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Need seasonal or year round protection for vehicles and watercraft? Carport canopies provide both solutions

American consumers and business owners are always searching for the “best product for the dollar” regardless of what they are searching for.   One of the most common necessities for consumers is outdoor storage and shelter products. Carport canopies have been one of the most popular shade and storage alternatives when compared to the traditional wood, metal, or vinyl storage sheds.  These metal frame structures can be used for seasonal or year round protection depending on the consumer.  Common applications of these shelters include car, truck, SUV, boat, tent camper, and ATV storage.  In addition the common homeowner or consumer, carport canopies are used by contractors, landscapers, utility companies, car detailers, and government agencies for a wide array of applications.   We feature a very large selection of carports and canopies for any application which can be browsed by selecting the appropriate width to the left.  Please view our Youtube video at https://youtu.be/ymInFH-5orY for more selections of our shelter products.

Key advantages

There are a number of significant advantages that carport canopies offer when compared to traditional storage buildings.   Cost, flexibility, and portability are a few of the advantages that need to be closely examined.   When comparing the cost of a wood, vinyl, or metal sheds, a vinyl carport is a fraction of the cost.  This is especially true when with larger canopies when the cost gap widens significantly.   Flexibility is another key advantage as carport canopy structures can be quickly erected on any surface including concrete pads, asphalt, dirt, gravel, and even wood header walls for added height.  In addition, carports traditionally do not require permits for construction approval, however, it is recommended to consult with local authorities prior to purchase.   Portability is another significant advantage.  Carport canopies can be dis-assembled and erected at another location.

Framework details

Frames are manufactured from round structural steel tubing which is galvanized or painted coating for corrosion resistance.   Most manufacturers utilize swaged tubing for the basic construction.   Swaged tubing consists of two pipe where one end is “reduced” in diameter and inserts into another pipe.   The two pieces are then fastened together using self tapping machine screws or bolts.   A variety of other fastening hardware such as brackets, connectors, and clamps are used to completely assemble the frame.  Carport canopies are typically freestanding in nature which allows them to stand freely with the use of outside supporting devices.  Although these canopies are freestanding, anchors are required  to secure them to a mounting surface such as dirt, concrete, or asphalt.

Cover manufacturing and specs

Covers are manufactured from woven coated polyethylene which is thermally fused at the seams for a water tight seal.  Some manufacturers utilized poly vinyl chloride (PVC) for the protective cover.  Regardless of the canopy cover material that is utilized, these materials can offer years of protection with proper care and maintenance.  Covers are tensioned tightly to the frame utilizing a rugged tension system that uses ratchets and straps.  Pockets are fused into the cover on both sides extending the length of the carport.   Steel pipe is inserted into the pockets on both sides of the cover.   Polyester straps are wrapped around the steel pipe by carefully placing a slice into the pocket.   The straps are then inserted into steel ratchet buckles that are fastened to the bottom of the carport canopy frame or wall the structure is mounted on.  Tightening the ratchet buckles places tension on the cover on all directions.  It is important to keep the carport canopy cover tight to the frame.  Loose covers can cause water and debris buildup in certain areas which can reduce the life of the cover.

Securing carport canopies

Due to the inherent design of carport canopies, it is important to properly secure the shelter to its mounting surface.   Auger anchors are utilized for dirt, gravel, and asphalt mounting surfaces.   Ground posts are frequently applied when the mounting surface is dirt and the structure height needs to be elevated.   The vast majority of these shelters will include base mounting plates with predrilled mounting holes.   The mounting holes allow the unit to be fastened to wood, concrete, and steel railings.  The mounting plates also provide “anti sink” characteristics for dirt based surfaces.   Some consumer may opt to utilize a ratchet/strap mechanism to secure the canopy, however, this method requires additional area around the carport which may not be available in many situations.

Each consumer has a unique situation when it comes to deciding the size and style of carport canopy.   Regardless of the application, carport canopies are available in a wide variety of size to accommodate any customer application.  The smaller width products are frequently used for vehicle, watercraft, small equipment, and general backyard storage applications.   Larger units are used for multi vehicle, trailers, RV's, agricultural, and large equipment.   Our canopy and storage tent products are conveniently arranged by size to the left.