If you’re only worried about sun, hail, or snow ruining your car’s paint job, a simple carport can do the job perfectly, but a garage can do a lot more. The full coverage is great for keeping your tools and other things safe as well. Both carports and garages come with benefits as well as disadvantages, and in the end the decision is all yours!

    Carports

A carport is a fully-open or semi-covered steel structure that attaches to your home or stands freely anywhere on your property. The number one reason to choose a carport instead of a garage is that it’s the more affordable way to protect your vehicles. But just because a carport is less expensive than a garage doesn’t mean it can’t look amazing, especially here with American Carports. We have a variety of details you can customize for your building, so you can make sure that your carport suits you perfectly. Other advantages that a carport has that a garage wouldn’t would be that they are much quicker and easier to build.

Parking your car in a carport will keep weather conditions from destroying its paint so quickly, and can also save it from blowing tree branches and hail during bad storms. The roof of a carport will also intercept falling tree sap.

A carport also has some disadvantages. An open structure like a carport isn’t very secure. A carport can’t protect your vehicles from animals or people, so all your belongings might be at risk for damage. Also, you can’t be completely protected from wind, rain and sun rays.

     Garages

Unlike a carport, a garage is a completely enclosed structure with walls, roofing, and an entrance that can be closed. A garage offers you more coverage, concealment, and protection for your vehicles, boats, or materials. Because a garage has four walls, it provides complete protection from sun, hail, rain and wind. Plus, it keeps animals out. With good door locks, your garage will be a secure place to store not only your cars but household overflow, tools and lawn equipment.

If your family grows and you need the space for an extra room, you might be able to convert your garage into “livable” space in the future. You can buy all kinds of shelves, cabinets, drawers and hooks designed specifically for garages, which typically are large enough for your parked cars plus some work and storage space.

The main disadvantage with a garage is the price, but with all the protection provided, it really might be worth it. Another disadvantage can be getting the permit for your unit. Since the building is fully enclosed, it requires more safety necessities. For that reason you would have to check with your city’s permits office for all of the rules and regulations.

Considering these differences, it’s really up to you to decide what you’re looking for. Hopefully we’ve helped you decide. You can definitely get started by calling today to speak with one of our sales representatives for a FREE quote! We will work with you until we find the perfect metal building for your needs. And we can always provide a free sketch along with your quote to help you visualize your project to the fullest. Don’t forget to ask about our financing options. We are now offering rent-to-own in all our service areas.