Maybe you bought a second car or need a place to store your new lawn-mower. Perhaps you want to park a longer vehicle than the carport you currently have was designed to cover. In any case, it would be convenient if you could extend your metal carport to get more storage space underneath it. But can you extend a metal carport?
A metal carport can easily be extended to add length. As many metal carports are built from single-piece struts that combine the columns and rafters, extending the width of a metal carport may involve additional construction, but it is still quite feasible.
There are a few considerations when you want to extend a metal carport. There are also different steps you may have to take, depending on the existing construction and what you want to add. Keep reading to discover how you can extend your metal carport.
Extending A Metal Carport
If you want to extend your existing metal carport to cover a longer vehicle, the work required is much easier than if you want to widen the carport to cover a second vehicle. In either case, however, it is quite possible.
End Walls
One of the most common methods for expanding the structure is to remove a side or end wall and create an addition there. It simply makes the process easier if your unit does not have end walls or side walls! If you plan to extend from the end walls, you’ll need a vertical-style roof to prevent potential leaks.
Adding Length to A Metal Carport
If you need your existing carport to extend farther out (to cover a longer vehicle, for instance), the steps you need to take are not too difficult. Of course, any construction is going to involve some time and effort, but extending the length of a metal carport is easier to manage than extending the width.
Follow these steps to extend the length of your metal carport:
- Remove the side paneling and roof. You will probably put the sheeting back onto the structure when you are finished, so set it aside for later. You will want access to the struts as you work, so it is best to remove all the paneling to start.
- Extend the pad. If the slab on which your carport is standing is poured concrete, make sure it is long enough to support the additional struts you want to add to the structure. You may have to pour additional slab or level out the driveway to include more stable ground for the added struts.
- Erect the struts. You probably only need to add one strut, but if you are extending a carport to cover an RV, it may require two. Secure the struts to the base exactly like the original struts.
- Replace the sheeting. You will need new sheeting to cover the additional length.
Adding Width to A Metal Carport
If you want some width to your carport, the steps are very similar to those required to extend the length, but they will require additional materials. Rather than simply adding additional space to the end of your carport, you will effectively be building a second structure next to the existing carport a Lean-to.
The good news is that many vendors can supply you with the materials you need to add width to your carport. On top of the struts and sheeting required, you may also want to add a gable and front-facing sheeting to cover the gap between the struts and extend the roof.
If your carport is built from both columns and rafters in two pieces, this process is simpler. You will still need additional materials to extend the roof and may need a gable if your original carport had a pitched roof.
Add a Lean-To to A Metal Carport
Adding more width to an existing carport is going to involve a lot of expense and effort. For a much easier workaround, consider adding a lean-to to the side of your carport. While the lean-to will not match the visual design of the original carport, it can add width and covered parking without forcing you to do as much work or spend as much money.
A lean-to is simply an additional structure built onto the side of your carport. Adding a lean-to will require many of the same steps as adding length to your metal carport. You will need to remove the sheeting from the side of the existing carport. Depending on how the lean-to attaches to the existing carport, you may also need to remove some of the roof sheeting. You can replace this sheeting once the lean-to is built.
On one side, it relies on the carport for support, while on the other, it only needs vertical support. Since the lean-to must be slightly shorter than the original carport, a lean-to will not be practical if the original carport is already very low.
You will also need to be sure that you have a solid base for your lean-to, although if your lean-to is only going to be used to cover a lawnmower or dirt bike, you may be able to get away with not extending a concrete slab.
What Should You Know Before Enlarging?
There are some things you might also think about before expanding, such as location, land, and local considerations.
The importance of location, land, and local considerations can be explained as follows:
Location – Before deciding whether or not to expand your metal building, you must first determine whether or not your current location is ideal. It is not a good idea to purchase a metal building addition if you are unhappy with the traffic, distance from amenities, or neighborhood.
Land – Additionally, you should think about more concrete factors like land availability. Do you have enough land to accommodate the extension? Are you able to purchase the land you require? If you answered no to any of these questions, then adding an addition is probably not the best option for you. A metal building expansion, on the other hand, will be quite feasible if you have the necessary land.
Local Considerations – Do you recall obtaining building permits and consulting with your local zoning and planning commission before constructing your first metal building? Before you extend your current metal building, you should do the same thing. Extensions may be subject to restrictions or requirements imposed by your HOA or local government.
Additional Considerations – Metal carports are an excellent option for expanding businesses. To fit your budget and current needs, start with a smaller structure. Increase the load-bearing capacity of the frame for future increments. Simply add more structure as the business grows. How fantastic is that?
Extending a metal carport is entirely doable
However, widening your metal carport is a bit more complex than lengthening it. With the right supplies and a little know-how, you’ll be on your way to the perfect metal carport in no time!
Metal buildings are very easy to expand without having to tear down and start over, whether to the side or to the back. One of the best reasons to use metal for your new structures is its flexibility, which is combined with the durability of steel.
Extending a metal carport is entirely doable. However, widening your metal carport is a bit more complex than lengthening it. With the right supplies and a little know-how, you’ll be on your way to the perfect metal carport in no time!
Related Topics
Can you enclose a metal carport: You can convert the metal carport into other metal structures by adding side and end panels or lean-tos. Enclosing a metal carport in this manner can provide you with additional safe space for the protection of your valuables. These enclosed carports can also be used as an office, workshop, or garage to name a few.
Finishing Out Metal Carport/Garage: Setting up the interior of your carport can entail any number of things. Let’s start by considering what uses you have in mind.
Do you need electricity?
Do you need plumbing?
Do you need insulation?
Once you determine those needs you’re going to want to finish with drywall and perhaps cabinets or shelving. Metal garages are great for extra storage of large items, but if left unfinished, they can be unsightly. Now that you’ve got the drywall up, you can personalize it by painting it. Cover the floor with a layer of paint or sealant. Install cabinets and shelving units. Decorate the inside of your garage.
