Not All Carports are Designed the Same

If you're considering a carport, you have plenty of options and several decisions to make. The variety of carport designs has come a long way since the first simple designs, and modern carports give you choices both in terms of the roof style and how you place your carport. When deciding between the following options, make sure to consider your lifestyle, storage needs, and how much form or function you want to get out of the structure.

Options for roof style:

• Flat. A flat roof carport design is generally the most economical. A simple flat roof gives your carport a low profile and reduces both the complexity of construction, as well as the cost of materials. When a homeowner needs a taller carport for a mobile home or RV, they often choose a flat roof because the carport is already quite tall without adding a peaked roof above it.

• Gabled. For those who prefer a more traditional house-like carport design, a gabled roof is the way to go. Gabled carports generally follow a prefabricated design, but because of the wide variety of roofing colours and styles, they can be made to match almost any house. The huge advantage of a gabled carport roof is that it blends more naturally with the rest of the home design and doesn't stand out as a carport. Additionally, the sloped roof sheds water more easily.

• Dutch Gable. For those who want their carport to stand out as a decorative structure, the Dutch gable roof is the way to go. This is the probably the most attractive of the basic carport designs and is often used when the carport is a standalone structure away from the house, or when the house itself has a Dutch gabled roof.

Placement options:

• Adjoining the house. This is probably the most basic placement for a carport. Many people prefer to have the carport placed directly next to the house so that they can come and go in inclement weather without having to make a mad dash. While generally the best choice for convenience, it is not always possible, depending on the space and shape of the yard and house.

• Detached. Even though adjoined may seem more convenient, a large number of people prefer a detached carport. That's because detaching the carport allows you to place it anywhere on your lot that suits your needs, without having to worry about how much space is next to the house. This can allow for a shorter driveway and avoid disrupting landscaping around the home, or even function as a partial privacy screen for the home or yard.

As you can see, there are carport designs for every taste. What are your favourite types of carports?