One of the key choices you’ll need to make when building a new carport is whether you want a vertical or horizontal roof orientation. If you don’t know what that means yet, don’t worry – we’ll offer a detailed explanation below, along with some advice on how to make the right choice for your needs.
What Does This Mean?
First, before discussing any pros and cons of these two options, we need to be clear on what the difference is and how you can tell if a carport has a horizontal or vertical roof structure.
When looking up at the roof of a carport, take note of which direction the panels are running. Do the ridges or ribs of the panels run up toward the peak of the roof, or do they run from front to back, parallel with the roofline? This is the key difference that will identify vertical and horizontal layouts.
A vertical roof structure will have roof panels that run from the eaves up to the peak of the roof. The name “vertical” comes from how the ridges on the roof appear vertical as viewed from the ground. Conversely, a horizontal roof structure will see ridges running from front to back, parallel with the ground. When you stand back and look at the carport, the panels look to be running from side to side.
Aside from the appearance differences, there are some important practical considerations to keep in mind when deciding which of these is right for your project.
Carports with a Horizontal Roof
Let’s start by talking about the pros and cons of picking a horizontal roof design for your carport. Without a doubt, the biggest advantage here is cost savings. Since a horizontal roof requires less supporting structure to build, the carport will need less material to build, and it will cost less than a vertical roof. If you are on a tight budget for this project and would like to add a carport to your property for the lowest possible cost, a horizontal design is the way to go.
As you might imagine, those cost savings do come with a trade-off. Since there is less supporting structure under the roof, the carport is not as strong as it would be with the vertical option. So, if you expect this carport to face some tough conditions, like harsh winter weather, you might want to reconsider this approach.
Carports with a Vertical Roof
If you can fit it into your budget, there is a lot to like about a vertical roof. As we’ve already mentioned above, this is the stronger type of carport roof, meaning it will be better able to deal with stresses like heavy snow loads, strong winds, etc. When building a carport in a tough climate, going with a vertical roof is almost a requirement.
Also, the direction of the roof panels serves as a practical advantage when dealing with precipitation. When a snowstorm moves in, for example, a horizontal roof may collect many inches of snow on top, as the snow will have no way to get off and down to the ground. With a vertical roof, however, there is a clear path for the snow to slide right off. That means the roof shouldn’t have to hold as much snow after a storm, reducing the load that the carport has to bear. This roof orientation also helps things like leaves and needles slide right off, which is another important advantage.
Quality is the Key
Whether you go with a vertical or horizontal roof, it’s essential to purchase a carport that meets your quality expectations. At American Carports, Inc., we use quality materials and stand behind our products from start to finish. Check out the Build & Price tool we offer here on our site to see what designs are possible. Feel free to reach out today if you would like to learn more about our carport options and what makes us such a great choice for this exciting project.
Disclaimer
Carport roof structures vary state-by-state, so keep in mind weather conditions for your area. Some states, like those that encounter heavy snowfall, may benefit from vertical roof structures, while other regions would be suitable for either style. Make sure to research local weather and carefully consider the roof structure that can withstand the natural climate.
