If the car is parked outside, it will be covered in snow in winter. The vehicle parked in the strong summer sun quickly becomes a sauna. Whether aggressive UV radiation, pollen, bird droppings, rain, hail or snow – your vehicle needs effective protection from the weather at any time of the year. The solution: build a carport. In contrast to a garage, carports are cheaper to purchase, allow good air circulation and can be visually integrated into any environment. A carport can also be used in many different ways. You can still accommodate guests at barbecue parties in rain showers or carry out repairs and craft work under the roof. Today we will give you a few tips that could help you plan your carport.
Before you start building your carport, there are a few bureaucratic matters to consider. A carport generally represents a permanent structural change and is therefore generally subject to approval. Nevertheless, a building permit is not mandatory everywhere, but is a matter for the federal states. Whether a carport building permit is not required usually depends on the size and type of construction.
In Thuringia, for example, according to the current building regulations, carports with a floor area of up to 40 square meters and an average wall height of up to 3 meters do not require approval. In Hamburg you only have to maintain the limit distance of 3 meters around the carport. In Hesse, from 2010, carports that are no larger than 50 square meters can be built without a building permit.
Find out from the responsible building authority whether you need a building permit or not and, if so, what documents you need for your building application. The conditions for a successful building application seem complicated at first, but with carports there are almost never approval problems - in contrast to garages. If the specifications are met, you can start construction in a short time.
With a kit you can set up the carport yourself very quickly and you don't have to worry too much about planning. Building a carport yourself has the great advantage that everything can be adapted to your own ideas and the style of the house in terms of color and shape. Regardless of whether it is a kit or your own planningdecent foundationand professional construction is the be-all and end-all. The posts that are supposed to support the roof must be firmly planted in the ground and not simply rammed into the ground. If a storm causes damage to third parties or third-party buildings, you will be held liable. A point or strip foundation is completely sufficient.
When planning, the question of suitable material also arises. The carport substructure is mainly made of wood, but steel or aluminum are a far better fit for a modern house. In most cases they are supplemented with transparent roof panels.
The advantages of metal constructions are also evident in terms of maintenance: While wood has to be painted at regular intervals, with metal only occasional cleaning with water or a high-pressure device is sufficient. Both materials are also weather-resistant and stable. An aluminum carport can also be customized in color with any powder coating.
Anyone who has decided on a shelter is next faced with the question: Which roof is best suited? Here you can choose between classic, sophisticated and modern roof shapes such as flat and hipped roofs, gable roofs, round roofs, green roofs, etc. Each offers specific benefits and requirements that should be taken into account, such as slope, covering, sealing and insulation. When planning the shape of the roof, it is important to take into account sufficient drains, slopes and gutters. Without an effective drainage system, rainwater and snowmelt remains trapped on the roof.
The right roof material is crucial for the overall impression of the carport. You also have the choice between different roof coverings: PVC, wood, aluminum, glass, roof boarding and much more. For example, they prove to be a good alternative to the modern glass roofPolycarbonate double-wall sheets. These are lightweight and impact-resistant hollow-wall sheets made of polycarbonate. These are UV-resistant and impress with their high break and impact resistance. The multi-wall sheets are also perfect as roofing because they are hail-resistant up to a certain grain size. This can save you a lot of trouble because of hail damage to your car.
Another advantage over the garage: The open construction of the carport ensures constant, gentle air circulation, which prevents the vehicle from rusting. There are a variety of different options. Carports are available free-standing or leaning against the wall of the house, open on all sides or partially closed, as double carports or combinations with a shed.
With wall elements, for example, you can close the open carport on two or three sides and give it a completely new look. Versatile design and design options can make your carport a representative eye-catcher in the driveway. Also think about the prevailing wind direction so that effective protection against wind, driving rain and blowing snow can be created at this point.
Lighting is very important and should never be neglected. In order to prevent scratches and ensure proper lighting conditions, a well-thought-out lighting concept is a must. Here are a few tips:
– Ceiling lights should not be mounted centrally above the vehicle. It is better to place the lights around the car. Lights on the side walls or recessed lights in the floor, for example, allow the light to be distributed evenly throughout the room.
– Outdoor lights with motion detectors that react to heat radiation prove to be extremely practical.
– When using lights outdoors, it is important that they are resistant to moisture and water. Pay attention to protection class IP 44.
– The carport lighting should not dazzle or bother the neighbors.
