Do you want to keep your car from getting weather damage?
While most people drive around happy with the ride they have, few spend much time thinking about how weathering affects your vehicle.
Tiny bits of wear and tear caused by UV rays, hail, rain, and debris from Mother Nature can really damage your car or truck.
…but there’s one easy way to fix that problem.
Covering your ride with a metal carport or metal building can massively extend the lifespan of your vehicle and increase curb appeal. And most metals don’t take much maintenance to stay looking great.
In this article:
- Why Does Your Vehicle Need Protection?
- The Actual Cost Of Weather Damage
- Benefits Of Metal Carports Solutions
- How To Select The Best Metal Carport
- Maintenance Tips To Ensure Longevity
Why Does Your Vehicle Need Protection?
It’s mind blowing when you think about it…
All day long your car is exposed to UV radiation from the sun, rainwater, bird poop, debris, and more.
Pretty soon your vehicle starts showing signs of aging way before it should.
According to industry research, vehicles parked underneath cover will last twice as long as vehicles parked in the elements. That is a serious increase in your vehicles life.
Protecting your car doesn’t just keep your vehicle looking great, it also protects your wallet. When you start shopping around for car ports for sale you will quickly find that metal buildings and metal carports are the best investment you can make in protecting your vehicle.
Metal buildings provide the best all-around protection from almost all types of weather. Here are just a few benefits of having a metal carport.
Your vehicle is protected from UV rays that fade and deteriorate your paint job.
You also don’t have to worry about hail denting your car or truck.
Metal buildings can prevent rain from dirtying up your car.
No more washing your vehicle every other day just to keep it presentable.
The Actual Cost Of Weather Damage
We typically never see weather damage as a thing until we have to fix it.
The sun is beating down on your car 24/7.
Those UV rays are cooking away at the paint job of your car.
The sun’s UV rays break down the chemical bonds of your paint causing fading and oxidation. This is what makes the paint look chalky and old.
Upper surface areas take the biggest hit.
Horizontal surfaces like the hood, roof, and trunk of your car suffer the most. As a result, the paint job on these areas will start to fade faster.
Then comes hail.
Each year vehicle owners spend somewhere between $8 billion to $14 billion repairing their vehicles from hail damage. Even a small hail storm can create thousands of dollars of damage to your vehicle.
Let’s take a look at some of the costs associated with vehicle weathering:
- Oxidation
- Faded Paint
- Cracked Leather Interiors
- Rust
Benefits Of Metal Carports Solutions
Metal carports are fantastic for more than just keeping your car looking brand new.
They also happen to be one of the most durable cover options out there.
Many metal carports can last upwards of 20-30+ years with proper maintenance. Galvanized steel frames help reinforce the structure while heavy-duty coatings allow them to resist wear.
Compare that to thin fabric carports that rip easily, fade, and generally need to be replaced every few years.
Metal Buildings stand up to rain, snow, and wind better than any other cover option.
Not only will metal buildings stand strong in heavy rain storms and high winds, but they also protect your vehicles from debris that flies around during these types of events.
Metal Carports are also very low maintenance.
Other cover styles like wood require annual staining, checking for wood rot, and pest control. Metal buildings simply require an occasional inspection to ensure everything is stable.
Metal buildings can be used for more than just cars.
You can purchase metal buildings that are large enough for trucks, RV’s, boats, motorcycles, farming equipment. Some people even use them for covered workspace areas or outdoor kitchens.
Quick List of Metal Carport Benefits:
- Block harmful UV rays
- Prevent sun fading and heat damage
- Provide resistance to rust, decay, and pests.
- Withstand heavy snow and high winds
- Less expensive than traditional garages
- Easy and quick installation
How To Select The Best Metal Carport
Just like anything in life, you need to do your research before making a purchase.
Picking the wrong metal carport can come back to haunt you later.
Size Does Matter
Measure your vehicle first. You will want to make sure that you have enough room for the largest vehicle you plan on storing under the carport. Don’t forget to leave room for opening doors and getting in and out of the vehicle.
There are plenty of single carports out there that will work for most people. If you have a truck or SUV you may want to consider a larger model.
Roof Styles
Carports come with different roof styles. Some are better than others at dealing with mother nature. If you live in an area that doesn’t receive heavy rains or snow a standard roof design will work fine.
However, if you experience severe rain or snow seasons boxed eave or vertical roof styles might be a better option.
Check with your local building department.
Some areas require you to pull a permit before building a carport. Other areas may have restrictions on where you can put your carport or how big it can be.
Shop for quality materials.
Don’t settle for flimsy steel when there are options for better materials. Make sure the frame is galvanized and coated with some type of protective layer. Stainless steel is even better!
The higher the steel gauge the better. Higher gauge metal can withstand higher winds.
Powder coated finishes provide another layer of protection against rust and corrosion.
Look for companies that offer installation.
Some companies will throw a DIY kit at you and send you on your way. If your not confident in your abilities or just don’t have the time’s look for companies that offer installation services.
Maintenance Tips To Ensure Longevity
You want your metal carport to last as long as possible? Follow these easy tips.
Inspect your carport once every couple of months.
Walk around your carport and check for any damages. Hold down during storms can loosen up bolts or wear away at areas of your carport. Catching these problems early can save you a bunch of money down the road.
Cleaning is your friend.
Leave dead branches, leaves, and dirt off the roof of your carport. Piles of this stuff will hold in moisture and can speed up the deterioration process. Giving it a quick rinse will help reduce buildup.
Rust never sleeps.
Spot rust early and take care of it. Sand down the area and apply some rust-inhibiting primer. Top it off with some paint that matches the rest of your carport. This will prevent the rust from spreading and causing more damage.
Check anchors and brackets.
Carports are only as strong as their anchor points. These are what connect the carport to the ground. Make sure these bolts are nice and snug!
Clear off snow!
Speaking of the ground, don’t let heavy snow build up on the roof of your carport. Sure they can handle high amounts of snow, but you should still try and clear it off every once in awhile.
Conclusion
Metal carports are one of the best investments you can make when it comes to protecting your vehicle.
Not only do they help prevent damage from UV rays they also give you something extra should you decide to upgrade vehicles in the future. Protecting your vehicle from the elements is sure to save you thousands down the road.
Remember…
- Vehicles that are stored under cover last longer
- Weather Damage is very costly
- Metal Carports Provide the best durability
- Do your research when looking for a metal carport
- Maintain your carport yearly to ensure longevity
Invest in a metal carport today and start protecting your investment!