Steel Carports Vs. Traditional Garages: What’s Ideal for Texas Homes?

Texas remains warm throughout the year, along with mild winters and two months of rainy season in between. Due to this changing weather, building a sturdy shelter for parking cars is essential as it can protect vehicles from harsh sunlight, water, and cold. Not only that, but a carport also aids in the longevity of your vehicle. 

However, many people still prefer traditional carports and garages because of their aesthetic appeal. However, you would be delighted to know that modern steel car sheds are robust and can be designed to look cohesive. That being said, let’s look at some of the primary differences below.

1. Comparing the Cost

Traditional Garages: 

You can expect to pay around $19,000 to $28,000 for a two-car traditional wooden garage. Assembly time will also be longer since most cutting, drilling, and shaving work is on-site.

Let’s understand it even better with the help of an example. You would spend at least $35 to $60 per sq. ft. for a two-car wooden garage. In addition, you will also be paying for construction charges of around $4 to $8 per sq. ft. On top of that, it will take at least a few weeks to a month for installation.

Metal Carport:

For a two-car carport made with raw materials like steel or other form of metal, you will need to spend around $2,700. Since most of the designing, cutting, and drilling parts are done in the factory, it takes less assembly time and less labor cost.

As an example, if you want to install a metal two-car carport on your property, $10 to $25 per sq. ft. is the amount you will likely spend. A metal two-car carport combo unit will cost you around $8635 with an additional storage unit. Isn’t that a great deal?

2. Comparing the Durability

Traditional Garages: 

Traditional construction generally uses wood or prefab timbers for making garages. Not only are they prone to rot with time, but they will also decay with constant absorption and moisture release. They are likely to bend, twist, or crack with changing seasons. To prevent that, you are supposed to coat wood panels and posts with polish and paint.

Steel Carport: 

Endurance is one of the best features of any steel structure. Add a zinc coat, and you get a rust-resistant carport that will outlast you with little care. Metal also comes with high load-bearing ability. Hence, you can install solar panels in the future. 

Nowadays, weathering steel is also catching attention as it develops rust-like platina, which acts as a self-healing layer to prevent rusting.

3. Comparing the Resistivity

Traditional Garages: 

First of all, wood & timber are combustible materials. And on top of it, they tend to absorb moisture. This can lead to the development of mold and mildew. That’s not good for the health of both you and your garage. In addition, wood is also organic. That makes it a housing unit for termite colonies.

Metal Carport: 

Metal is a non-combustible material. They don’t absorb moisture. Proper insulation reduces the chances of condensation and humidity built-up, prolonging the life of your carport. Steel is also inorganic and dense. So, it neither attracts nor feeds termite colonies.

Some Examples of Steel Carports with There Dimensions

4. Comparing Structural Integrity

Traditional Garages: 

Even with high maintenance, you won’t be able to stop the rotting and decaying of the timber, as it is a natural process with all organic compounds. As time passes and there are changes in the internal composition of wooden plank, it may also release toxic fumes such as nitrogen dioxide or organic solvents indoors. That’s not good for your health.

Metal Carport: 

Steel, on the other hand, neither rots nor decays with time. At most, they will get rusting, which you can avoid by buying galvanized steel or weathering steel at the beginning. No unwanted toxic fumes are to be released into the air, nor do you need to worry about your health, as steel structures are regarded as eco-friendly materials.

5. Comparing Options for Column Free

Traditional Garages: 

If you are looking to build a large structure, say a commercial carport or garage, from wood, be prepared to support extra columns that will eat up your internal space. With unwanted obstructions, you may have to redesign your floor plan.

Steel Carport: 

With steel, you can build up to 300 ft. wide structure without the need for internal columns. That means you are more in control of interior flooring, and you can get maximum out of your sq. ft. That’s why it is one of the top preferences for today’s industry.

6. Comparing Maintenance

Traditional Garages: 

You need to clean your wooden garage as soon as dirt builds up, as it can leave a nasty stain. You must inspect doors, windows, columns, and panels for any rotting or decay. If you find one, that panel needs to be replaced at once. You need to repaint and refinish your wooden garage to maintain its aesthetics. Additionally, you need to do termites and pests inspection and control to ensure your garage is sturdy.

Metal Carport: 

You must clean your carport and remove any debris from the roof as it may lead to moisture build-up that can cause rusting in the future. A vertical steel roof carport is the best, as all dirt, water, or debris slides off toward the ground due to gravity. If you notice any minor rusting, you can use sandpaper, primer, and oil paint to fix it.

7. Comparing Aesthetics

Traditional Garages: 

One of the selling points of wooden garages is their aesthetic appeal. That’s right! But it’s not what it looks like. It will demand high upkeep to maintain that aesthetic look.

Steel Carport: 

Even though steel car sheds don’t have side walls, you can still blend them with your property, add color to it, get a kaleidoscope roof to give it a vintage appeal, or install the solar roof for free electricity. You have complete freedom to choose how your carport should look.

A QUICK LOOK THROUGH

Wrapping Things Up

Clearly, metal utility carports are the winner here. They provide the same value as any wooden carport in addition to long-lasting durability and structural integrity. Moreover, you don’t need to spend extra time on polishing posts or repainting panels every now and then.

When it comes to choosing a steel-made carport, you have the option of a classic structure or a utility structure. The classic carport has open sections from all sides with some posts and a roof, while the utility structure includes all the carport features with an additional storage unit that looks like a shed. So, go forth and grab your carport from a certified metal dealer in Texas. We are sure both you & your vehicle will be pleased with it.