Are you looking for a car shelter that does not burn a hole in your wallet, increase property tax, and is sturdy at the same time? Look no further than a steel lean-to carport. These are durable, robust, low maintenance, pest & weather resistant, and stay put with time.
What Is A Metal Lean-To Carport?
A steel lean-to is a structure with at least four metal posts, a frame with supporting braces, and a roof. The sides can be all open or open from three sides while the other remains fixed to the wall of the main building.
These are easy and fast to install and affordable options for various purposes, such as
- Sheltering car/ SUV/ boats/ RV
- Patio space
- Loafing shed
- Poll side canopy
- Storage shed
- Hay & feed storage
- And other customized purposes
Advantage Of Steel Lean-To Building: It is a practical, versatile, and affordable option to protect your vehicles and expand usable space. In general, adding lean-to does not increase property tax. However, it is always best practice to check with local authorities.
Types Of Lean-To Carport
Attached To The Main Building: You can install a lean-to attached to the main home. Here, the length can be approximately 8 to 20 feet wide but not longer than the building itself. The height must be at least 3 feet lower than the main building to create a natural slope of the roof.
Stand-Alone: This type of lean-to can sit anywhere on your lot. It allows you to use it as a multi-functional space. You can customize the size, length, and width as per need.
Price: A metal lean-to carport can cost between $14 and $18 per square foot. The final cost will depend on the location of installation, local building code requirements, and labor costs.
Pros
Protect Car’s Exterior
Prolonged parking of your car in the driveway or on the streets can damage its paint and exterior body. This can happen due to exposure to long UV rays or moisture build-up.
Reduce Damage
Lean-to protects your car’s body from the dent, dust, and debris build-up.
No Snow
It provides shade; hence, during winter, snow load or build-up won’t scratch away the roof’s surface of your car.
Radiant Heat
Color roofs can keep the interior relatively warmer, and color roofs will keep the interior cooler. So, whichever season dominates your area, you can pick color accordingly.
Prevent Moisture
A steel lean-to is open from all sides, allowing fresh air circulation inside the carport. It is covered from the top, so rainwater and melting snow don’t fall directly on the roof. This reduces moisture build-up and humidity.
Cons
Car Is Still Visible
Lean-tos are roof-only structures, which means your car is visible to strangers and prying eyes.
Limited Space
Lean-to, especially the attached one, has a size limit. You can only span lean-to as far as the length of your building span. In addition, the height of the attached lean-to must be at least 3 ft. lower than the building.
May Not Be Suitable For Large Vehicles
It can be restrictive for larger and wider vehicles. However, a lean-to is suitable for a sedan car or SUV.
Can You DIY A Metal Lean-To Carport?
Yes, the lean-to has a simple and pretty straightforward design. If you have some experience in construction, you can DIY and save money on labor. For those with no experience, we strongly suggest hiring a professional.
While you might get tempted to install it yourself, steel structures are designed for precision installation. Any screw missing or wrong placement will compromise the entire structure’s integrity.
Here are some quick thoughts for DIY metal lean-to installation. Have a look.
How To Install A Steel Lean-To Carport?
Select Location
Opt for a location with well drainage and leave enough setback (if any). Remember to consider proximity to your home, accessibility, and space available.
Ground Prep
Once you have selected the site, clear any vegetation and remove any rocks or boulders. Then, level the ground properly. This is when you decide to pour a foundation. It can be a gravel, asphalt, or concrete base.
Gather Material & Tools
Collect all the materials that you will need to install the lean-to carport. This includes:
- Raw materials (steel post, frame, anchors, braces, panels, etc.)
- Screws
- Welding tools
- Power tools (drill machine, screwdriver, etc.)
- Other tools (hammer, tape measure, leveler, saw, post hole digger, etc.)
- Stain/ paint
Layout Design
Create a layout using rope, markers, strings, and boards. Make sure the layout is as accurate as possible. The corners should be completely square.
Posts, Beams, & Braces
Set the posts into the concrete hole and secure them with concrete anchors. If you are using some other type of foundation, get anchors accordingly. Then, attach the remaining part of the frame and secure it firmly with bolts.
Finally, add braces for stability. This is necessary if you live in an area that is quite windy or often snows. For a sturdy and long-lasting design, you can choose 12-gauge steel frames and 26-gauge metal panels.
Roofing
Install rafters (its support beams) and attach the metal panels to them. Make sure the metal sheet is overlapped correctly to eliminate any chance of leakage. You can use waterproof sealants to seal any gaps or holes.
Finishing
You can add structural trim to the edges of the roof and install a gutter if the lean-to carport is large. It will carry all melting snow or rainwater away from dripping over your head.
Lastly, before beginning any construction work, it is best to check with your local authorities for permit requirements or mandatory design considerations.
Considered All Of These,
Installing a metal lean-to will give you extra usable space with shade. It is the best and most cost-effective method to keep your car away from harsh UV sunrays, snow build-up over the roof, and rain pouring over the car.
A shelter such as a lean-to is fast to install & with little construction experience, you can DIY on your own. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your car shelter with steel lean-to. Buy quality raw materials for less repair and replacement down the line.
Also Read –10 Surprising Uses for Old Car Parts You Never Thought Of
