A carport proves to be an excellent alternative to a garage or can be built parallel to it to provide an additional parking space for the car. You can also wash your car under the awning with a pressure washers for cars, which is very convenient. But especially when building the carport roof, you should not leave anything to chance. What things are important for the construction of a carport roof and what advantages and disadvantages it has, we explain below.
Everything at a glance:
- Carport roofs can be, for example, flat roofs, roofs with a slope or gable roofs.
- You may need a building permit to build the carport.
- Likewise, you are usually not allowed to build the carport arbitrarily on your property. You must adhere to the development plan.
- Carport roofs are often built of wood or with a trapezoidal sheet.
- For a solid roof, which is covered with tiles, for example, the substructure must be built in solid construction.
Requirements
A roof on the carport needs an appropriate substructure that matches the material of the roof. In addition, during construction, you should always pay attention to the building codes that apply in your country.
What is a carport roof and how is it constructed?
The carport roof rests on a substructure, so this creates the classic carport under which you park your car, for example.
You can choose between different variants. For example, you can build a flat roof or a gable roof. There are also different models in terms of building materials. Among other things, you can build the carport roof from wood or from trapezoidal sheet metal.
Where can I build the carport?
Where you are allowed to build the carport depends on the building regulations on your property. In addition, the building code is a state matter, so it may be that in one state you are allowed to build a carport up to a certain size freely at the desired location, while in another state you need a corresponding building permit. You should inform yourself about this in advance. The building authority will also tell you whether you are allowed to erect the carport at the desired location. However, border construction in particular should be avoided.
Who can build the carport roof?
If it is a matter of building a simple roof, for example with trapezoidal sheet metal or roofing felt, you can usually build this type of roof yourself. You only need craftsmanship and the appropriate tools.
However, if other building materials such as glass or roof tiles are used, you should hire a professional to build the carport roof. After all, no mistakes should be made here, because this can jeopardize the entire safety.
Advantages when a professional builds the carport roof:
- individual planning according to your needs
- fast and reliable construction
- high quality
- warranty from the expert
Types of carport roofs
There are many different carport models, so the roof shapes are also very different. Which roof you use depends primarily on the purpose that the carport will ultimately serve.
What types of carport roofs are there?
· Flat roof
A flat roof is recommended for a classic carport that is only intended to serve as a place to store a car. This can be erected quickly and inexpensively.
· Carport roof with roof pitch
As an alternative to the flat roof, you can build a roof with a low slope. This has the advantage that rainwater and snow run off faster, so moisture damage can be prevented.
· Gable roof
A gable roof can be used especially if you want to use the area below the roof as storage space or even as living space. Accordingly, the carport must be built stable. However, to build a gable roof or the entire carport, you will certainly need a building permit, which in turn requires the submission of construction drawings and structural calculations.
· Hip roof
The hip roof is similar to the gable roof. However, it also has a pitched roof at the ends.
· Pitched roof
The pent roof is an ideal solution if you want to connect the carport directly to an existing building. For example, it can be an extension of the house roof.
The advantage of a shed roof is that rainwater and snow run off very quickly.
· Arched roof
The arched roof is curved. The advantage of this design is that it has a high load-bearing capacity.
Different building materials
For the construction of the carport roof can be used different materials. We would like to discuss the most popular ones below.
What materials are suitable for the carport roof?
· Wooden carport roof
Carport roofs made of wood are extremely popular, because they can be erected individually, without the need for prior knowledge. You cut the wood to the desired size if necessary and can thus build flexibly. However, you need to seal the wooden roof to prevent moisture from entering.
You can use roofing felt in this regard. Roof tiles should only be used if the carport has very good statics and can easily withstand the load created by the roof tiles.
· Carport roof made of trapezoidal sheet metal or metal
Also popular is the carport roof made of trapezoidal sheet metal. You can order it in the required size and screw it on easily. Trapezoidal sheet metal is much lighter than wood and you do not need to apply an additional layer for moisture control. However, the purchase cost is usually higher. You can also install snow guards for standing seam metal roofs, preventing snow from sliding off the roof.
· Plastic carport roof
Plastic roof is also a popular design. It is lightweight and can be optimally adjusted in length and width. This roof covering is also inexpensive. However, the plastic has the disadvantage of limited weather resistance. This means that it is less durable than other materials.
· Glass carport roof
Glass can also be used as a carport roof. This provides a noble look. However, glass is very heavy, so it requires a massive substructure. On top of that, it is expensive and difficult to install. If you want to build a carport with a glass roof, you will need to hire a professional for this.
· Carport roof with roofing felt
To build a roof with roofing felt or bitumen, you need a closed substructure. You can create this, for example, with wooden panels. Roofing felt is easy to apply, inexpensive and durable. In addition, it is waterproof and very light.
· Carport roof with tiles or shingles
Roofing with roof tiles or shingles is also possible. However, the substructure must be very strong, because the roof tiles have a high weight. You can also install snow guards for shingle roof, preventing snow from sliding off the roof.
Conclusion
The carport is a simple and inexpensive alternative to a garage, because you can park your car there weatherproof even without solid masonry. For this to be successful, the roof should be weather-resistant and fit for purpose. It is also important to pay attention to the statics, so that the carport can easily withstand the load from the roof. The most popular carport roofs are flat roof, gable roof and trailing roof.
