Attached Vs. Freestanding Carports: Which Is Right For Your Home?

Imagine – you step outside of home to go to work or grocery shopping, only to find your car is completely baked in the sun or covered with leaves and bird droppings, or worse, hailstorms just left a dent on your car’s hood. This can be heartbreaking as, for most homeowners in the States, vehicles are the second most expensive investment after the home.

Enters – a metal carport. A shaded yet open structure that protects your vehicles from direct sun, rain, hail, and snow buildup. But which one to choose – attached or freestanding? Both offer protection for your car, boost property value, and can serve as a multi-purpose space, but which one is best for you?

This guide will walk you through the differences, pros and cons, benefits, and things to consider before choosing one. Let’s dive in!

What Is An Attached Metal Carport?

An attached one car carport is directly connected to your home’s external wall. It shares a roofline and is designed to blend with your home to make it look like an extension instead of a separate unit.

Steel carports are made using 12-gauge/ 14-gauge durable steel frames and 26-gauge/29-gauge sturdy metal panels to ensure weather protection and prolong the lifespan of the vehicle.

Benefits:

• Since the attached carport is connected to your home, you can walk straight to your car without stepping in rain or snow.
• Generally, fewer materials are needed to construct an attached structure, so it can be cost-effective to build one.
• The attached structures can seamlessly integrate into your home and look like a part of your property.
• You can enclose a carport to convert it into a garage since one wall is already built.
• Since an attached structure is seen as an extension of your home, it can improve your property value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Disadvantages:

• You need to plan carefully with professionals, as one side of an attached carport will be connected directly to your home.
• An attached structure often has stricter building regulations since they are connected to the home.
• There are limited placement options, as one side will lean against the wall.
• If you don’t install the attached carport properly, it can cause leaks and damage to your home. You will also need regular metal carport maintenance for an attached design.
• You can’t increase or modify the layout of an attached car parking since it is fixed to your house.

Things To Consider When Installing An Attached Carport:

• It is best to hire a professional installation team for structural safety.
• You must choose the right metal carport based on space, home aesthetics, and parking needs.
• We strongly advise you to check local building codes and zoning laws to know about permit requirements.

What Is A Freestanding Steel Carport?

A freestanding carport is an independent structure that can be placed anywhere on a property. It is commonly made using 100% galvanized steel and reinforced roofing to give structural integrity from bad weather.

Benefits:

• You have complete freedom to install it anywhere on your property – near the driveway, in the backyard, or beside the garden.
• Since a detached two car carport is not connected to your home, the setup is often simpler and does not require modifying the home.
• It won’t affect the exterior look of your house, and there is no risk of water leaks or damage to the home, foundation, or walls.
• Many areas have fewer restrictions for a freestanding carport, but you will still need to check for the permit.
• A detached carport can double as an RV carport, a boat shelter, a loafing shed, or a poolside cabana.
• You can expand it easily by attaching a lean-to or adding extra posts and panels to increase its length.

Disadvantages:

• Since it is a standalone structure, it requires full support columns and posts (4 or more) and roof reinforcements to be stable. This can increase labor and materials costs.
• It will take up a portion of yard space and may affect landscaping.
• If you want utility lines in your vertical roof steel carport, you may need to run separate electrical lines, which will increase the budget.
• You won’t have direct access to the carport, you will have to walk outside to access your vehicles.

Things To Consider When Installing A Detached Carport

You will need the following when choosing a freestanding carport:

• Strong anchoring for wind resistance.
• Correct roofing panel design (vertical or horizontal) as per the local weather pattern.
• May require a concrete slab/ pier foundation depending on soil type.
• Consider zoning laws and setback distances when choosing size and placement.

Key Difference Between Attached Vs. Freestanding Steel Carport Structures

Here is a quick recap of the major differences between an attached and a detached style of carport.

A table showing the difference between attached and freestanding carports

Which Metal Carport Is Right For You – Attached Or Detached?

Before you rush to choose a carport design, it is important to know these things before buying a steel carport to get the bang for your buck:

• How Much Space Do You Have Available? If you have limited space, an attached carport might be a better choice as it takes up less yard space. You can choose a detached carport for a bigger property and to accommodate multiple vehicles.
• How Much Are You Willing To Spend? The attached structure needs structural adjustments, which can increase costs, while a freestanding structure requires more materials, depending on the soil and type of metal building foundation you have chosen.
  Tip: Factor in materials, labor, permits, and site preparation and foundation work for each type to know which one fits your budget.
• Do You Want A Seamless Looking Carport? An attached lean-to easily blends in with your home, making it look like an extension, while a freestanding carport will need to be designed as per your home aesthetic to blend in with your property.
• What Your Local Laws Say About Carport Installation? It is crucial to check local building regulations and restrictions before buying any metal building. These rules may be in the form of fire safety, structural integrity (especially in areas like tornado alley), and setback distancing.
  Tip: If you live in an area with an HOA, do your due diligence before choosing the design and size.
• Do You Need A Carport For Multiple Uses Or Just A Simple Car Park? How are you planning to use your steel prefab carport – as a parking, RV cover, a shaded workspace, or poolside cabana? A freestanding carport gives more flexibility than an attached one.
• How Is Your Local Climate Throughout The Year? If you live in an area with strong winds, frequent storms, heavy snowfall, etc., then extra anchoring and braces may be required. At Carports Advisor, we offer certified steel buildings with concrete brackets and mobile home anchors for adding stability under extreme weather conditions.
• What Should You Choose – DIY Vs. Professional Carport Installation? An attached carport will need structural expertise since it is attached to your home, while you get a freestanding prefab carport installed within a few hours by our team. We don’t recommend DIY as you may be devoid of warranties.

Need Help In Choosing The Right Carport? Speak With An Expert!

Choosing between an attached and a freestanding carport is all about your property layout, budget, space available, and your long-term plans. With an attached carport, you get direct access to the home but limited space, while with a steel detached carport, you get the flexibility to place it anywhere, but it’s not directly connected to the house.

So, which one is right for you? Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on the following:

• Do you want something that’s connected to your home or placed freely?
• Do you need extra storage or just a car cover?
• What do your local building codes have to say?

Take your next step by measuring the property, checking local building codes and permit requirements, and getting a professional quote by calling us at (336)-914-1654 to speak with a carport expert.

Take your time to choose wisely and enjoy the benefits for years to come!