Tag: informative blogs

Carport Usage

Posted on April 3, 2019 by - ACI, Carports

We all want assurance when investing in something big. With American carports, you won’t have to worry about that. When you invest in American steel carports with your buildings, we provide you with durability and protection, all at a great price.

Making a decision

Durability is dependably a worry when buying another structure, particularly when you’re investing in it. Our buildings are reliant, dependent, and durable. Here at American Carports, we provide you with a engineer-proven galvanized steel tubing. When your buying another structure, we have two alternatives of material. We have the 12-gauge and 14-gauge tubing. The 14-gauge is the more reasonable material for areas that don’t have substantial snow or exceptionally high breezes. It is our standard material that includes a 1-year workmanship warranty. The 12-gauge tubing is our more sturdy and thicker material for more severe weather conditions. The 12-gauge material may be increasingly costly, yet we need to ensure that the structure you’re buying can stand for a more extended time. It also comes with a 20-year rust warranty. The 12 gauge gives you the highest quality coverage at a great price!

This is a 30’W x 41’L x 12’H 14-gauge unit with a standard roof, two horizontal sides and one horizontal end. It’s a standard building purchased for the essential necessities. All of our carports are provided with the needed material to cover protection from the sun, rain, and hail. You can easily upgrade the building by maybe enclosing the other end, adding roll-up doors, windows, doors, changing the roof style, colors and many more options.

Contact us Now!

Here at American Carports, we want to provide a building to fit your needs and conditions. If you like the building above or Feel inspired by this carport? Give us a call now at 866-471-8761 to talk to one of our experts! If you want to make a few additions or change the dimensions of this building, then our experts will make sure to listen to your needs and help you design exactly what you’re looking for.

Short Blog: Some Easy Maintenance Ideas

Posted on February 14, 2019 by - ACI, Blog, Customer Builds, Informative, Lifestyle, Questions, Steel Structures

We are all aware of the superiority of steel over wood structures, and this includes ease of maintenance. However, there are still some easy and quick things you can do to keep your steel structure in the best shape.

  • The first thing we recommend is to keep a maintenance log to stay on top of all the maintenance you’ve done and when.
  • The easiest place to start is with a basic wash, especially when the weather conditions change. Whether its leaves being blown around or dirt from nearby country roads, a quick power wash will return your American Carports’ structure to like-new.
  • Overhead doors also need attention, so remember to wash them too. Using a light degreaser can help cut through any dirt that has accumulated.
  • Dusting the roof with a soft bristle broom to remove debris is recommended. Please be sure to take every safety precaution to not put anyone in danger while doing so.
  • Periodically check that all screws are tightened and have not come loose. Using a lubricant product on all moving parts, doors and windows are highly recommended to maintain the like-new look and function.

We hope these tips are helpful and will assist you in enjoying your American Carports metal building for years to come.

Why a Metal Building?

Posted on February 12, 2019 by - ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, Questions, Steel Structures

You are already setting yourself up with many opportunities if you’re thinking about getting a metal structure. Small or large, our units certainly do more than protect your vehicles. The creative uses are limitless.

Read below to get inspired:

Animal Housing

  • Weather can be very damaging, not just to cars and other valuables, but also to pets. Thus, metal structures can be used to provide protection for your dogs, horses, ponies, chickens, and other livestock during hot or cold climates.

Entertainment

  • A building will keep you covered from the rain and sun. Enjoy yourself with no worries.
  • Every child has dreamed of having their own real-life playhouse. Metal structures are a great idea to make those dreams come true since they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
  • For those who like to stay fit, you can convert your building into your personal workout area or weight room.

Selling Booth

  • If you plan on establishing a place to sell your products, but don’t have any room in your home, a metal shed will come in very useful. It will protect your valuables permanently. You won’t have the hassle of moving your goods daily.

Stay Green

  • A carport can also be converted into a greenhouse. We can customize a building by using skylights as transparent siding where sunlight can shine through onto your prospering plants.

Oversized Equipment

  • Because we customize buildings, we give you the opportunity to cover anything you wish. From RV’s to tractors, carports will protect and shield your large equipment.

Additional Storage

  • Don’t have room in your garage or don’t own one? A metal building is a perfect solution. You can store animal feed, extend your food pantry, or simply use it to store your bikes and tools. You can also use it as a place to work on your creative projects.

The uses of our carports range greatly, and the good thing is you can change what you want to use it for at any moment. Give us a call now to speak with one of our representatives to learn more about our products and get a FREE quote. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay on top of our products, new buildings, events, and discounts!

Facebook: /AmericanCarport/

Instagram: /americancarportsinc/

Press Release: California Wildfire Donation

Posted on January 11, 2019 by - ACI, Blog, News, News/Press, Steel Structures

For: Donation 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COLUSA, CA.- American Carports, purveyors of engineered certified carports and metal buildings, is pleased to announce that we are donating a portion of proceeds to the Shasta Regional Community Foundation. This means a lot to us, so the disaster the wildfires have caused is truly heartbreaking. The Shasta Regional Community Foundation will use this money to help where people need it the most, we are pleased to work with an organization such as this one and look forward to working together in the future.

In closing, we would like to send our heartfelt wishes to everyone affected by the wildfires.

The Carr Fire was a large wildfire that burned in Shasta and Trinity Counties in California, United States. The fire burned 229,651 acres before it was 100% contained late on August 30, 2018. The Carr Fire destroyed at least 1,077 homes while damaging 277 others and becoming seventh-largest wildfire recorded in modern California history. The Carr Fire cost over $1.659 billion in damages, including $1.5 billion in insured losses and more than $158.7 million in suppression costs. At its height, the fire engaged as many as 4,766 personnel from multiple agencies. The fire was reported on the afternoon of July 23, 2018, at the intersection of Highway 299 and Carr Powerhouse Road, in the Whiskeytown district of the Whiskeytown–Shasta–Trinity National Recreation Area. The fire was started when a flat tire on a vehicle caused the wheel’s rim to scrape against the asphalt, creating sparks that set off the fire. Eight people died in the fire, including three firefighters.

Info about the Shasta Regional Community Foundation

Founded in 2000, Shasta Regional Community Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization trying to make the quality of life better for all in the region. The Community Foundation services the region with permanent endowments, grantmaking and by providing community leadership.   They are Certified, National Standards for the U.S. and a member of the League of California Community Foundations.

We all can help you get more out of giving. Find out how:  https://www.shastarcf.org/ways-to-give

Standard vs. Triple Wide vs. Wide Span

Posted on December 18, 2018 by - ACI, Blog, Informative, Steel Structures

A metal building will always be a metal building, no matter what – aside from all of the customization we offer, such as enclosing your carport.

A metal carport is the main foundation of your metal garage. If you really think about it, the base and the roof are what make it a metal carport, so all we are doing is enclosing your carport and adding the openings or frame outs for the roll-up door that you want. The same goes for our agricultural buildings. The center unit is a metal carport, which is just adjacent to the lean-tos (also called wings); from then on, we just enclose the sides or ends according to your special needs. Interesting, isn’t it? However, the size of the structure is what will categorize your metal building or metal carport as a standard, triple wide, or wide span unit.

Standard Units

The confusion starts when the word “standard” comes in to play. On one of our metal buildings, this mostly refers to a particular roof style. It’s called standard because this roof option is included in the base price, unlike our other roof styles, which come with an additional price. However, in the carport industry vocabulary, “standard” is also a categorization of all metal units ranging from 12’ to 24’ in width. You might be thinking, aren’t your units categorized as carports or garages? Yes, technically – but that’s after the product is completed, and those subcategories are mainly just options. Another point to add is that there is no such thing as a limitation when it comes to length for standard units. Even a 12’ wide building can be 100’ long! But when it comes to height, there are a few restrictions that will apply. For example, the leg height of your metal building cannot exceed the width (e.g., 12’W x 31’L x 14’H). Why? Because your building will NOT be stable.

Triple Wide Units

This type of metal building ranges from 26’ to 30’ in width. These are big buildings that are typically used casually for workshops. Because of the size, is recommended to opt for our 12-gauge galvanized tubing (a.k.a. heavy duty). Aside from their size, these metal units still follow the same procedure and customization options regarding roof style, vertical sides or ends, roll-up doors, openings, and being installed on the ground or a concrete slab. As mention earlier, triple wide units don’t have a limit when it comes to length, and since the width starts at 26’, there are no restrictions when it comes to leg height taller than 12’. This type of building might be the one for you if you’re looking for something big, but also affordable without limitations. However, when it comes to even bigger units, things do change – which brings us to our last topic.

Wide Span Units

Now we’re talking about some big, big units. This type of huge metal unit ranges from 32’ to 80’ in width! Yes, we’re talking warehouse size! Let’s leave the size comparison to the side for a moment, shall we? The first thing you will notice about these big metal units is the siding. ALL of our wide span units run fully vertical, which means that they don’t allow a standard roof or horizontal siding. Another big change that you will notice is that our wide span units MUST be installed on concrete pads, concrete footings, or concrete piers. This is due to the size and weight of the unit. If this kind of metal unit is installed on the ground, due to the weight on all of its components, it will sink and won’t be sturdy. If you want to read a complete description of wide span units for more information, click here.

 

Now you know the difference between our categories of metal buildings. We hope this has enlightened you. If this definitely changed your mind and helped you figure out exactly what you want for your property, feel free to contact us today and let one of our sales representatives assist you with any questions or concerns!

Generic vs. Specific Plans & Calculations:

Posted on December 11, 2018 by - ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, Steel Structures

So you’ve decided on the perfect carport/metal building and you’re ready to place an order. What should you do next? American Steel Carports recommends that ALL customers or future customers get familiar with their city codes. You wouldn’t want to install a building only to have it tagged for noncompliance or for not pulling a permit. Although not all cities and counties require permitting, you should always check to be 100% sure that your building will be allowed. Sometimes the requirements are simple (being a certain distance from a fence or a certain size). Some permitting could require you to meet wind or snow loads, though.

 

The following will explain the types of plans/drawings that some counties or cities might require before installation:

 

  • Generic Plans are available for certain areas and certain sizes of buildings (ask your sales rep. to see if your building qualifies) at no additional cost. Generic plans are specific to width size only and will not state the name or address of the installation. These plans can be requested after the order is placed and take 7-10 business days to be sent out AFTER the order is received.
  • Site-Specific Plans are made per order at an additional cost. These plans include the name and address of installation for your future building as well as snow and wind requirements and info on how the material is installed and its construction elements. Specific plans must be paid for when the order is placed. They take between 10-14 business days to be sent out AFTER the order is received. Specific plans can be requested (but are not always required) with our Calculations, which also come at an additional cost. Calculations include the stress and strains or forces and displacements of your metal structure. Specific plans can be requested on their own, but Calculations can only be requested as an addition to Specific Plans.

 

Make sure you ask for or purchase the correct set when placing your order.

Weather Delays

Posted on November 20, 2018 by - ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, Questions, Steel Structures

In this business, the longer it takes to complete a project, the more time it’ll be before the next one can get started. Setting back the completion date isn’t something most contractors want to do, but sometimes it’s inevitable. However, it is possible to plan for delays so that they’re less detrimental to the project and its timeline. Checking with your local building department or code enforcement for local codes can expedite the process too.

Setbacks are often caused by factors outside a contractor’s control. For instance, weather conditions can affect a construction timeline. Depending on the location, spring can bring rainy weather and be followed by the dry heat of summer. Fall and winter can bring cooler temperatures, snow, and ice. Each of these can be harmful to materials and machinery and can cause safety hazards to workers on site.

Any sort of outdoor work is made more difficult by rain, and rainy and wet conditions are a frequent reason for contractors to request additional time on a project. Rain can cause myriad problems for people working on construction. Mud can be not only a nuisance but a safety hazard for anyone driving off a muddy site or for drivers who must share the road with an excessively muddy vehicle. But this can be avoided by using gravel or rock as a base and properly grading the land ahead of time.

Thunderstorms can cause even more damage to a site. And they often come with high winds that can disorganize a job site at best and destroy materials at worst. The hail that accompanies thunderstorms creates another major concern, as it has been known to dent and even break materials like sheet metal and glass.

Spring’s showers might dry up when the summer months come around, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any more risks for the work site. Hot and dry weather brings its own set of problems. Extreme heat can cause health problems to workers, and if they seek relief by removing protections like hard hats and safety glasses, they could put themselves at risk of injury.

Autumn and winter bring cold weather that can have a negative impact as well. The equipment finance advisor noted that mortar and grout can be most affected by cold weather. When they get too cold, they cannot properly absorb moisture, and this makes them weaker and less resistant to water.

Cold weather affects workers too. They need to wear additional layers when working outdoors, and these layers restrict their movement and their ability to handle items carefully. Muscles and joints are also less flexible when cold, which could put workers at greater risk of injury.

Inclement weather can’t be avoided or prevented. In most cases, though, it can be predicted with fair accuracy. If you know that your site is at risk of any of these adverse weather conditions, take precautions to protect your equipment, materials, site, and workers

Mobile Mini also provides mobile offices. These can be used as a place for contractors to store important information about the site, or as a refuge for employees to escape the hot sun or the cold air.

Protecting your Investments Year-Round

Posted on November 5, 2018 by - ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, Steel Structures

In the summer months, they are all over the highway, weaving in and out of lanes, onto the shoulders, across the center lines, and nearly into the ditch. Clearly, many people sitting behind wheels of large recreational vehicles are not used to driving 40-foot boxes on wheels, even without wind. Their poor driving skills are most obvious when they try to negotiate the most basic right and left turns.

Driving skills aside, have you ever wondered how much those gas-guzzling behemoths cost, especially since the average price of a passenger car has surpassed $31,000? In 2018, the average cost of a new recreation vehicle is around $135,500. Depending on the options, prices can range into the millions.

It’s unfortunate that having money to burn doesn’t mean having the skill to actually drive an RV safely! Regardless of this, given the size of their investments, owners of RVs want them to look good as long as possible, hopefully until they’re paid off. After all, who wants to drive around in a vehicle that looks like it belongs to Cousin Eddie? Not driving it would defeat its purpose, but owners at least want assurance that they can keep their six-wheeled monstrosities safe when they’re off the road.

Most people don’t own barns or garages large enough to house a 40- or 50-foot RV, so the most practical way to protect it from the elements is with a prefabricated metal building or metal RV carport. Although steel buildings are colloquially referred to as metal carports, they are available in sizes large enough to accommodate the biggest RVs. It’s also good to know that these carports are affordable. This makes them excellent options for owners of boats, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles who don’t want to pay for offsite storage. The bottom line is that anyone looking to shelter their expensive vehicles from snow, ice, rain, and sun can get durable protection without spending thousands of dollars.

Although metal carport prices vary, even the largest, most deluxe metal RV port will be considerably cheaper than rented storage space. Owners will know to be happier knowing that their vehicles are safe and sound on their own premises.

f you live in an area with lots of adverse and unpredictable weather conditions, then you know how important it is to plan ahead and protect your vehicles during the winter months. If you haven’t made these preparations yet, you might want to buy a carport.

For example, hail, which is often not covered by car insurance, can be especially damaging to cars. In more than half the cases in which hail destroys the structural integrity of a car, the damages are not repaired. With the help of carport installers, however, you can ensure that your vehicle is not harmed by Mother Nature.

In particular, metal carports made of galvanized steel can be effective in multiple environments, from industrial settings to coastal areas. People who specifically near the ocean and own boats will find that these structures can protect their property well throughout the year.

An additional benefit of a steel carport is that it can be recycled in perpetuity without losing its strength or sustainability over the years. You can protect your prized possessions while being environmentally responsible.

When you choose a company to help you install your carport, you will want to base your decision on who can get the job done in a timely manner with the highest quality materials. When it comes to protecting your property from the elements, it’s important to make sure that you have peace of mind and can go about your day during a nasty storm without worrying about the physical state of your vehicle.

 

The Four Types of Doors We Offer

Posted on October 30, 2018 by - ACI, Blog, Informative, Lifestyle, Steel Structures

American Carports, Inc. has come a long way since the beginning; we now know that details are very important. From color options to reinforcement and ventilation features, we strive to always satisfy your needs. Thanks to this, you now have the opportunity to decide what kind of door you want. Not only does this give your unit more flexibility, but it will also enhance the overall look of your carport.

Since our customers have a multitude of door options to choose from, you will need to give us more information, from the color to the type and size. If you find yourself with a handful of questions, continue reading ‒ and remember that we’re here to help.

The four types of doors we offer are:

  • Walk-In
  • Heavy Duty Walk-In
  • Overhead
  • Roll-Up

 


Standard Walk-In & Heavy-Duty Walk-In

Convenient and lightweight, these economical 20-gauge doors are essential for those who are looking for an “easy come, easy go” option. Choose from a 36” x 72”, 36” x 80”, or double 72” x 72” door. Though these doors are basic, they deliver more than you bargained for, especially if you upgrade to our heavy duty walk-in. There is no threshold located at the bottom of these doors, making it easy for those who use wheelchairs to enter and exit the building. We offer two sizes: 36” wide by 84” tall and 48” wide by 84” tall. Apart from the different frames, they are reversible and insulated. If extra security and additional strength are what you’re looking for, consider investing in our Heavy Duty Walk-In door.

Remember:

  • There is a $75 fee for installing doors on vertical sides.
  • There is no extra cost for doors installed on horizontal sides.
  • Heavy Duty Walk-In doors must be installed on concrete foundations.

Overhead

Our Overhead doors, also known as Sectional doors, are ideal for those who want to add a residential look to their building. Choose from our standard option, which doesn’t come insulated or with windows, or upgrade to glass windows and insulation. We also offer embossed panel designs: colonial and ranch. Select from white, almond, taupe, and brown color options. Our Overhead doors are larger than our mobile doors but are easy to open. What makes them different from a Roll-Up door? A Roll-Up door uses a chain to roll up, whereas an Overhead wraps up in sections, like a garage door.

Roll-Up

Not looking to spend much on a large door? Although they serve the same purpose as Overhead doors, these are great for those who want something economical and simple.

We offer 3 types of Roll-Ups:

  • Model 650 Mini
  • Model 2000 Commercial
  • Model 2500 Commercial

Keep in mind that our 6’ x 7’ to 10’ x 10’ sizes are considered mini. Anything above 10’ x 10’ comes with a chain hoist. There is also no outside latch on Roll-Up doors, meaning a Walk-In door is required to open the Roll-Up from the inside.

On top of this information, do you know that you can change the color of your roll-up doors for an additional price? Click here to look at all of the colors we have available to give your building that special touch.

Now that you know about the four different types of doors we offer, you can see that there are many different ways for you to customize your metal building. Remember, we’re here to meet your needs and specifications. Give us a call now for a quick quote and let one of our experts help you build that metal building of your dreams!