There are numerous carport designs, models, and manufacturers to choose from, so how do you know what is best for you? Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide what type of carport will suit your property and needs.
Before you set out on purchasing a carport check out the information below as we are sure you will find it a great help in understanding what is available to you. We will give you a potted history of the carport along with the various carports and accessories that can be added to them.
Renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright coined the term carport. He first used the word “carport” when describing a cantilever overhang in the first of his “Usonian” home designs, back in 1936.
The term carport comes from the French term Porte-cochére, referring to a covered portal.
If you are looking for dry frost-free parking to keep your vehicles protected from the elements, then a carport is a great choice.
Carport Benefits
Top-quality carports stand the test of time. Most of the carports made in the UK ensure to offer complete protection to the customers’ vehicles. SBI’s core range of carports come with a 10-year warranty on the materials and have a life expectancy of 25 years.
DIY and hobby tasks can also be carried out under dry cover. A carport can be a great place to clean your pets as well or leave your muddy boots after a walk.
There are many benefits to why you may want a carport solution for your vehicle.
Weather and Environmental Protection
One of the main advantages of using aluminium carport is that it provides weather safety. It protects your vehicle against unnecessary damage from winter snow, extremely hot sun, rain, sleet, tree sap, twigs, leaves, and bird droppings.
When it rains there is less noise from a glass roof than from a multiwall polycarbonate roof. So when planning for your new carport take into account if the carport is adjacent to a bedroom.
The carport has different glazing options, for the ultimate in glazing choose glass! The main benefits of glass are the appearance, they look better than corrugated plastic, metal sheeting, GRP sheets, and multiwall polycarbonate glazing.
The glass is also treated to prevent harmful UV rays that over time will fade your vehicle’s paintwork. Glass comes in clear, blue, green, grey, and bronze tints.
Carports Improve Security
As a homeowner, you will always be looking for potential ways to keep away unwanted intruders and improve the security of your property and vehicles. You can add shiplap sides and a Solar Powered Roller Garage Door to the front. This contributes to keeping everything safe and secure. The carport can be fitted with PIR lighting to deter would-be burglars.
No Need to Rent a Storage Unit
Space has always been a significant constraint as property prices have increased. Many times, you will have to settle for a small house depending on your location and budget. As a result, a small space can make it tough for you to accommodate everything you own.
When you have a small space, it becomes difficult for you to store all your belongings. Many homeowners decide to rent a storage space. A carport can play an important role in eliminating the requirement of renting storage of space. Saving money and keeping everything close to hand.
Shade and Organisation
A carport can serve different purposes in your house. Apart from storage space for your vehicle, a carport can serve as a play area for your children and also contribute to adding a shed area for your belongings. Depending on the requirement, you can easily organise the free-standing carports. You can get affordable carports depending on the size of your family. You can also add extra items as well in the carport.
More Advantages of Carports
The main function of quality carports is to act as a canopy cover for your vehicle. But it doesn’t stop there. Carports are used to store bins under, connect garages to the home so when walking between them you keep dry.
When not used for vehicles they can provide a dry sheltered area for children to play outside in all weathers or outdoor DIY space for adults or to store hobby equipment like bikes and kayaks.
You can use the carport to store wood for your wood burner. If you are carrying shopping from the car and your entrance is under the carport you and the shopping don’t get wet. No more making a dash for it, with those heavy shopping bags.
Types of Carports
Lean-to Carports
The most common carport designs are lean-to carports, these are generally attached to a wall and have posts either concreted into the ground or bolted down. They can create useful sheltered outdoor space immediately outside the entrance to your home.
Freestanding Carports
Free-standing carports will have posts at the rear to support the roof and the posts are concreted into the ground. Free-standing carports come in either Apex or Vaulted options. They can be positioned directly outside your home or elsewhere on your property.
Cantilevered Carports
Cantilever carports can be free-standing or they are bolted to a solid brick wall. The beams of the cantilever carport are made from glass reinforced polyester resin (GRP). This type of carport doesn’t have support posts, unlike the Lean-to carport.
Carport Options & Accessories
When choosing your carport there are various options open to you and accessories to maximise the use of your carport.
Framework options
Carports of different frameworks are available in the market. However, all the materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. It would help if you considered them and then choose a carport that suits you and your family’s needs the best.
Glass or Polycarbonate Roof?
The material of the roof is one of the most important factors to consider. The glass roof will add a luxurious touch, over other types of glazing.
Another benefit of glass is it can be coated with a very thin layer of titanium dioxide. This turns the glass into a self-cleaning glass and will mean you save time on cleaning your carport.
Also, it is safer as you will not need to climb steps or ladders to get above the carport roof to clean it.
For the self-cleaning glass to work you will need to have the pitch of the roof set at a minimum of 10º. Our team of advisors can work the pitch of the roof of the carport out for you on request.
Another reason to choose glass over multiwall polycarbonate glazing is that glass is solid, so you don’t get water ingress.
Unlike multiwall polycarbonate that is made up of plastic cells. The sheets are taper at the ends but can get condensation inside the cells and collect water over a period of time.
The water will normally evaporate in the summer months, but unsightly watermarks and green algae can be left inside the cells.
Choosing a Carport Installation Method
The ease of installation is extremely important to consider. Our dedicated installation teams can normally install an average carport in a day. Whilst there are many DIY options available ensure you calculate the time it could take you to install it along with having the appropriate tools to carry out the installation. DIY Carports do not normally come with any guarantee for the installation aspect of the carport, beware if something goes wrong you are on your own!
More Options and Accessories
One of the most significant benefits of having a carport at home is that it is customisable in nature. Depending on your preference, you can choose the width, length, and height of the carport.
Furthermore, you can add as many features as you want and when you want, including some of the options listed below:
- Carport garage doors
- Carport cladded sides
- Decorative posts
- Décor brackets
- Carport lighting
- Infra-red heaters
- Carport awnings
- Carport screens
- Shelving
- Storage units
- Workbench
- Power sockets
- Carport flooring
- Bike racks
- External tap and hose
- Rear infill with door
- Gates
Carport FAQs
The carport is an open structure, whereas a garage is a closed structure. However, both of them offer equal protection to your vehicle against harsh weather. However, if you want extra protection, you can add a side and a solar-powered garage door to a carport and get closed protection for your vehicle.
Adding a carport can help to add value to your house. However, the value added by a carport will vary depending on the location of your home, materials, and demand for a carport. A good-looking glass carport will add curb appeal to your property. The reverse is true if you have an old wooden structure with a plastic corrugate cover.
Our team of advisors, surveyors and installers. Can carry out repairs to free-standing carports. Contact us for more advice by email or phone. Click here to contact us now.
Our team of advisors, surveyors and installers. Can carry out repairs to System 2000 canopies. Contact us for more advice by email or phone. Click here to contact us now.
Carports are worth repairing because they protect your other investments. Consider how much you paid for your car, boat or motorhome. Not only are they practical but they add or detract from the curb appeal of your property. A poorly maintained carport can affect the price of and saleability of your property!
Our team of advisors, surveyors and installers. Can carry out repairs to Canoports carports. Contact us for more advice by email or phone. Click here to contact us now.
Our team of advisors, surveyors and installers. Can carry out repairs to Milwood carports. Contact us for more advice by email or phone. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We have access to parts for domestic carports. From carport manufacture’s around the world. Whether you need replacement glazing or posts. Our team can advise you on availability and cost. Click here to contact us now.
We have access to parts for domestic carports. From carport manufacture’s around the world. Whether you need replacement glazing or posts. Our team can advise you on availability and cost. Click here to contact us now.
We have access to thousands of parts from carport manufacture’s around the world. Whether you need replacement glazing or posts. Our team can advise you on availability and cost. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. Based in the county next to East Sussex we are the goto company for carport repair East Sussex. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. Based in the county next to Essex we are the goto company for carport repair Essex. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. Based in the county next to Surrey we are the goto company for carport repair Surrey. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. Based in Kent county we are the goto company for carport repair Kent. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. Based in the county next to London we are the goto company for carport repair London. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
SBI Ltd can carryout storm damage repairs, to existing carports. You may be able to claim for repair work on your insurance. SBI installers are trained in all aspects of storm damage work. Don’t waste your money replacing your carport when in a lot of cases. SBI can get it working and looking as good as new. Get in touch for a free quote. Click here to contact us now
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
Carrying out carport repairs yourself can be dangerous due to working at heights from ladders and steps. Get advice from a specialist carport company. Click here to contact us now.
We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop for all types of carport repair work. We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
You may have been unfortunate to have a hole in the carport roof. This can be caused by falling roof tiles and slates. If the carport has brittle corrugated plastic sheets fireworks can puncture the glazing. Our installers can advise if we can repair or replace the glazing.
Our team of advisors has access to hundreds of different makes and models of carports. Once they have worked out what you require. You’ll get a detailed written estimate of the cost. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We can repair most types of commercial carports. Let us know what needs doing and email us some pictures of the problem. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
This is a very hard question to answer. There are so many factors to take into account. For example, if you buy a DIY budget carport the cost could be a few hundred pounds. If you bought a made to measure luxury carport, with accessories you could spend upwards of £10’000. As you can see there is a massive difference in price. The cost comparison is similar to purchasing a car. You could buy a Mercedes Benz Maybach Exelero for £6.4 million or a Dacia Sandero for £6995. Both will give you protection from the elements but if you have a higher budget you get more for your money! The same is true when purchasing an awning. Speak to the experts for guidance on your next replacement awning purchase. Click here to contact now.
Our team of advisors, surveyors and installers. Can carry out repairs to many different makes and models of carports. If your carport is no longer manufactured we can offer you a suitable affordable replacement. Contact us for more advice by email or phone. Click here to contact us now.
Our team of advisors, surveyors and installers. Can carry out repairs to many different makes and models of carports. Normally the only issue will be if parts are no longer manufactured for your carport. Contact us for more advice by email or phone. Click here to contact us now.
Some carport repairs can be simple to carry-out. Generally, if the carport can be repaired it will be cheaper than replacing the whole carport. Carrying out carport repairs yourself can be dangerous. Get advice from a specialist carport company. Click here to contact us now.
SBI can repair electric roller shutter doors attached to carports. We can also remove dispose of and replace with new solar-powered carport roller doors.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We have access to hundreds of parts from carport manufactures around the world. Whether you need replacement roofs, posts, glazing or doors. Our team can advise you on availability and cost. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of experienced installers and cleaners. To see an example of a repair and cleaning project click here.
Carrying out carport roof repairs yourself can be dangerous due to working at height and the glazing may be brittle. We have teams of installers that are used to working on carports and at heights. Get advice from a specialist carport company. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
Carport beams can be made from aluminium, steel, plastic or timber. If the carport was supplied by us or it is a model that we can obtain parts for. We would be able to replace the beam but if the part can’t be sourced you may need to replace the whole carport. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
Carport frame repair can be carried out but it will depend on what type of carport you have. If it is still manufactured and parts are available. Our installers could carry out the required repairs. If you take a picture of your carport and email it to us. Our team will provide you with a detailed quote for any work. Click here to contact us now.
If your carport roof needs to be replaced we can do this for you. Generally when the roof requires replacing the framework will also be replaced. The framework has to support the glazing and snow loads. Take a picture of the existing roof and email it to us. Our friendly team of advisors will then work out some options and prices for you. Click here to contact us now.
We cover most areas in the UK and have a team of advisors, surveyors and experienced installers. To see some of our work in different areas of the UK take a look at our map.
If your carport has started to leak. It will normally be where it is attached to the building. Sealant and flash-bands are used in the construction of the carport to seal them. Over a period of time these will wear and need to be replaced. In some instance’s they can be easy issues to fix with some sealant. If the flashing needs to be replaced then our installers will have to work on top of the roof to gain access. Click here to contact us now.
It is extremely hard to give a price at this early stage. We would need to know exactly what requires repairing. If you take some pictures and email them to us with a description of the problem. We will get one of our advisors to work out a price and let you know. Click here to contact us now.
Carrying out carport repairs for home should only be carried out by experienced installation teams. Contact our friendly team for more advice. Click here to contact us now.
Do not remove posts on your own or without supporting the carport with an acro. If a post has been hit by a vehicle we would recommend having it replaced. We have teams of installers that are used to working on carports and at heights. Get advice from a specialist carport company. Click here to contact us now.
Carrying out carport repairs yourself can be dangerous due to working at height and possible getting on to the roof. We have teams of installers that are used to working on carports and at heights. Get advice from a specialist carport company.
In a lot of case’s carports can be repaired. If the carport is a high-quality luxury carport then the chances of a repair are higher. It will work out less expensive to have the carport repaired rather than replaced. On the other hand if the carport is a budget model that only cost a few hundred pounds. The cost of repairs carried out by a carport company will probably work out more than the cost of the carport. In this case you would either invest in a quality carport or simply replace it with a budget carport. If your not sure whether you have a quality or budget carport. Send us a picture of what you have and we will advise you accordingly.
Why Buy from SBI?
SBI Ltd (Sun Blinds installations) is a well-established company that was founded in 1998 and has been trading successfully ever since. The two company founders are life long friends and have brought both of their families in to the company to make up a friendly team of professional advisors and installers.
The company manufactures and imports a wide range of made to measure awnings from both Markilux & Weinor. SBI supply and install quality products for both homeowners and businesses alike. As a result of the size of contracts it undertakes, the company has 5 million pounds of public liability insurance and are full members of the British Blinds and Shutter Association.
SBI Ltd is a reliable carport company opting for building quality bespoke carports, since 1998.
The types of carports that they can offer you are:
- Luxury Carports
- Modern Carports
- Victorian Style Carports
- Aluminium Carports
- Lean-to Carports
- Free-standing Carports
- Back-to-Back Carports (butterfly)
- Cantilever Carports
- Glass Carports
- Polycarbonate Carports
- Plastic Carports
- Made to measure Carports
- Double Width Carports
- Carpark Carports
- Retractable Carports
Parking your vehicle under the correct size carport will help to reduce the negative weather experiences quickly, we can help ensure you find the right carport for you and your vehicle.
Summary
Carports are an economical alternative to building a garage, protecting your car from all weathers, adding to security and creating undercover storage space outside your property. They come in a variety of designs with numerous options and extras available. SBI will delighted to help you explore the best option for you.
