If you need a space to store your car, or simply need some more undercover space around the home, a carport is ideal.  One of the options that you have to choose from is the aluminium carport.  Here’s what you need to know.

What is an Aluminium Carport?

An aluminium carport is a lightweight yet very strong type of carport and it is perfect for any type of home as it can come in so many different designs and colours.  With an aluminium carport, the main frame is made from aluminium (the posts, beams etc), and the roofing is made from another material such as aluminium sheeting, Colorbond sheeting or polycarbonate (an extremely strong type of plastic).  Aluminium carports are powder coated in order to protect it against the elements.  Your aluminium carport can be permanently fixed in place or it can be portable.  A portable aluminium carport has an easily dismantled structure and generally has a heavy duty canvas or vinyl cover.

Using Aluminium Carports

Aluminium carports are generally a freestanding carport, that is, they are not actually attached to the home in any way.  Because of this, they will need their own guttering and downpipes. However, just because they are not attached to the home doesn’t mean they can’t be near the home.  Aluminium carports can be butted right against an external wall without any problems at all due to the two separate guttering systems – one for the carport and one for the home.  Of course, a portable aluminium carport can be easily erected anywhere in your garden without problems.

Aluminium carports come in single or double varieties depending on how much space you have and how many cars you need to park underneath.  Remember that you can always use your carport for other things as well such as entertaining or as an undercover area for hanging clothes, so it may be a good idea to get a larger one than you actually need if you have the room.  Larger carports will also add more resale value to your home.

Aluminium Carports are Easy to Assemble

Something else to remember with aluminium carports is that they are very easy to assemble.  They generally come in kit form, with all the pieces and fixings that you need to create a fully functioning carport.  Clear instructions are provided and you can put it together over a weekend.  Of course, you can always pay a professional to do the installation if you prefer! Portable aluminium carports are even easier – just screw the supporting structure together, stretch the canopy over the top and you are done.

For more information, see carports.