Parking your car outside every day exposes it to rain, snow, sun and... unnecessary costs. So why not invest in something better? A garage or a carport – both solutions have their pros and cons. Find out which one will work better on your plot and what you need to know before you start building.
For many people, owning a car is a necessity. A proper parking space has a huge impact on the technical condition of your vehicle and effectively protects it from scratches, corrosion, UV radiation, snow, rain and sun. As a result, your car is protected not only from mechanical damage but also from the harmful effects of the weather, which can lead to rust or faded paintwork.
As the cars people buy are increasingly new and expensive, a variety of covered shelters are used for convenience, safety and to keep vehicles in good working order. They protect the car mainly from the direct impact of changing weather conditions. Building a garage or choosing a carport is a good choice, especially if you opt for a solution tailored to your individual needs.
Car storage solutions available next to your home
Storing a car is not difficult. Architects compete with one another in coming up with concepts that make the most of every possibility. So there are several solutions to choose from.
Types of garages – which one to choose
If we decide on a garage, we can choose from these popular solutions:
- a garage integrated into the body of the house keeps the building's look consistent and lets you build over the space above it. An integrated garage is especially practical in winter, when you don't have to cross a snow-covered yard to get to the house after leaving the car. However, this solution requires good ventilation, because exhaust fumes and chemical odours can get into the living areas. The location of this type of garage can hardly be changed, so its position also has to be very carefully thought out,
- a garage attached to the house can be added at any time. It takes up none of the house's floor area, uses no heating and doesn't need ventilation. It is definitely a safer alternative to garages integrated into the house, although it interferes considerably with the building's appearance,
- a detached garage, whether intended for one car or two, is harder to blend attractively into its surroundings. It is usually a large structure that can't be hidden behind greenery or pergolas. What's more, this option is only possible on a large plot and is an expensive investment. Still, a detached garage built while the house is going up can initially serve as a utility room or a store for building materials,
- a sunken garage is associated with modern multi-family housing, but it can also be designed for single-family homes or for terraced houses with a basement. In this case, remember that although a sunken garage is a good solution for small plots, a ramp with a 25% gradient can be quite a challenge in winter,
- metal garages are chosen less and less often, mainly because of their appearance and thermal insulation properties. They are cheap and quick to assemble, but they get far too hot in summer and very cold in winter. They are also undoubtedly not among the prettiest features of a property,
- precast concrete garages are also seen on properties relatively rarely. They are quick to put up, but much more expensive than metal garages. This option is also not very attractive and is hard to blend harmoniously and consistently with its surroundings.
Types of carports
A carport is an extremely practical shelter for a car. If its area does not exceed 35 m2, it doesn't even require a building permit. Just remember that you can put up two such structures for every 500 m2 of plot (Art. 29 sec. 1 pt 2 of the Building Law).
It is worth knowing, however, that although a carport doesn't require a permit, building a full-size garage – especially on foundations – involves additional formalities. In most cases you need to obtain a building permit or file a notification, depending on the type of structure and local regulations. This means not only more paperwork but also a longer project timeline.
When choosing a shelter for your car, there are three basic options:
- drive-through carports are usually a structure that complements an existing garage. They are a place for temporary parking, space for a second car that doesn't fit in the main garage, or an area set aside for guests,
- lean-to carports are attached to the building. They are an ideal solution for small plots and a good alternative to permanent garages. A lean-to carport greatly reduces the space needed for building spacious garages. At the same time, it is a stable structure, sheltered on one side, which keeps a sense of lightness and space in its surroundings,
- freestanding carports can also be built yourself, e.g. from prefabricated parts or other available materials. They are economical and let you protect your car without taking up too much space. Because carports have no walls, they can be fitted almost perfectly to the size of the car being parked.
Carports are most often made of wood, steel or aluminium. These materials are durable, easy to maintain and attractive. The roofing, in turn, can be made of trapezoidal sheet metal, sandwich panels or lightweight polycarbonate. The choice of materials depends on your budget, the style of the surrounding buildings and your individual preferences – from the natural look of wood to the modern minimalism of aluminium.
Which is better: a carport or a garage?
Choosing between a carport and a garage is often a decision driven not only by looks and functionality but, above all, by budget. A carport is a much cheaper option – building one can cost even several thousand zlotys less than a full-size garage. It is an ideal solution for people who want to save money but don't want to give up protecting their car from the weather.
Opinions on the subject are divided. Some argue that carports are functional, attractive and economical, that they help keep building costs down and don't require going through numerous formalities. There's no need to buy an expensive door and suitable windows or install costly technical systems. The best designs even come with built-in tool sheds – as is the case with our wooden carport Agnieszka – which makes them extremely practical.
Others, if they are tempted to put up a carport at all, treat it as a temporary solution that works until a permanent garage is built. They believe that although a garage is an expensive investment, only it has all the advantages they are looking for. It is solid and comfortable to use, and it completely shields cars from harsh weather conditions. A garage is also clearly better at protecting a car from theft and can be a place to store additional equipment.
Maintaining metal garages
A metal garage can serve you for many years, provided it is properly maintained. Regular care not only keeps the garage looking good but also ensures full protection for your car from adverse weather. Remember that even a solid structure needs essential upkeep from time to time to retain its properties and functionality.
One of the key elements to pay attention to is the roof. Whether your metal garage has a single-pitch or a gable roof, checking its condition regularly will help you avoid leaks and damage. It's worth clearing leaves, twigs and other debris off the roof from time to time, as they can trap moisture and speed up corrosion.
Don't forget about the garage doors either. Their smooth operation is not just a matter of convenience but of safety. Regularly lubricating the hinges and guide rails, and checking the condition of the seals, will help you avoid problems with opening and closing the door even after many years of use.
Another important aspect is caring for surfaces made of galvanised sheet metal. Washing the metal garage regularly with mild cleaning products removes dirt and deposits that can lead to corrosion spots. If you notice scratches or minor damage, it's worth protecting them straight away with a suitable anti-corrosion paint to prevent further damage to the material.
With regular maintenance of metal garages, you can be sure that your garage will not only keep its attractive look but also protect your car effectively for many years. Taking care of the roof, doors and galvanised sheet-metal surfaces is an investment in the durability and reliability of your garage.
Looking for a durable, attractive carport? Check out our range of wooden models to suit any plot – any size, strong construction and solid workmanship!
FAQ
Is a modern metal garage a good long-term solution?
Yes, a modern metal garage made of high-quality materials can be durable and attractive. With proper maintenance and a strong structure, it protects your car well from the weather. It is also an economical option that is quick to assemble.
Can I order a garage or carport in any size?
Yes, both garages and carports can be made in any size – according to the customer's wishes. This lets you easily match them to the size of your plot and the number of cars. It's an ideal solution when precision and making the most of your space matter.
What can a carport be used for besides protecting a car?
A carport can offer extra space that you can use to store bikes, sports equipment or garden tools. Just choose a model with an enclosed side or a storage shed. It is a very functional and flexible solution.
Is it better to choose a flat roof or a gable roof?
A gable roof provides better drainage of water and snow, which increases the durability of the whole structure. It also looks more classic and suits most single-family homes. It is a common choice for detached garages.
Is a carport enough for one car?
Yes, even a simple, lightweight carport can effectively protect one car from rain, sun and snow. It is a good solution for small plots where saving space matters. Single-space versions are also more budget-friendly.
What should I consider when choosing between a garage and a carport?
It's worth thinking about your own expectations: do you care most about maximum protection, or rather about a lightweight structure and easy assembly? A garage provides more insulation and security, but a carport is cheaper and doesn't require as many formalities. It's best to base your decision on your lifestyle and the space available on your plot.
