Author: clickgiant

Triple Wide Carports from American Carports, Inc.

Posted on March 23, 2021 by - ACI, Blog

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!

Metal Motorcycle Storage Sheds from American Carports, Inc.

Posted on March 16, 2021 by - ACI, Blog

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 Horse Barns from American Carports, Inc.

Posted on March 9, 2021 by - ACI

Horses are beautiful, powerful animals, but caring for them can be a lot of work. If you own horses and want to make sure they’re tended to properly, establishing safe shelter, such as a metal barn, is one of your key responsibilities. Metal buildings offer a long list of performance advantages over wooden structures, and they can make for an excellent home for your horses. Learn more about how a metal horse barn from American Carports, Inc. can serve you.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel barns 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 a Metal Horse Barn?

We know what you’re thinking—aren’t barns made from wood? Traditionally, barns have been wooden structures, but that’s rapidly changing. Given the countless advantages of using metal as a building material rather than wood, more and more horse owners are going in this direction.

These are the key benefits of choosing metal for your new horse barn:

  • Cost-effective. Everyone knows that owning horses is expensive, so saving anywhere you can is a welcomed relief. Metal horse barns tend to be significantly less expensive than similar structures built with wood.
  • Easy to customize. There are some limitations in terms of design when you opt for a wood barn, but there are very few restrictions with metal. That’s especially true if you order from American Carports, Inc., as we specialize in offering as many customizations as possible to our customers.
  • Low maintenance. You already have enough to do caring for your horses. You don’t need to book up your calendar even further by having to do work on the barn. Metal structures require very little maintenance and can be expected to last for years with minimal upkeep.
  • Reduce fire danger. Wood barns can become a fire risk, especially late in a hot summer when they’re dry and filled with flammable materials. You can greatly reduce your risk of a fire by opting for metal.

The list of metal benefits could go on and on. Other than tradition, there isn’t much of an argument to be made for a wooden structure when you see just how many advantages are offered by metal.

Managing Your Horse Barn Effectively

When tasked with a big responsibility like caring for several large animals, it’s important to be organized. When you’re organized, tasks are less likely to slip through the cracks and you should feel less stressed at the end of each day. While the topic of how to manage a horse barn could easily fill up its own book, the points below touch on some key points:

  • Create a detailed schedule. This is where it all starts. A detailed accounting of what tasks need to be completed, and who is going to complete them, will make it much easier to keep up with the needs of each horse. Tasks to add to the schedule include feedings, watering, stall cleaning, etc.
  • Stay ahead of manure. It’s important to maintain sanitary conditions in your barn, and nothing will deteriorate conditions faster than manure. Keeping up with this ongoing chore is going to make it less likely that pests will move in, and the space will smell better, as well.
  • Creating a watering system. Horses drink an incredible amount of water. However, delivering that water to their stalls can be back-breaking work. Consider investing in a system that will automate—or at least partially automate—the task of getting clean water into their buckets.
  • Store tack separately. Establish a secure space to store tack, whether that’s in a separate room within the barn or another nearby building. This will make it easier to maintain the condition of your tack and keep everything organized so you can find it quickly.

Every property is a little different, so you will inevitably need to develop your own workflow based on your needs. Start with solid best practices to care for your animals and gradually adapt as you identify weaknesses in your process.

The American Carports, Inc. Difference

You only want the best for your horses, which means you should only house them in a sturdy, safe, reliable barn. That’s why it’s smart to invest in a metal horse barn from American Carports, Inc. From the quality components that we use in each project to the outstanding customer service you’ll enjoy, we deliver from start to finish. Ready to see what your barn could look like? Try the Build & Price tool and create something perfect for your needs!

Metal Boat Carports from American Carports, Inc.

Posted on March 2, 2021 by - ACI

Owning a boat can be an extremely rewarding experience, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take for boating success. For instance, it’s important to have a clear plan for the storage of your boat. When it’s not in the water, where is it going to live? A dedicated, protected space such as a metal boat carport from American Carports, Inc. will make it easier to get the most of your purchase.

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!

Keep Water Where It Belongs

Boats are designed to deal with water underneath the vessel, not water coming down from above, like rain. Simply parking your boat out in the open is a recipe for trouble. It’s likely that the interior of your boat will quickly degrade if it’s left out in the weather day after day.

By storing your boat under a carport, you’ll be doing it a great service. Plus, you should have far less maintenance to do when you’re ready to head out on the water again.

The Advantages of a Carport

So, what is it that makes a carport such a great choice for boat storage? They offer several benefits, including the following:

Protect from Rain and Snow

As we’ve mentioned, a carport will put a roof over the top of your boat, keeping it dry even when the weather is ugly. Sheltering your boat from precipitation will help preserve the condition of the engine, carpeting, seats, and much more.

Easy to Enter and Exit

Even if you have an enclosed garage on your property, it might be hard to maneuver the boat in and out of that space. With a carport from American Carports, Inc., you can custom design the structure to make it easy to use. With plenty of space on the sides and a roof height that accommodates your vessel when it is on a trailer, your storage process will be a breeze.

Additional Protection Options

If you’d like, you can add extra walls to your carport to protect your boat even more effectively. This is a great option when you know the prevailing wind is going to bring precipitation into the carport from one direction most of the year. Cover this side with a wall and your boat will stay even drier.

Affordable Cost

Carports are simply not as expensive as fully enclosed structures. By going with a metal carport, you can give your boat the shelter it needs without blowing through a big part of your budget.

Carports are an excellent choice for boat storage. Of course, if you would like to offer your boat more protection and you have extra room on your property, American Carports, Inc. also offers garages and other types of structures for you to consider, as well!

Other Boat Storage Tips

 In addition to parking your boat under a carport, what other steps should you be taking to protect your boat’s condition? The exact storage steps you should take will depend on your specific boat, but the following tips are a great starting point:

  • Clean it before long storage periods. If you know you won’t be using your boat for an extended period of time, give it a thorough cleaning before storage. This way, leftover debris won’t damage your vessel, and it will be ready to instantly hit the water when you want to take it out again.
  • Consider an additional cover. Even when your boat is stored under a carport, you still might want to invest in a cover to give it added protection.
  • Don’t forget wax. It might be tempting to wax your boat before you take it out for a ride in the sun. However, waxing prior to a storage period is an excellent way to protect the condition of the exterior.

Purchase a Carport Today!

A metal boat carport from American Carports, Inc. will keep your vessel in great condition for years to come. If you’d like to see the many possibilities available for your new structure, try our Build & Price tool today. In just a few clicks, you can create a building that will make an ideal home for your boat. Our team is excited to work with you on this exciting project!

Moisture Control Tips for Metal Buildings

Posted on February 22, 2021 by - ACI, Blog

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!

RV Cover vs Tarp vs Carport: Pros & Cons

Posted on February 16, 2021 by - ACI, Blog

If you’re an RV owner, you have a few options available to protect your RV during storage. In this article, we’d like to review the pros and cons of three potential choices: using an RV cover, tarp, or carport. By protecting your RV properly, you should be able to extend its life and get the best possible return on your investment.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel RV 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!

Do You Need to Cover Your RV?

Before diving into the three potential options for RV storage, we should quickly discuss why you’d want to cover your RV in the first place. After all, isn’t an RV meant to be used outside? Does it even need to be covered?

Technically, no—you don’t have to cover your RV. You could park it out in the elements and it would likely hold up to those conditions for a period of time. However, if you want to extend the life of your RV and keep it in better condition, think carefully about taking the time to cover it.

An RV that’s parked without a cover will take all of the punishment that Mother Nature can conjure up. Over time, all of that rain, snow, wind, and more is going to take its toll. This means your RV may not be in the best condition when it’s time to go on your next trip.

A Starting Point – Covering Your RV with a Tarp

Covering your RV with a tarp is better than doing nothing at all. As long as you use a tarp that’s in good condition and pull it tight, it will keep water off the top of the RV. That’s going to protect the materials that make up your RV’s exterior, and it should serve to extend the useful life of the rig.

But this is far from a perfect solution. First, tarps aren’t particularly durable, so you may find that leaks start to develop soon after you put this strategy into action. Also, you’ll have to go through the difficult chore of stringing up your tarp in a way that effectively covers the RV. Depending on the size of your RV and where you park, this could be a significant challenge. Using a tarp for protection is better than nothing, but you can do better.

A Custom RV Cover

There are RV covers made specifically for just about every RV model on the market. Investing in a cover for your rig is going to be a step up over a tarp, as the cover should fit around the rig nicely. This will likely keep more water out than a tarp, and it may be easier to put on and take off.

Of course, even if the cover is easier to use than a tarp, it’s still a chore. You’ll need to get up to the top of the RV to work it over the body before pulling it down the sides. There is also the task of taking it off and bundling it up to consider. Again, just as with a tarp, this is a better option than doing nothing at all, but it remains less than ideal.

Parking Under an RV Carport

Finally, we get to a solution that offers the best of both worlds. With an RV carport, you get protection from the elements and the ease of simply parking the RV and walking away. There’s nothing to fiddle with to cover up the RV. Instead, you park it in the right position under the carport and know that the weather will be kept at bay. Then, when you’re ready for your next trip, you can simply drive away without any fuss.

The ability to customize your carport is another major advantage of this setup. For instance, if you know that the weather in your area tends to blow in from one specific direction, you can add a wall on that side of your carport to better protect your RV. Plus, the affordable nature of metal carports means you won’t have to make a huge investment to bring this project to reality on your land.

Place Your Order Today!

We hope you better understand the pros and cons of using an RV cover, tarp, or carport. If you truly want to protect your vehicle, an RV carport is the way to go. Despite the modest cost of a metal carport, you’ll get excellent coverage for your trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome. To begin this project, try our Build & Price tool to see what’s possible for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote. We’re excited to serve you!

How to Design & Build a Lean-To

Posted on February 9, 2021 by - ACI

A lean-to could be a perfect addition to your property. If you would like some extra sheltered space but you don’t have room for another building elsewhere on your land, a lean-to may be right for you! Explore how to design and build a lean-to to get started on this exciting project.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel lean-tos 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 is a Lean-To?

A lean-to is a structure that is added onto the side of an existing building to create a covered area. Lean-tos can be attached to the existing structure, or they can be designed to fit next to the current building with the slope of the roof leading away. While some lean-to structures are made from wood, going with metal will keep the cost of the project down while requiring minimal maintenance.

Start with a Big Picture Plan

Before you get into the details of planning your new lean-to, you need to take a step back and think about what you hope to accomplish with this project. There are a couple of common goals for lean-to projects, such as adding parking or gaining a covered area outside of an entrance. Determining what your lean-to will be used for from the start is essential if you’re going to get the design just right.

Planning for Parking

If you decide to use your new lean-to for covered parking, here are a few important factors to take into consideration:

  • Access route. You’ll need to be able to drive under the lean-to without any trouble. Plan to set up your lean-to in a spot where getting in and out with your vehicle won’t be a challenge.
  • Knowing the rules. Depending on where you live, you might need to consider zoning and building restrictions that could limit your options on this project.
  • Take measurements. Even if it looks like you’ll have enough space for this addition, be sure to measure just to confirm. Remember to account for more than just the width of the vehicle—there also needs to be enough room for you and your passengers to get in and out, as well.

Using a lean-to for covered parking is an excellent way to get your vehicle out of the rain and snow without the expense of a full garage.

Consider the Ground

You may not need a formal foundation in place for your lean-to, but you’ll have to make sure the ground is suitable for this new structure. Select a site that is reasonably level to start with so that any site prep work that you have to do will be minimal. Also, don’t choose a low spot if possible, since that area will be prone to collecting water and might reduce the usefulness of this building.

Allow Room to Grow

If you design your new lean-to with dimensions just large enough for your current needs, you may come to regret that choice in the future. Remember, metal lean-tos are buildings that can last for many years. You can plan on a long life span for this structure as long as it is designed with the future in mind.

A perfect example of this situation is buying a lean-to that perfectly fits your current vehicle, only to find that you want to buy a bigger vehicle in the future. Don’t restrict yourself to the dimensions of your current car or truck when a larger lean-to would only be marginally more expensive. Get the space you need now with a little room for expansion so you don’t have to shop for a new lean-to again in the near future.

Build Your Lean-To with American Carports, Inc.

Now that you know how to design and build a lean-to, consider purchasing one from American Carports, Inc.! Whether you’re looking for a covered structure to park your car or use for additional storage, we have a building that fits any of your needs. Get started with our Build & Price tool discover what’s possible for your new building, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instate quote! If you need help along the way or have any questions, contact us for assistance. We look forward to serving you!

Types of Carports: The Ultimate Guide

Posted on February 2, 2021 by - ACI, Agricultural

Adding a carport to your property is an investment that can pay off for years to come. For a modest price, you can create a covered space that will be useful for parking, storage, and much more. But do you know what types of carports are available and which is right for your project? Use this ultimate guide to explore your options!

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 building, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!

Carport Roofing

Since a carport’s main purpose is to provide shelter from conditions like rain, snow, and even sun, the roof is a hugely important piece of the puzzle. That said, it’s important to understand the various roof options available while browsing for carports:

Standard Roofing

As a basic starting point, a standard carport from American Carports, Inc. includes an angled peak and rounded edges. This standard roof shape is perfectly suitable for many uses, such as when you want a carport to provide shelter for one or two of your vehicles. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to stick with this standard configuration for the roof, as it’s the most economical choice.

Custom Roofing

There are a couple of other notable options for your carport roof. For instance, an A-Frame roof design features edges that are angled rather than rounded. An A-Frame roof can have either vertical or horizontal panels, which refers to the direction that the metal roofing runs on the top of the structure:

  • Horizontal panels. A horizontal roof is what you’ll get when you order a standard carport, and you can stick with this style even if you upgrade to an A-Frame. The benefit of a horizontal roof is a lower price tag since less support structure is required to support this style of roof. Shop Now.
  • Vertical panels. Upgrading your A-Frame roof to a vertical configuration will offer a couple of benefits. This roof style makes for a stronger overall structure. Plus, it also does a better job of shedding rain and snow, especially during heavy storms. You’ll pay a bit more for this style of roof, but that investment may be worth it in the long run. Shop Now.

Carports With vs Without Walls

A standard carport does not include walls. The roof of the structure will wrap over the edge and down the sides of the carport slightly, but it will only come down a short distance. For many purposes, an open carport will work nicely. But, if you need more protection from the weather, you can add walls to one or more sides to make the building work even better for your application.

However, it’s possible to fully enclose a carport that you order from American Carports, Inc. With the building fully enclosed, it would actually be considered a garage. You can customize this type of building with roll-up doors, windows, and more. The possibilities are endless!

Specialty Carports

We also have a variety of carport designs that are specifically suited for certain tasks:

  • RV Carport. As the name suggests, this carport is intended for RV parking. It comes with particularly tall sides to accommodate large RVs. Shop Now.
  • Lean-tos. A lean-to is positioned to stand directly next to another building on your property to provide covered parking and/or storage. Shop Now.
  • Barns. These open-sided or closed buildings offer a tremendous amount of sheltered space. They may be perfect for parking your agricultural equipment or storing hay throughout the season. Shop Now.

There are many options available when it comes to creating a carport that will meet your needs. Don’t assume that carports are nothing more than a place to park a sedan or pickup. They can do that, of course, but they can also serve you in several different ways. By shopping with a reliable supplier like American Carports, Inc., you’ll have endless options at your disposal!

Work with American Carports, Inc.

Now that you know the different carport options available, consider purchasing one from American Carports, Inc.! Whether you’re looking for a covered structure to park your car or use as additional storage, we have a building that fits any of your needs. Get started with our Build & Price tool discover what’s possible for your new building, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instate quote!

What is a Clear Span? Facts, Uses & Benefits

Posted on January 25, 2021 by - ACI, Blog

If you’ve done some shopping for steel buildings, you’ve probably come across the term “clear span.” The definition of a clear span is simple enough—it’s a type of building that doesn’t feature support columns in the middle of the structure. Instead, the inside is an open space from one side to the other. Read on to learn more about what a clear span is, as well as some important facts, uses, and benefits they offer.

American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel clear spans that are affordable, durable, and ideal for storage. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new building, and receive an instant quote!

What Makes a Clear Span Possible?

The strength of the material used to create a structure determines whether or not a clear span can be created. Some materials just don’t work for this purpose, which is why support columns are needed in the middle of the building.

A great example of this concept is a large wooden structure. A wood building like a barn will likely need multiple support columns to be structurally sound. Without those columns, the material would not be strong enough to hold up its own weight, and the entire building could come crashing down.

This is why quality metal buildings are becoming so popular. Since steel is strong enough to support a big span, the need for those support columns is eliminated, and the entire inside of the building is opened up. With so much open indoor space available, the sky is the limit for how these buildings can be used.

Common Applications

A clear span metal building can be used for just about any purpose, but some of the common reasons for building such a structure are listed below:

Agricultural Work

As mentioned above, a traditional wood barn will need supports in the middle, reducing the flexibility of what can be stored inside. If you operate a big farm that uses huge pieces of equipment, that creates a problem. Opting for a metal barn instead of wood can open up a clear span and give you the room you need to store and maintain your equipment. Also, even if you are using this barn for hay storage rather than equipment, the lack of support columns will make it much easier to maneuver in and out.

Gathering Spaces

Indoor gatherings can be held in these kinds of buildings, as the open-floor design allows for just about any kind of configuration imaginable. Occasions like parties, dances, religious services, weddings, and more are all possibilities. Plus, without supports in the way, everyone will have a great view of the event.

Athletics

Another option is to use a clear span building for athletic training or competition. In cold weather climates, it might be necessary to play and practice inside for part of the yea. However, supports in the middle of a building can make it impossible to do so. With a big clear span, many different kinds of sports can be played and practiced indoors and away from the weather.

No matter what use you have in mind, you’ll want to purchase and design your clear span building with a trusted supplier like American Carports, Inc.

A Big Selling Point

As we’ve discussed, there are several benefits of clear span buildings from a practical perspective. Without supports in the way, these buildings make it possible to engage in all kinds of activities. But that’s only part of their appeal. The other important benefit to clear span buildings will be seen when you get the bill.

Without the need for supports, the cost of a clear span building is typically much lower than a traditional building that needs those supports in place. Fewer materials are needed in the construction process, which saves money. The actual process of building the structure is streamlined, as well. In the end, you come away with a large, functional building for a much smaller price tag than some of the other options on the market.

Purchase a Clear Span from American Carports, Inc.!

Now that you know what a clear span is and some facts, uses, and benefits of them, consider purchasing one from American Carports, Inc. Whether you need to work on big projects or store large pieces of equipment, this type of structure is the perfect solution. Get started right away with our Build & Price tool to see what you can create!