Vehicles, regardless of their type and size, are a basic necessity of every homeowner in the USA. Likewise, these vehicles always require associated storage space that can be used for diverse needs, including maintenance lot storage, workshop tool storage, etc. For such parking and storage needs, a sole solution is a metal utility carport, also known as a metal combo carport building.
For first-time homeowners, this might be a tricky question: What is a metal utility building, and how can they solve your parking and storage needs? Don’t worry! This blog will help you gain insights into these structures and acknowledge their unmatched benefits.
What Are Metal Combo Carports?
Metal utility buildings are structures that combine an enclosed storage area with a carport. They provide a parking space for vehicles and also offer an additional space for storage or other purposes.
While the carport is designed to shelter vehicles from extreme environments, the enclosed is often used to store items and equipment or set up a small workshop.
What Is The Standard Size Of Metal Combo Carports?
The size of a combo metal structure can vary from 12 feet to 30 feet in width and from 20 feet to 40 feet in length.
If you need to park a single car, you can invest in carports that are up to 18 feet wide and 20 feet long. However, the length, width, and height of the combo carport structures are likely to increase for additional cars, tractors, or even boat parking spaces.
It is also vital to keep in mind that the size of the metal utility building is structured a few feet larger than required, facilitating ease of parking.
What Are The Different Types Of Combo Carports?
Carport combo units can feature different designs, with carports being closed on three sides, partially open, or completely open. However, the major types of carports are distinguished as per their roof style and structure. They are:
Vertical Roof Combo Carports
The panels of vertical roof combo carports run from the roof’s ridge to the sides, allowing for better water, snow, or debris runoff, making them ideal for areas with extreme temperatures.
These combo carports offer advanced design options, maximum efficiency, and durability. While they are a more expensive option than horizontal and regular roofs, vertical roof carport combo units are stronger due to wider braces and additional hat channels. They require minimum maintenance and provide greater benefits because of vertical paneling, which allows dust and other elements to slide off instead of getting trapped.
Horizontal Roof Combo Carports
For moderate climates, horizontal roof combo carports are a perfect fit. They feature roof designs with panels running horizontally from the front of the metal structure to the back. They are also known as boxed eave or A-frame styles. They require more maintenance than vertical roof structures, as debris and other elements are likely to accumulate on the roofs. They are also more affordable than vertical roof combo carports.
Regular Roof Combo Carports
Regular roof combo units have a rolled corner design. With horizontal roofing, these are reliable structures in normal climatic conditions. However, they aren’t highly sturdy and are more likely to have debris, water, and snow accumulating on the roof, leading to damage. Essentially, they can be used for small structures serving basic purposes such as storing personal belongings and sheltering small equipment. Regular roof combo structures are one of the most affordable options.
Why Do Combo Metal Structures Solve Parking And Storage Issues?
Metal carports with storage provide permanent shelter for small and big vehicles. Due to their durable and long-lasting properties, they can also easily integrate smart storage solutions for tools and personal effects for decades. Here are a few reasons why they solve your parking and storage problems:
- Protection from pests: Metal utility units are highly resistant to pests and rodents, making them ideal for storing your essentials and parking your vehicles.
- Safety from adverse weather: From scorching sun to strong winds to natural hazards like earthquakes and wildfires, metal utility buildings can withstand adverse weather conditions when built with top-quality material.
- Rust-proof: The galvanized steel used in metal combo buildings is resistant to rust, meaning they can last decades and serve you well.
- Ease of storage: Steel carports with storage buildings can easily integrate customizations, including shelves, cabinets, and workbenches, for hassle-free storage.
- Fire-resistant: Due to the non-combustible properties of steel, combo carport structures are fireproof with a melting point of 2,500°F. This protects your vehicles and personal items from house fires.
- Multi-purpose: Utility carports are highly cost-effective and versatile. They can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including cars, RVs, bicycles, trucks, and even boats.
What Solutions Are Offered By Metal Combo Carports?
As mentioned above, combo metal structures can do more than just parking an array of vehicles. Their most significant advantage lies in the additional storage space offered by these utility structures for personal, agricultural, and even commercial uses.
A few storage solutions offered by combo units are:
Storage shelters: Along with parking smaller vehicles like RVs and bicycles in open spaces, you can store tools, outdoor gear, and equipment within enclosed areas.
Workshops: With the installation of wall panels and magnetic boards, you can convert your enclosed spaces into workshops for repairs and maintenance.
Office spaces: With work-from-home becoming the rage right now, several Americans face space issues in their homes. Use these combo units to convert them into fully functional office spaces, offering a blend of open and enclosed personal workstations.
Utility rooms: With the installation of proper shelves and racks, the enclosed spaces can help you reduce clutter and offer a range of options for storing different personal items to enhance organization and accessibility.
Party venues: You can now use metal utility structures as party venues by setting up food and drinks within enclosed spaces and using the open space for barbeque and bonfires. Add some party lights and enjoy!
Maintenance Tips For Metal Combo Carports
Once you find the right design and have decided to install a combo metal structure, the next step is to know how to maintain the building for longevity and optimum use. Following are a few things to remember:
- Inspect your carport combo unit regularly, especially after extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall or strong winds.
- Use mild detergents to clean the exterior and avoid using harsh chemicals to prevent damage to protective coatings.
- Rinse the soap thoroughly.
- In the case of rust, scrape it off and apply a rust converter.
- Clear the roof routinely and check for leaks to repair damage early on.
- Use protective mats to prevent any damage to the floor.
- Apply multiple paint coatings and repaint wherever necessary to ensure proper adhesion, maximum protection, and durability of the metal carport with storage.
- Use secure and functional locks on doors and windows to protect your belongings.
Now that you have gained sufficient knowledge and understanding of metal combo carports, you are fully equipped to make a decision. So, find a metal building dealer near you to buy the accurate carport combo structure for you today.
Enjoy the benefits for decades in your metal utility combos tailored to your specific needs!