Carport vs garage, which one is better? If you’re thinking of purchasing a car, there are a lot of details that you have to consider before making the purchase but one thing is for sure, your budget plays a vital role in choosing your new ride. Therefore, it’s important to do as much research as possible on the different options out there to be more informed.
One of the most popular choices that you need to decide on is whether you should get a carport or garage for your car. If you don’t want to waste time and money, make sure to go over some guidelines first before making assumptions.
For one, using either can depend on where your home is and where you live. For example, if you live in a location where the sun is very harsh all year round, investing in a carport can be your best option as it creates a shade for your car.
On the other hand, if the climate of your area is moderate and mild with no extreme heat or coldness throughout the year – a garage would surely work better.
Carports are also preferred if you only own a small number of cars. Even if one would suffice, it’s still best to opt for one as using an enclosed garage can be relatively expensive compared to the open framework of a carport.
A garage works excellently if your family owns more than one vehicle and has plans of expanding the number of cars you have in the future. It’s important to note that having a garage does not just benefit your car but also adds value to your home if ever you want to sell it later on. However, regardless of what type of driving shelter you choose, one thing is for sure, your car will always be exposed to the elements no matter what.
What is a Carport?
A carport is a structure that protects your car from the sun, rain, hail, etc. It is an open-air shelter with no walls overhead. A carport is built with lightweight materials like aluminium or steel and many are portable so you can take them with you when you move. Sometimes a carport is built to resemble a garage with walls and a roof overhead. These types have way better insulation but still require electricity for lighting, ventilation, etc.
What is a Garage?
A garage is an enclosed structure attached to your home or dwelling where you park your car, usually out of sight from the street. Most garages have at least one wall that is completely closed. Some have insulation to decrease power costs during cold weather. A garage is usually attached to your house, near your living space, but there are some garages that are detached and stand alone.
Most garages come with an electrical system built-in so you can plug in lights, ventilation fans, heaters, even openers for the garage door. These are powered by either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Electric garage door openers are powered by alternating currents.
Garage vs Carport
Carports are made from lightweight materials and can be easily transported from one place to another. On the other hand, garages are a great option for those who own two or more car as it gives them the flexibility of expanding the car garage if they have plans of buying more.
In terms of insulation, garages have better protection against extreme weather than carports. Therefore, if you live in a place that has harsh climate conditions or your area experiences extreme hot and cold weather all year round, then investing in a garage would be more beneficial.
Garages can also add to the value of your property which makes it an excellent long-term investment. The reason behind this is because garages are deemed as a staple in any household. This is because it serves utility purposes yet at the same time, adds style and sophistication to your home.
On the other hand, even if you have plans of buying another vehicle, carports may not be an ideal option for you since it’s simply used for parking your vehicle. So unless you plan on demolishing it or moving to another location where carports are more common, investing in a garage would definitely be an excellent choice.
What are the Benefits of Having a Carport?
A carport can offer many benefits depending on its purpose and structure. If you’re planning to use one for your small business then here are some advantages that it can give:
- Can offer shade or protection for other items outside of your vehicle.
- Can be used as an outdoor storage space.
- Keeps the inner part of your home cooler during the summer months.
- Provides shelter during winter months if you live in countries where snowing is common.
What are the Benefits of Having a Garage?
Garages offer protection from extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or snowfall especially to cars that are parked overnight since it’s closed for the most part, in helping to reduce corrosion on your car’s body and other parts by preventing moisture exposure. This makes it longer lasting than cars that are mostly exposed to the elements at all times without any type of insulation or cover whatsoever.
Garages can also add to the value of your home which adds more investment potential in case you plan on selling your home or property in the future. It is also an excellent long-term investment for those who plan on staying at their current location for a long time since it adds more style and sophistication to your home.
Difference Between Carport and Garage
Carports and garages don’t have too many differences.
Carports and garages are structures that provide adequate shelter for vehicles. The only difference between a carport and a garage is that a carport is built from lightweight materials while a garage is a larger structure made from concrete or bricks with an attached wall to your living space, which can be either detached or attached, depending on your preference.
The other difference between a carport and a garage is that it has an attached wall that offers better insulation and protection from the elements than a carport. The inner portion of your garage is almost always closed therefore it can offer better protection from the elements, like heavy rains or snowfall. On the other hand, since the outer walls are mostly open, carports offer little to no insulation which makes it incredibly difficult for you to keep the inner part of your carport protected especially during extreme weather conditions. Garages usually take longer to get council approval.
Difference Between Garage and Carport
Another difference between garages and carports is that garage walls are usually wooden while some models also include glass panels that allow natural lighting inside, making it brighter than typical carports. This can be considered an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preference. On one hand, since the entire inner part of a garage is well-lit, it can offer better protection from moisture and other harmful elements that may cause rusting. On the other hand, carports are usually made from metal which offers better insulation than garages with wooden walls, therefore, keeping the inner parts of your vehicle cooler during summertime.
Another important difference between a garage and a carport is that garages provide better security than your typical carport. A garage features a door that can easily be locked using a padlock or even an electronic keypad, keeping the contents inside safe from criminals. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking to secure their vehicles at home with no intention of moving them in the foreseeable future.
On the other hand, carports feature open walls that can easily be entered by thieves with little to no effort. This makes it an ideal shelter for short-term parking where you plan on moving your vehicles once in a while like if you’re planning on selling them or taking them in for repairs at the garage across town.
Building Regulations
Garages are subject to building regulations and council guidelines which means that, in a way, you have to follow stricter guidelines for construction depending on the type of garage you’re planning on building. These requirements include things like ensuring your garage is durable enough to protect against strong winds, heavy snowfall or flooding in case your area experiences these types of weather conditions. It’s an addition to already strict measures.
On the other hand, carports are considered temporary property structures made of lighter building materials that can easily be built without following strict guidelines which makes it an excellent decision for those looking to install a carport in their backyard with little to no effort.
Average Installation Time?
Other differences between a garage and a carport are that garages take way longer to install. Since they come with an attached wall to your property, you’ll need several people to help you build the wall and reinforce it so it can remain stable and durable enough to endure strong winds or heavy snowfall in case there’s a blizzard. Carports on the other hand are usually installed by one person in just a few hours which is an advantage of owning one.
Both carports and garages have their own advantages and disadvantages, their pros and cons, that should be considered before deciding on either type of shelter for your car. While you won’t get to enjoy the luxury of having an attached wall with your property and with your carport, you’ll definitely save yourself from the unnecessary stress and effort that comes with building a garage, not to mention money.
Carport or Garage Verdict?
Based on the information provided in our carport vs garage article, it can be easily concluded that garages are more appropriate for those who plan on keeping their vehicles parked at home for extended periods of time. If this is not your intention and you’re planning on moving them often, then a carport is more appropriate for your needs since cars are constantly exposed to the elements which can cause corrosion and rusting over time while decreasing the value of your vehicle.