What Makes Steel Carports Better Than Wooden Structures?

A steel carport is an excellent choice to protect your vehicle from damaging UV rays and harsh weather conditions. Whether it is your boat, motorcycle, light truck, sedan, or RV, shelter against the elements is a must. Your vehicle is a hefty investment, and protecting it is crucial. A metal carport is a cost-effective way to save your vehicle from environmental damage. It can be designed to blend in with your property and be discreet.

Earlier, people preferred a wooden carport for its aesthetic appeal. However, things are changing now. One can find a metal carport that is more durable and sturdy, along with aesthetics. So, why buy a wooden carport when you can have a more secure steel structure with virtually zero maintenance? 

LET’S LOOK AT A FEW POINTS WHICH WILL SHED SOME LIGHT ON WHAT MAKES A STEEL CARPORT BETTER THAN A WOODEN ONE.

Durability

• Being denser material, steel is more durable than wood.
• Heavy-duty steel can resist wind and snow loads along with harsh weather conditions. Galvanized steel carports are built to last. Some manufacturers even offer a warranty of over 20 years against rusting.
• A metal carport’s longevity is more than a wooden structure.

Low maintenance

• A wooden structure requires very high maintenance with timely varnishing and painting. A steel structure requires just an annual inspection.
• Steel remains unaffected by rain and snow. A properly insulated steel structure does not have condensation problems. On the other hand, wood tends to absorb moisture and may rot.
• With no repainting or refinishing, a metal carport retains its paint and color, which is infused during production. 

Sturdy structure

• A metal carport can withstand the majority of the damage caused by nature.
• Wooden carports can get damaged or collapse if subjected to structural stress over time. 
• During severe weather conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes, a stick-built structure is prone to getting blown away. On the other hand, a metal carport is more likely to remain standing unless it directly gets hit.

Pest resistance

• Steel buildings are robust by nature. No animals like rats or mice can dig into it. Hence, you do not have to worry about damaged posts or roofs.
• Wood attracts pests like termites and insects who will make their home in it. Steel is quite resilient to these pests. So, a great choice.
• Some people worry that metal carports might get rust. While rusting is true, a galvanized steel structure is coated with zinc or aluminum to prevent rusting, corrosion, or scratch.

Overall Cost

• The cost of building a metal or wooden structure depends on location, extra add-ons, type of roofing, and color choices.
• Timber is generally more expensive than steel.
• With wooden buildings, you have to consider high installation costs, more time, the lifespan of raw materials, etc. With a metal carport, you get fast installation, low raw material cost, less labor cost, and finally, when your carport is ready, the annual maintenance cost is lower than that of wood.
• The upfront cost of a steel structure might be more, but the overall cost is considerably less than a wood carport.

Fire resistance

• Metal has a higher melting point than wood. A wooden carport will likely catch fire when subjected to electric sparkles, thunder, and lightning.
• From a safety point of view, steel supersedes lumber. Once a fire has caught in a wooden structure, it cannot be easy to extinguish. However, steel is not vulnerable to fire.
• A steel structure with insulation can help limit the fire spread.

Fast assembly and installation

• On average, it takes up to $20 per square foot to install a metal carport on your property. A Prefab metal kit will cost around $10-$15 per square foot. [https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/garages/build-a-carport/]
• All assembling and cutting must be done on your property for the wooden carport. Since the steel structure comes pre-cut and pre-drill, it only needs assembly.
• The labor cost of installation for steel buildings is lower than for wooden structures.
• Investing in a steel carport will save you a lot of money. Your vehicle will have a protective roof in the event of a hail storm which can easily dent your car body or break its glass windows.

Eco-friendly option

• The world is moving towards a sustainable solution. So, wouldn’t you like to join? After all, it is for the betterment of our home planet.
• Steel can be recycled repeatedly without losing its core strength or property. You can’t say the same about wood.
• Creating a wooden carport requires the sacrifice of numerous trees, which not only takes away the homes of other species like birds but also destroys green forest areas.
• Steel is abundant on Earth, and you can use it repeatedly.

Metal Carport vs. Wooden Carport:

LET’S BUILD A STEEL CARPORT

When choosing a metal carport, ensure that:

• you have your building permit ready
• your carport design matches the local building codes.
• talk about various types of foundations with your dealer and see which ones fit your need,
• your budget is prepared with essential needs, and your wish list can be long, endless, and tiresome.

We recommend a vertical roofing option if you live in heavy rainfall or snowfall areas. A gutter will ensure that all rainwater is getting drained quickly. The vertical roof will slide off all debris briskly. Steel buildings are a clear winner no matter how you roll the dice.

Why waste your hard-earned money on wooden carports, which will only last for a while? Choose a metal carport that will protect your vehicle for as long as needed. While choosing a metal carport, opt for a prefab galvanized steel carport for the best quality. You can ask for free quotes from various metal suppliers and compare them. Choose the one that fits your requirement and budget. If you still want more details, do not hesitate to contact us or write to us. We will help you in the best possible way we can.