How to Properly Install a Carport

Carports can be a great way to protect your cars, boats, or other vehicles from the elements. But, as with any construction project, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure a safe and effective installation.

The first step is to prepare the site. Whether your carport will be installed on a concrete slab or footings, the site should be level and free of any obstructions.

Choosing a Location

Choosing the location for your new carport is the first step in getting this project off the ground. Before you begin building, make sure that the plot of land is large enough for your structure and that it can support a concrete slab that will be poured on top. Also, check with your HOA or local council to ensure that you comply with their rules. Violating these regulations could result in fines and extra inspections.

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your property, consider matching the roof of your carport with the style of your house using timber battens. This will help the structure blend into your home and may even increase its value. If you want your carport to be a versatile option that can protect other vehicles like caravans, trucks or boats, opt for a gable roof. This will also allow for adequate ventilation to keep the structure in good condition.

Digging the Site

For a carport or metal building, the foundation is just as important as any other structural part. For open carports that are installed over bare ground, a concrete slab can be poured to create a durable floor and prevent the structure from settling under its own weight.

If a gravel or asphalt base is used, the site must be cleared of large rocks and other debris to ensure the ground is level. It is also a good idea to choose an area away from large trees. Branches may fall and damage your structure, and their roots can disrupt the surface of your foundation.

Before beginning any digging, you should check with local utility companies to make sure there are no underground water, gas, power, cable, or telephone lines in the area. You should also clear the site of any hedges, shrubbery, or grass. This makes it easier for installation crews to work on the area.

Pouring a Concrete Slab

Whether you choose to install a steel carport, wooden or concrete, the foundation should be poured well before your carport is installed. While you could build a carport on a gravel pad, asphalt or your existing driveway, a concrete slab will give the structure more stability and durability.

If you have a prefabricated metal carport, it will come with all of the necessary pieces and in-depth installation instructions. This will save you time and money, but you will need to get the concrete poured.

A caisson footing is best for rocky or hard soils, while a spread footing distributes the load over a larger area and is ideal for softer soils. Before pouring your concrete, remove any vegetation that may weaken the ground around your anchor points. Also level the area and make sure it is clear for your installers to work safely. The concrete will need to cure for at least 72 hours. This is why it’s important to have your carport built in advance, so you can set up the structure as soon as it is finished.

Installing the Posts

Carports can protect your vehicles and provide a shaded area for outdoor activities. They’re also an inexpensive way to extend your living space. However, if you’re planning to install an attached carport, you need to follow specific guidelines to avoid damaging your home’s exterior wall or promoting leakage at the joint between your home and the carport roof.

Before you start building, clear the installation site and remove any rocks or debris. Then, use a level to make sure the ground is level. If it isn’t, consider hiring a professional to level it for you.

Next, dig holes three to four feet down and about a foot across with a post hole digger or auger. Place cylindrical cardboard molds for concrete in the holes. Use a level to make sure the posts are plumb. Once the posts are in place, connect them to the supporting cross beams with rafters. Add slopable U-joist hangers and additional rafters as per your blueprints.

from Carports Wollongong Solutions https://ift.tt/F8WHdrX
via IFTTT