Author: clickgiant

The name “garage” actually encompasses many different types of structures and spaces. Sure, all garages have a few basics in common, but you need to know exactly what you want before starting on a construction project. In this ultimate guide, we’re going to discuss the various terms associated with the different types of garages so you can determine what’s best for your needs.

American Carports, Inc. offers a variety of metal garages that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, and receive an instant quote!

Three Common Widths

It’s typical for the width of a garage not to be stated in feet, but rather in terms of how many vehicles can fit side-by-side within the structure. So, as a starting point, the smallest standard option is a single garage. You’ll only be able to put one vehicle in this size of a garage, but it might be perfect for your needs. Also, if you don’t plan on parking a vehicle inside, this type of garage can be perfect for a workshop space.

There are also double and triple, or two-car and three-car, garages to consider. The name tells you everything you need to know about how much size will be provided in these various models. When you get up to a big space such as a three-car garage, you might decide to use that space for a blend of parking, storage, and workshop room, rather than solely for parking.

It’s worth noting that you can also go up to a four-car garage if you order from American Carports, Inc. With that much interior space available, there will be very few limitations on what you can accomplish. From running a large workshop to parking multiple vehicles at the same time with room to spare, a four-car garage is certainly a luxury.

What’s a Tandem Garage?

This is where the terminology regarding garages can get a little tricky. It seems like it would make sense for a tandem garage to be the same as a two-car garage, but that’s not usually how it works. Typically, when someone refers to a tandem garage, they’re talking about a space that allows for one vehicle to be parked in front of another. In other words, this is a narrow but deep garage, so there is enough length for two typical passenger vehicles to fit bumper to bumper.

Tandem garages come with some drawbacks—most notably, the fact that you’ll need to move one car out of the way if you want to drive the vehicle that was blocked in. With that said, they can be a functional option for a location that has a long, rectangular space available. On a property where a wide garage with multiple doors just isn’t going to work, turning to a tandem design may be a suitable compromise.

Are All Garages Part of a House?

When you picture a garage, you might first think about a space that has been included in the design of a house. When a garage is integrated into the ground floor of a home, it’s considered an “attached” garage. There’s a lot to like about attached garages, but they aren’t included in all homes. Plus, adding one to your existing house would be very expensive, if it’s even possible.

That’s when the concept of a “detached” garage becomes important. This is a freestanding structure that has the same basic layout and features as an attached garage, but it’s not a part of your home (or any other structure). This is what we offer at American Carports, Inc. Our detached metal garages come in many different sizes and can include a variety of custom features to suit your needs. Taking this route gives you the chance to add much-needed indoor space to your property without having to carve out a huge budget for the job.

Order from American Carports, Inc.

We hope this ultimate guide has taught you more about the different types of garages. From a humble single garage to a massive multi-car shop space, we offer various garage configurations at American Carports, Inc. No matter what garage style and design you settle on, the next step is to start bringing your structure to life. Use our Build & Price Tool to view a 3D rendering of your new metal building! We look forward to assisting you with this exciting project.

Many people use their carports for parking, which is an affordable way to keep vehicles out of the elements. But did you know that parking is just one of many possible ways that you can use a carport? Below, we’ll explore six unique uses for a carport. These options are great for enhancing your property and enjoying the luxury of additional space!

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel carports that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

A Place to Hang Out

Sometimes, a roof is all you need to create a great hangout space. By using your carport as a place to relax with family and friends, you’ll keep the sun and rain off your heads while still getting to enjoy the fresh air and view you have available. In many ways, this is like a patio umbrella taken to a whole new level. You could choose to establish some permanent outdoor furniture under the carport, or you could just bring in a table and some chairs from time to time when people are coming over.

A Workshop

Typically, when you think about a workshop space, you think of an enclosed garage or shed. Those are great options, but some people may be able to use a carport effectively as a workshop. Whether you want to learn woodworking or take on car maintenance projects, the shelter a carport provides would be ideal. This way, you can stay out of the rain and sun while still feeling like you’re getting to work outside rather than in an enclosed space.

Protect Your Animals

If you raise animals on your land, you already know that it can be hard to protect them from the elements. Specifically, the blazing summer sun can be a threat, which is why a carport would be such a nice addition. With open sides, the animals could come and go as they please, but they’d always have the option to retreat to the shade that the carport provides. By ordering your structure from American Carports, Inc., you’d have the ability to customize the carport so it perfectly suits the needs of your animals.

Enhance a Pool Area

The whole point of a pool is to enjoy time splashing around in the cool water while the sun beats down. However, at some point, you might want to take a break from that sun—and that’s where your carport will come into the equation. By positioning your carport strategically near the pool, you can establish a spot to relax and get ready for your next swim. Or, the carport could serve as a comfortable spot for parents to keep a watchful eye on the kids as they have fun in the pool.

Play Space for Kids

Every parent worries about keeping their kids outside in the sun too long. At the same time, parents know how important it is for kids to get outside to play and explore. Using a carport as a roof over the top of a play space will make it easier for kids to enjoy the outside playtime they crave. Not only can the carport protect from the powerful sun, but it can also serve as a dry spot to play even on rainy days.

Temporary Storage

Most likely, you won’t want to use your carport for long-term storage, since the sides are open to the elements. Most things will wear down if left in that environment all year long. However, carports are ideal for temporary storage, like when you need to stock up on supplies that you use on your property. Early in the spring, you can fill your carport with various supplies that will be used to tend to the land all summer long. Then, you can gradually go through those supplies over the summer, and the carport will be empty by the fall.

Order from American Carports, Inc.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these six unique uses for a carport! As you can see, this structure can be utilized in a variety of ways. Between the typical use of parking and some of the ideas presented above, you should have no trouble getting maximum value from this new structure. If you’re ready to add this versatile building to your property, order from American Carports, Inc. today! We’re happy to serve you.

Build Your Carport

When the time comes to add a new building to your property, you’ll have a few important decisions to make. Specifically, one of the first choices you’ll face is what type of structure you’d like. Two popular options are carports and garages—but which is right for your property? Read on to help you decide on the building that will best meet your needs.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel carports and garages that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

What’s the Difference?

First, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference between a carport and a garage:

• A carport is an open-side structure that features a roof and four legs. While it’s possible to add one or more walls to your carport when you work with American Carports, Inc., most people think of a carport as a completely open-sided structure. Shop Now.
• A garage is an enclosed structure, with four walls to go along with a roof. Typically, a garage will have at least one roll-up door, if not more. Adding a detached metal garage to your property would provide additional enclosed space beyond what is available in your home or other existing buildings. Shop Now.

Advantages of a Carport

These are some of the main benefits to choosing a carport for your property:

• Easy in and out. If you’re looking to add covered parking to your property, nothing gets the job done more efficiently than a carport. You won’t have a door to deal with, and the wide opening at the front makes it easy to pull your vehicles in and out.
• Low cost. Since a traditional carport is a relatively minimalist structure, the cost remains rather low for the completed project. Metal garages are also affordable buildings compared to wood structures, but they do cost more than a basic carport.
• Simple construction. Given the straightforward design of a metal carport, the construction process is quick and easy in almost every case.

Advantages of a Garage

These are some of the main benefits to choosing a garage for your property:

• More versatile space. An open-side carport will provide shelter from rain and snow, but it is still open to the elements. With a garage, you gain complete enclosure and you’ll be able to work on more projects and store more items as a result.
• Long-term storage. You may not want to store a vehicle or other equipment under a carport over the long term—especially through the winter. But that would work just fine in a garage.
• Adapt over time. Even if you only want this new building for parking at the moment, your needs may change, and a garage will be more able to grow with you.

There isn’t a bad option here, as both carports and garages have a lot to offer. Only one is right for your needs, however, so it’s important to take your time to consider all factors before placing an order.

Adding Value

Beyond your own needs, there’s also the value of your property to consider as part of this equation. Generally speaking, building a garage as opposed to a carport is going to add more value, since it’s a more versatile structure. While some buyers are sure to be drawn to the presence of a carport and the benefits it provides, there are even more benefits associated with a sturdy, detached metal garage. If you can afford to purchase the garage, and it will work properly for your needs, going in that direction may offer a nice boost to the overall value of your property when it’s time to sell.

Purchase a Quality Carport or Garage from American Carports, Inc.!

We hope you have a better idea of whether a carport or garage is right for your property. It’s wise to spend some time deciding, as this is a building that you want to stand on your property for years to come. No matter which structure you choose, when you order from American Carports, Inc., you’ll receive a high-quality project that is guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote. Place your order today and our team will get to work making your vision come to life!

A double wide carport is one of the most versatile additions you can make to your property. By opting for this size, you’ll have more flexibility and options than you would with a single wide carport. Many buyers find the double wide style to be the “sweet spot” that serves their needs without being overly large. Learn more about the double wide carports from American Carports, Inc. below!

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel carports that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

A Comfortable Place to Park

It’s common for a family to have two cars that they use on a day-to-day basis. If that is the case for you, a double wide carport is an excellent parking solution. You won’t incur the significant cost of building a whole enclosed garage, but you’ll be able to park under cover and away from the elements. Those in snowy climates will particularly love getting into their vehicle each morning without having to brush away the previous night’s snowfall.

As you plan your order, keep in mind what kind of vehicles you drive and other needs that are specific to your family. If you have no kids and drive small cars, you can opt for a modestly sized double wide carport without any trouble. However, if you have a truck, an SUV, and a few kids to load and unload, adding a couple of feet of width to the structure will make a big difference.

An Outdoor Project Space?

If you love working on projects around your home, having a double wide carport could be a great addition as a covered outdoor workspace. For instance, you might decide to do some work on a vehicle, or you might want to take on a woodworking project. Whatever the case, your new carport will be a flexible space that you can use for a variety of purposes. Even if you do use it for parking on a regular basis, the cars can always be rolled out when you want to take on a project while being protected from the elements.

Great for Working the Land

Another potential use for a double wide carport is as storage space on a farm or other agricultural property. If you work with your land in any way, you’re sure to have plenty of equipment and supplies to assist you. It’s easy to run out of indoor space to store all of those items, especially if you don’t have a full-sized barn available or if that barn is full of animals.

Adding a double wide carport is a cost-effective way to get the covered space you need without taking up too much of your valuable land. You can park a tractor or other equipment under this roof, and some of your supplies may find a temporary home here until they are put to use out on the property.

Lean on a Trusted Name

When you place an order with American Carports, Inc., you can trust that you’re going to receive a quality product. Our long-standing reputation in the industry speaks for itself, and you will be able to customize the design of your building to perfectly suit your needs.

Don’t make the mistake of buying the cheapest carport you can find on the market today. Sure, it feels good to save a few bucks at the time, but you’ll soon regret that decision when you check out the quality of your new carport and find that it only lasts a couple of years. We pride ourselves on delivering a product that will stand the test of time and will work as you expect for years to come.

Purchase a Double Wide Carport from American Carports, Inc.!

There’s no time like the present to purchase a double wide carport from American Carports, Inc.! When you order from us, you can trust that you’ll receive a solid, durable product that’s prepared to work for your specific needs.

Whether you opt for a double wide size or decide to go bigger or smaller, we are here to serve you. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote. Place your order today and our team will get to work making your vision come to life!

If you only need to park one vehicle under a carport that you’re planning to add to your property, a basic single carport will do the job nicely. But what if you need more space? At American Carports, Inc., we offer many different sizes of carports, including triple wide models. As the name would suggest, a triple wide carport offers parking for three vehicles, but it can also be used for many other purposes.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel buildings that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Why Order a Triple Wide Carport?

Carports are a great way to add affordable covered space to your property. If you want to provide protection for vehicles or other items that you own, but you don’t want to spend the money required for an enclosed building, a carport is a perfect solution. Plus, with a triple wide carport, you’ll be able to get even more use out of this versatile type of structure.

The exact use for a triple wide carport will vary from owner to owner, but here are some popular uses for this size steel building:

• Parking for the family. If you have multiple vehicles that are used by members of your family on a daily basis, a big carport can give everyone a dry place to park. This is particularly appealing in harsh climates where rain and snow are regular occurrences.
• Boat or RV storage. Another option for a large carport is using it for storage for a boat or RV. In addition to going with a triple wide width (or wider), you may also need to order a taller roof to make sure there’s plenty of room for your vehicles underneath.
• Agricultural purposes. For those who put their land to use for some kind of farming activity, wide carports are great for parking equipment and housing supplies. With such easy access in and out, your agricultural use for this carport can evolve throughout the year as the seasons change.

As you can see, a carport doesn’t have to serve just a single purpose. In fact, one of the great things about adding a carport to your property is the fact that it can be used for many different tasks throughout the year.

For instance, maybe you park under your carport during the rainy season, but in the summer, you park elsewhere and use the carport for a large shade structure to enjoy the outdoors. If you order from American Carports, Inc., you’ll receive a building that’s sturdy enough to withstand the elements so you can get great use out of the structure all year long and many years to come.

Turn to the Right Partner

Once you decide that a triple wide carport is the right option for your property, you’ll need to decide where you’re going to order this type of building. You’ll quickly find that there are more than a few dealers out there who are ready to take your business. Unfortunately, though, many of them fall short in terms of quality and durability. You need to stick with a proven brand that will always focus on your satisfaction first and foremost.

At American Carports, Inc., everything we do is focused on delivering an outstanding product to each of our customers. For instance, we offer 12-gauge tubing to create a carport that can be expected to last for years without any trouble. You can also choose 26-gauge paneling for carports that are going to face particularly difficult conditions.

Here are some other perks you’ll enjoy when you order from American Carports, Inc.:

• Included delivery
• Included installation services
• A 20-year warranty on 12-gauge materials
• 360° roof bracing
• Total customization of your structure

Work With American Carports, Inc.

It would be a shame to add a carport to your property only to have that structure fail just a few short years after it’s installed. That won’t be a concern when you order a triple wide carport from American Carports, Inc. Not only are we a market leader in customization, but we’re also proud to create some of the toughest, longest-lasting structures in the industry. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new triple wide carport, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote. We look forward to serving you!

Motorcycle owners tend to be extremely proud of their bikes. If you’re the type of rider who lives and breathes everything about the culture of motorcycles, parking your bike outside just isn’t going to cut it. You want to protect the condition of your motorcycle for the long run, and that means parking it in a covered spot. That’s why a metal motorcycle storage shed from American Carports, Inc. is the perfect option for your bike.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel buildings that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Plenty of Options Available

As you look for the right motorcycle storage option for your needs, you’ll be happy to see that there are plenty of possibilities available when you work with American Carports, Inc. Depending on your situation and the space you have available, nearly any of our metal structures could provide your motorcycle with a comfortable place to live for years to come. Learn more about our top metal buildings:

Metal Shed

A metal shed may be the perfect option if you’re simply looking to store your motorcycle in a secure, protected setting. Unlike a standard metal carport that’s open on the sides, a shed is going to protect the bike from all angles, so it won’t be getting wet even when the weather turns ugly. You could create a shed that’s just large enough to move your bike in and out, or you could go a little bigger to provide space to store accessories, as well.

Metal Carport

If you only need a roof over your motorcycle and aren’t worried about enclosing it on the sides, a metal carport is a nice solution. This is an affordable way to keep harsh rain, snow, and sunlight off your bike while it’s parked. By working with American Carports, Inc., you can easily customize the design of your carport to perfectly suit the needs of your property.

Detached Metal Garage

For a luxurious option, consider a full metal garage if you have the space available on your property. With a garage serving as a home for your motorcycle, you’ll not only gain a comfortable place to park, but also a home base for storage, maintenance, and more. While you’ll need to have enough space available to make this work, you won’t necessarily need a huge budget. Even our enclosed metal garages are rather affordable!

By thinking about the space you have available to use, it will probably be pretty easy to determine which of the above options is right for your bike. As leaders in customization, American Carports, Inc. is always happy to help you design a custom structure to perfectly match your needs.

Other Motorcycle Storage Tips

The best thing you can do for your motorcycle while it’s not in use is to keep it under a covered structure and out of the elements. Once that point is taken care of, there are other steps you can take to make sure the bike is ready to perform at its best once it hits the road again:

• Consider the battery. If you aren’t going to use your motorcycle for a while, think about what you’ll do with the battery while it’s in storage. If you don’t do anything at all, it’s quite likely that you’ll return to find a dead battery after months have passed. Consider attaching a trickle charger to keep it topped up or disconnect the battery entirely.
• Get the tires off the ground. Flat spots on your tires are a concern if you leave the motorcycle parked in the same spot for a long period of time. Using a center stand might be a viable option to get those tires off the ground. Be sure to use any stand safely and according to the directions. If a stand is not a possibility, you should at least move the bike a few inches periodically to put a new patch of tire on the ground.
• Thoroughly clean. You don’t want to put your bike away dirty. Not only will you be disappointed to see how bad it looks when you pull it out of storage for a ride, but all of that dirt can do damage to the exterior while it sits. Clean the bike properly before any storage period so it looks great when it comes back out.

Purchase a Metal Structure from American Carports, Inc.!

A metal motorcycle storage shed from American Carports, Inc. is the perfect option for your bike. Every day that goes by with your motorcycle parked in the elements is another opportunity for its condition to deteriorate. Order your new metal storage solution from American Carports, Inc. today to get a quality structure as soon as possible!  We look forward to serving you soon.

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Metal buildings are great. Not only do they provide significant savings up front, but they have reduced maintenance demands, endless customization options, and a quick construction timeline. With that said, nothing is perfect. Condensation can be a problem in some metal structures, so it’s worth thinking about this issue as you plan your project. Here, we’ll offer some simple moisture control tips for metal buildings!

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel buildings that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Understanding the Issue

Before we present a few tips, let’s talk quickly about why condensation occurs in a metal building in the first place. Condensation is the result when a warm, wet mass of air comes into contact with a cool surface. So, if you have warm, moist air inside your metal building, and the walls of the metal building are cold, they will likely sweat. Fortunately, by removing one or more of the variables that can lead to condensation, you’ll break the cycle, and your building will stay dry.

Start with Insulation

Insulating your metal building is a great first step in this process. Ideally, you’ll do this right from the start when the structure is first installed. Insulation is a relatively affordable addition to your building that will both reduce the chances of condensation and make the space more comfortable.

It’s important to have your insulation properly installed. Gaps in the insulation can dramatically reduce its effectiveness, and you’re likely to wind up with condensation where those gaps occur. This is something worth getting right the first time so you don’t have to go back and address it again later.

Move the Air

Circulating the air within your building is another powerful way to reduce the occurrence of condensation. Proper air circulation can be achieved in a variety of ways. For a metal structure with a large roll-up door, for example, you may need to do nothing more than open that door for part of the day to allow fresh air flow.

Without such a big opening available, you might need some mechanical help to get the air moving. In other words, you can use a fan or two to blow the air around and keep it from getting stagnant. Running your fans periodically could go a long way toward reducing condensation, especially during times of high humidity.

Remove the Moisture

In areas that frequently have humid conditions, it may be worth investing in a device that can lower the level of moisture in the air within your building. The most effective device for this task is the aptly named dehumidifier. This machine will pull moisture out of the air within the space, and as a result, condensation will be far less likely to occur.

You can also use an air conditioner to achieve a similar result. Air conditioning lowers the humidity in an indoor space, and it also makes it more comfortable during hot weather. This makes it an appealing choice when you’re using a metal building as a workshop where you’ll spend a significant amount of time.

Addressing Underground Moisture

One sneaky way for your metal building to reach high levels of humidity is for the moisture to come up through the floor. Even if you have a concrete slab under your building, moisture can still come up through that concrete if the water is resting just below the slab. Before the slab is installed, make sure it’s placed on top of proper drainage to avoid any kind of swamp effect.

Another point to remember before you start the construction process is that the location of your building can impact how much moisture is present. If you build on a low point of your property, it’s possible that groundwater will gather in that area and you’ll have too much moisture under your foundation. Think about drainage issues in advance and pick a spot that isn’t going to give you unwanted condensation headaches later on.

A Solvable Problem

Can condensation be an issue in metal buildings? Yes. Should it stop you from ordering one for your property? Absolutely not! With some smart planning and a few basic interventions, you can reduce or eliminate condensation issues in your structure.

Work With American Carports, Inc.!

We hope these moisture control tips for metal buildings assist you. When you’re ready to design a steel structure that will serve your needs for years to come, use the Build & Price tool to view a 3D rendering and receive an instant quote. Our team is excited to serve you!