Carport: A Covered Structure for Vehicle Protection
A carport is a covered structure used to offer limited protection to vehicles, primarily cars, from rain and snow. It can be free-standing or attached to a wall and typically does not have four walls, usually having one or two instead. Unlike garages, carports offer less protection but allow for more ventilation. They prevent frost on the windshield and can shield vehicles from the suns damaging rays, protecting the paint job and preserving the integrity of the vehicles roof. The term "carport" originated from the features use in 1930s Streamline Moderne residences and entered popular jargon in 1939, stemming from the visual connection between these streamlined residences and nautical imagery.
Key Points:
- A carport is a structure that typically features a roof supported by beams or posts, providing protection against the elements.
- Carports are typically smaller, more economical, and quicker to build than garages, offering overhead protection from the elements.
- They are not enclosed with walls and doors, and therefore, are not considered garages. They do not have doors, windows, air-conditioning, or electrical wiring, and are not living spaces.
- Carports cost significantly less to construct than garages and do not always need a floor or concrete slab, reducing construction time and cost.
- Carports can be a great investment for protecting vehicles from the elements and may increase the value of a home.
- Carports can be freestanding or attached to a house, providing convenience and additional protection from burglars or other criminals.
In summary, a carport is a practical and cost-effective solution for protecting vehicles from the elements, offering a middle ground between leaving a vehicle completely exposed and the more substantial investment of a garage.
