A carport is a practical and aesthetic addition to your property, offering protection for your car from the elements and UV rays. However, different materials are available. It’s important to make the right choice to ensure that your shelter meets your needs and budget, and blends in well with the style of your home.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 5 different types of carports, each with its advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision for your property.
What is a carport?
A carport is a simple roof structure used to house vehicles, usually cars, trucks or motorcycles. Unlike an enclosed garage, a carport is open on the sides, allowing optimum ventilation and air circulation. Carports are often built against a house, but they can also be freestanding. These can be built from a variety of materials.
5 possible materials for your future carport
1. The wooden carport
Wooden carports are a popular choice for their natural elegance and durability. Wood is a material that blends well with both traditional and modern architecture, making it suitable for a variety of home styles. However, wood requires regular maintenance to maintain its beauty and durability.
When choosing a wooden carport, it’s important to consider the quality and strength of the wood. Softwoods such as pine, fir and spruce are commonly used for carports, as they are more economical than hardwoods such as oak, ash and maple. However, softwoods tend to rot more quickly and therefore require regular treatment to protect them from rot and insects.
2. The aluminum carport
Aluminium carports are a modern, lightweight option for your home. Aluminum is corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance. What’s more, aluminum can be easily molded to create unique, customized carport designs.
A popular option for carports is the aluminum pergola, which is used as a carport. Aluminum pergolas are available in a variety of styles and can be customized to suit your needs. You can add polycarbonate roof panels for extra protection against the elements and UV rays.
3. The steel carport
Compared to aluminum, steel carports are often more expensive due to the quality and strength of steel. Steel is also heavier than other types of material, which may require a stronger foundation and more complex installation for your shelter. They also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and rust. However, if you opt for this material, your construction will be sturdy and last for decades.
5. The PVC carport
PVC is often used as the roofing material for carports. Lightweight and inexpensive, it must be attached to hard posts such as aluminum, concrete or wood. PVC is an inexpensive option, but less aesthetically pleasing than the others presented above.
Do I need planning permission for a carport?
In Belgium, the answer depends on the size of your carport and its location. If your carport measures less than 40 square meters and is located at the rear of your house, you probably won’t need planning permission. However, if your carport measures more than 40 square meters or is located at the front of your house, you’ll probably need to apply to your local council for planning permission.
As rules can vary from region to region and from commune to commune, we recommend that you check with your commune before building a carport.
How much does it cost to build a carport in front of your house?
In general, canvas carports are the least expensive, with prices generally starting at a few hundred euros for basic models. Wooden carports can cost between 1,000 and 5,000 euros, depending on wood quality and design. Metal carports can cost between 500 and 3000 euros, depending on the type of metal and the quality of construction. Aluminium carports are often more expensive, due to their many advantages, with prices generally starting at around 3,000 euros.
It’s important to note that these prices are general estimates, and that actual costs may vary depending on many factors, such as the materials used, the surface area of the construction, whether or not any work is required, etc. It’s advisable to ask the manufacturer for a quote to obtain an accurate estimate of the cost of your carport.
Interested in installing a carport in front of your house? Verandair, manufacturer of verandas and pergolas for 31 years, can design your ideal carport.
Contact us to discuss your project!
