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What are the Best Materials for a Long-Lasting Carport
Lifestyle
Choosing the right materials is essential when investing in a long-lasting carport that will protect your vehicle and define an outdoor space that suits your style and needs. A well-built carport not only shields your car from sun damage, snow or precipitation, but also adds a visually appealing structure to your property that can boost its value. To guarantee longevity, key factors to consider are durability, weather resistance, and design, as each material, whether aluminium, steel, or wood, offers distinct qualities. With roofing options like photovoltaic panels, polycarbonate sheets, and glass, there’s a solution for every preference. This guide will help you explore the best materials on the market, ensuring your carport stands the test of time.
Crafting the Perfect Carport: The Essential Role of Quality Materials
A carport is a simple, practical structure manufactured to shelter your vehicle from various weather conditions. Whether it stands alone or attaches to your home, a carport can be a fantastic addition, keeping your car protected while also adding value to your property. If you’re still weighing the benefits of investing in a carport, check out our previous guide, where we break down the advantages and many uses of these versatile structures.
At Exterior Spaces, we’ve found that premium-grade aluminium is our top pick for carport frames due to its inherent strength and durability. But is it the right material choice for everyone? Here, we break down the unique qualities of aluminium, steel, and wood, review different roofing options, and cover essential factors to think about so you can make the best choice for your space.
The Backbone of Your Carport: Exploring Frame Material Options
Aluminium
Aluminium carports have become a favourite in the UK, loved for their longevity, minimal maintenance, and stylish appearance. Strong yet lightweight, aluminium suits any property, from homes to business spaces, with a clean look that pairs well with different architectural designs. Resistant to rust and corrosion, it holds up through tough weather while requiring only the lightest maintenance. Available in a range of colours and finishes, aluminium lets you match your carport to your property’s character effortlessly. Plus, as a fully recyclable metal, it’s a smart, eco-friendly choice that’s often cheaper than steel, striking a great balance between cost and quality.
Steel
If you’re looking for something that can handle extreme weather and heavy impacts, steel frames are a solid option. They’re specifically designed to withstand snow, wind, and storms, making them dependable in tougher climates. Choosing galvanised steel means these carports can resist rust allowing them to last for decades. However, steel does need periodic maintenance to prevent corrosion, especially in challenging environments, which can make it more expensive and difficult to keep up with. While the added weight of the metal provides extra stability, it can also complicate the installation process and drive up costs compared to lighter options like aluminium. So, while steel does have its benefits, aluminium often shines as the superior choice for many homeowners, even those living in more extreme climates.
Wood
For those who desire a classic, natural look, wood brings warmth and charm with plenty of options for custom stains and finishes. Sustainably sourced timber is also an eco-friendly choice, but it does require regular maintenance to protect against pests, moisture, and weathering. While cedar and redwood are more resistant to pests, they can be pricier. Overall, although wood is popular for its aesthetic appeal, it needs much more upkeep compared to aluminium, making aluminium a more practical choice for those who want beauty without the hassle.
Top It Off: Roofing Options for Your Carport
At Exterior Spaces, we offer 4 carefully curated roofing choices to complement our aluminium frames and meet the diverse needs of our customers. Each option combines durability with a unique style, allowing you to choose the perfect bespoke fit for your carport and property:
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
PV panels combine carport coverage with renewable energy production, making them a unique, eco-friendly option. By harnessing sunlight, these solar carports generate electricity for your property while protecting your vehicle, offering an efficient solution for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Aluminium Panels
Providing a sleek, corrosion-resistant option, aluminium panels are perfect for areas with heavy rain or coastal exposure. Lightweight yet heavy-duty, these panels come in an assortment of colours and finishes, allowing for easy customisation. Though they may cost more upfront, aluminium panels are long-lasting and low-maintenance, making them a sound investment.
Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets
Popular for its affordability, polycarbonate is lightweight, versatile, and available in a range of finishes. It allows natural light to flow through, creating a bright, open feel beneath the carport. With options like corrugated, solid, or multiwall sheets, polycarbonate can last between 10-20 years, offering an economical and long-lasting roofing choice for any carport.
Glass Roofing
For a refined, modern look, glass roofing offers a high-end aesthetic while allowing natural light to flow through, creating a bright, open atmosphere. Custom-made to your specifications, a glass carport adds visual appeal while still being a cost-effective alternative to a full garage.
Your Perfect Match: Essential Factors for Choosing Carport Materials
Climate Compatibility
When choosing materials for your carport, it’s crucial to consider how your local climate will impact its longevity. If you’re in an area that experiences heavy snow and fierce winds, steel provides solid strength, but it does need regular treatments to prevent rust. On the other hand, aluminium is the better option for any climate. It has excellent corrosion resistance, adapts well to temperature changes, dissipates heat efficiently in warmer weather, and actually becomes tougher and more ductile in very cold temperatures. For roofing, polycarbonate sheets work well in various climates, while PV panels shine in sunny areas by generating renewable energy.
Desired Features
Selecting the right carport material means considering how well it can support any modern features you might want. With aluminium, you can easily add extras like LED lighting, fabric ceilings, and vertical parapets. At Exterior Spaces, we offer carports that come with efficient sealing and drainage systems, similar to our bioclimatic pergolas. You’ll also want to consider what you want your roofing to accomplish for your home. For instance, solar panels not only generate renewable energy but also let in natural light. On the other hand, aluminium panels offer durability and require very little maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal
Adding a carport isn’t just about practicality; it can truly redefine the look and feel of your home. That’s why it’s essential to choose a material that helps create the outdoor space you’ve always dreamed of. Aluminium frames come in various colour options, perfectly complementing all architectural styles, while steel brings an industrial touch, and wood fits effortlessly into a traditional setting. When it comes to roofing, solar panels create a contemporary, eco-friendly ambience, aluminium roofing delivers a sleek and polished look, and polycarbonate offers flexible light control.
Financial Factors
When considering cost, aluminium frames offer a great balance between durability and affordability, while steel frames are typically more expensive. Additionally, the lightweight metal’s impressive longevity, makes it a worthwhile investment. In terms of roofing materials, polycarbonate is budget-friendly, whereas PV and aluminium panels may have higher upfront costs. However, these options provide long-lasting value and require minimal maintenance.
Aluminium Carports From Exterior Spaces
At Exterior Spaces, we specialise in expertly crafted bespoke aluminium carports manufactured to be long-lasting investments. Our single and double carports feature integrated photovoltaic panels, enabling you to generate clean, renewable energy directly from your carport. We also offer sleek aluminium panels or polycarbonate sheets, allowing you to choose the look that best suits your home. Plus, don’t forget to check out our beautiful glass carports, which serve as a unique and luxurious addition to any property.
Single Carport
Standing at 2700mm tall, with dimensions of 3750mm wide by 5650mm long, our single carport offers a sleek, fashionable design that complements any property. This carport provides ample space to shelter 1 vehicle while boosting your home’s curb appeal. With over 200 colour and finish options, it’s fully customisable to match your property’s style.
Double Carport
For those with multiple vehicles or looking to create a more adaptable outdoor area, our double carport is the perfect solution. It provides coverage for 2 cars and serves as a sheltered space for daily tasks like charging an electric vehicle or getting the kids in and out of the car comfortably.
Glass Carport
To achieve the ultimate luxurious and modern look our glass carport is an excellent choice. Custom-built to your specifications, this option offers a visually striking addition to your home while still serving as a cost-effective alternative to a traditional garage. With no need for planning permission and an installation time of just one day, a glass carport is a convenient way to add value to your property.
Choosing the right materials for a long-lasting carport is essential for both vehicle protection and property aesthetics. While options like steel and wood are available, at Exterior Spaces we believe that aluminium emerges as the ultimate choice. Its impressive resistance to rust and corrosion, combined with a sleek, modern appearance, makes this versatile metal ideal for various climates and settings. Moreover, it is lightweight yet sturdy, ensuring your carport stands strong against the elements while providing a contemporary feel that improves your home’s curb appeal.
Investing in a quality aluminium carport not only safeguards your vehicle but also redefines your outdoor area without the commitment or cost of a full garage. At Exterior Spaces, we offer a variety of customisable carports designed to meet your specific needs and preferences. Visit our showroom to explore how an aluminium carport can reshape your exterior space into a versatile and stylish environment that lasts for years to come!
