Because they are heavy-duty vehicle shelters, more and more people recommend building metal carports. They have distinct features that make them function and look sturdy against elements. But a wise owner-builder can still do more to surely strengthen a carport for his or her advantage.
How do metal carports withstand elements?
Carports are designed to withstand damaging agents like outpouring rain, UV rays, snow, falling debris, tree saps, or bird poop stains. Thus, they are made of high-quality materials and carefully assembled. For meticulous owner-builders, there are options such as a carport with 12 gauge frames and a roof with galvanized metal sheets. The 12 gauge frame is thicker and stronger to endure strong wind and snow. Meanwhile, a galvanized sheet metal has undergone a process where it is completely coated with zinc. This process makes the metal sheet fight corrosion and rust.
Among the harsh agents, the notorious are hurricanes or any windy weather conditions. If a hurricane is so strong, it can break and uproot a carport from the ground. This even though the structure is made of the finest materials and assembled by two or three people. But it is most likely to happen if the foundation of the carport is placed shallowly. So carport must be securely embedded in the ground and not just standing on a surface. If this is the issue, there are two recommended steps to strengthen your carport—fortify its anchoring system and add bracing.
Anchoring is the proper installation of the carport to the ground. The recommended way is to dig holes into the dirt and cover it with a concrete slab. Bracing, on the other hand, is tightening the connection of a carport’s components so they can’t be easily dissipated, swayed, or blown away by harsh wind. You can put braces in important parts of the metal carport that need to be stabilized. There are cross-bracing between frames, snow bracing on the roof part, and corner bracing on edges. What is also good about bracing is it makes a carport quake-resistant.
What else can you do?
Another indirect way to strengthen your carport is by erecting it in the right position. For example, there is a difference if it is aligned along with the other structures in your property or block. If it is ahead of the others, then it is also one step forward to be smashed by a strong wind. If you place it in between solid structures, at least it has some shield from two sides. Meanwhile, if it is behind a building, it has protection from one angle. In this concern, you need to have some assessments of the possible hurricane or strong wind movement in your area. On the other hand, a carport with an even number of open sides can help to let wind enter and exit hassle-free in it.
Also, be smart when choosing your carport builder. If it is a reliable and experienced one, it proposes ideal steps. Or it can come up with the best and effective solutions to reinforce your carport.
