goal is to provide you with a durable cover at the most affordable price. 

In addition to carports, Kool Breeze also offers enclosed rooms, patio covers, pergolas, insulated covers, solar shades, and other patio accessories.

If you don’t have room in your garage to park your car or all of your vehicles, come winter, you’ll have to deal with scraping snow and ice off it every morning before you can go to work. Not only does this create more work, but it can also damage your car. Having a carport installed helps to keep your car protected through the winter. 

What’s The Difference Between A Carport And A Garage?

While a garage is a fully enclosed structure with a garage door and everything, a carport is more like a pergola. It has a roof and supporting beams, but it isn’t fully enclosed. If you want to be able to enclose the sides of your carport, you can have screens installed or use a wrap kit. That way, you can keep your car protected on all sides, very similar to how you could with a garage.

Carports are typically classified as temporary structures, but not always. This means that while building a new garage would necessitate permits and result in higher taxes and home insurance costs, this may not be the case for a carport. They are more affordable for many. Of course, the company that you choose to build your carport will let you know if any permits are needed prior to proceeding with business. 

How Parking Your Car Out In The Open Can Damage It In The Winter

For many, parking outside is an unavoidable reality in the winter months. Unless your work has a parking garage, you’ll likely be leaving your car in the open, exposed parking lot while you work. There’s not much that you can do about this.

However, when it comes to your home, if you find yourself parking your car on your driveway or the side of the road because your garage doesn’t have room, this is something that you can take action about. Many people may not realize how parking their car out in the open like this can damage it, and simply accept the hassles that winter brings with it. 

If you can do something to keep your car protected through the winter, it’s important to do so. Your car is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your lifetime, after all. You need it in order to go about your business. 

Some of the ways leaving your car exposed to the elements can damage it include:

#1. Damaged Paint

Snow, rain, hail, UV rays, all of these can damage your paint. It can rust, peel, chip, and more. Having your car’s paint repaired can be incredibly expensive. While car washes can help to preserve it, it’s best to try to prevent streaks and dirt from building up on it however you can. 

#2. Dents

Hail, errant snowballs packed with ice, and fallen tree branches are but a few of the things that can dent your car if you leave it parked outside. 

#3. Theft

Thieves may find your car an easy target to either break into or steal if you leave it parked outside. Installing a carport can provide enough of a deterrent to keep your property protected. 

#4. Decreased Value

If you’re planning on selling your car or you have a lease, it’s crucial to keep it in the best condition possible. When you leave your car exposed to damaging elements, it can suffer a decrease in value. 

Keep Your Car Protected Through The Winter With A Carport

Carports may not provide as much protection as a garage, but they can still help keep your car protected through the winter. They do this through provide some shelter from the elements. Not only does this protect your car through the winter, but it also makes your life easier. 

When you can wake up in the morning without having to scrape snow and ice off of your car and you don’t have to worry as much about preventing damage, you can rest easier. Carports are a more cost-effective option to keep your car protected through the winter than a garage. They’re also very versatile, as you can use them the same way you would use a pergola, should you see fit. 

If you want to enclose the sides of your carport in order to not only prevent snow and ice buildup on top of your car, but to protect it on all sides, you can obtain a cover or wrap kit to do this. 
Koolbreeze is here to help you keep your car protected through the winter with our carports. To learn more about our services and how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!