If you are thinking about building a carport on your property, finding the right spot for it is one of the biggest challenges you will face. There might be a few different options available, but you may struggle to identify the one that is just right. Further, do you have to worry about that site being completely level? That’s the question we are going to get to the bottom of below.
At American Carports, Inc., we are experts in the process of creating new carport structures for our customers. You can use our Build & Price tool to see how many different customization options we have available. That tool makes it simple to create a new carport from scratch and have it meet your specifications perfectly. Of course, you are also welcome to contact us for help at any time. Let’s bring this project to life!
How Much Slope is Too Much for a Standard Carport?
To start this discussion, we need to acknowledge that many properties that feature carports are not perfectly flat. It can be hard, and expensive, to make land perfectly flat in many parts of the country. So, at least to some degree, it can be okay if the ground isn’t exactly level where you want to put the carport.
With that said, there is a limit to how sloped the land can be before it’s too much. Generally speaking, if there is more than a few inches of drop across the footprint of the proposed building, it’s going to be hard to erect a carport properly. In this case, you’ll want to do some site prep work to get closer to level and make life easier moving forward. It’s possible that you’ll be able to cut into the hillside on one end of the property, or you might use some extra material to build up the other side. Either way, getting as close as possible to level is always in your best interest.
Why Does a Level Foundation Matter for Carport Durability?
Having a level foundation is critical for the long-term strength and longevity of your carport. Metal buildings rely on having even support across the structure to support the weight of the building properly. If your carport is sitting on uneven ground, one side will wind up bearing more of the load than the other side, and that imbalance will cause stress on the frame. These issues can even lead to anchors that come loose, and the whole building might not be as stable in harsh weather as it would have been otherwise.
Are Metal Carports a Good Option for Uneven Terrain?
Yes. If you do need to work with uneven terrain and aren’t going to be able to get the ground under your building perfectly flat, going with a metal carport makes a lot of sense. You can easily adjust the design of your building to accommodate this reality, and the lighter overall weight of metal as compared to wood means there won’t be as much stress on the structure’s support.
Build a Custom Metal Carport
Given how long we have been in this business, and how many customers we have had the pleasure to serve over the years, American Carports, Inc. is the perfect partner when you are facing a tricky situation. Work with us today and your carport will be in place before you know it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a carport be installed without leveling the ground first?
A: Yes, within certain limitations. It is possible to install a carport on uneven ground, but if that ground is too badly sloped, you’ll need to do some site prep to level it first. Getting as close to level as possible before you start building is going to pay off in the long run.
Q: What type of foundation works best on sloped terrain?
A: You might want to explore using a gravel pad or a compacted soil base in this case. You could also use a concrete slab, but that is typically only going to be an option when the slope is very minor.
Q: Will installing a carport on a slope cost more?
A: It could cost a little more in terms of labor, depending on the severity of the slope and how much extra work it creates for the installers. Of course, site prep can also be a costly process, so you’ll need to weigh your options and decide which path makes the most sense.
Q: How do I know if my slope needs professional preparation?
A: If you have a drop of more than a few inches across the footprint of the building, you will probably want to hire a professional contractor to level the ground out and give your carport a solid place to live for years to come.
