9 Easy Tips to Make Maintaining Your Carport a Breeze
Carports are necessities if you want to keep your vehicle secure and protected at all times. To ensure that your carport is protecting you and your vehicles to the max of its abilities, you need to maintain it so that it stays in a good condition.
We know that carports can be big investments. This is because they’re such a valuable asset. They are not only the main thing protecting your cars, trucks, and equipment from extreme weather, but they also increase your overall property value. Regular maintenance is necessary if you want to maintain that high property value. Here are some of our best tricks for keeping your carport clean and well-maintained.
Tips For Maintaining Your Carport
If you want your metal carports to stay in top condition, you need to maintain every part of it. Doing this will help ensure that you won’t have to spend money on costly repairs in the future. We’ve nine tips to keep your carport looking like new for years to come:
1. Check the Walls Regularly
If your carport is enclosed, you need to keep a close watch on the walls. Steel is a strong material, but continual damage caused by car doors or corrosive materials will leave its mark. Check to make sure there are no obvious signs of damage, such as holes or tears in the paneling. If there are, take steps to fix them immediately. If there are no holes, be sure to look around and make sure there are no potential causes for damage. Scratches and dents are good indicators that something is causing damage. The solution could be as simple as moving something out from behind a door or parking in a slightly different spot.
2. Clean the Outside with a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is one of the best ways to keep your metal carport clean. All you have to do is spray off large surfaces to remove dirt and grim. This method also works to remove any substances, like chalk, mold, or mildew, that may have transferred onto the paneling from nearby objects.
If you have a particularly tough substance you’re trying to remove, we suggest using phosphate-free laundry detergent or liquid dish soap. These are the best cleaners to start with, as they are the least harsh. Be sure to read the instructions on how to properly dilute the substance, as well as how to rinse your building after using it. You should aim to remove all residues in the cleaning process.
3. Insulate Your Carport
Insulating your carport is important no matter where you live, but it is absolutely critical if you live in areas that experience large variations in temperature throughout the year. Insulation forms a barrier between the inside of your building and the paneling which prevents moisture from forming condensation and helps regulate internal temperatures. Good insulation is the best way to ensure that you will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
However, it’s the moisture prevention that makes insulation such an important part of keeping your metal carport in peak condition. Excess moisture causes corrosion of the building and can harm anything stored inside. Insulation helps guarantee that your carport stays functional for years to come.
4. Mark Your Parking Spot
Many of the most common problems that cause damage to our carports can be solved by simply knowing exactly where you need to park. Parking too close to walls can cause scratches or tears in the metal from slamming car doors. The best way to solve this is to draw out your parking space. We suggest using spray paint or colorful duct tape to outline your parking spot. If this isn’t enough of a reminder, you can also attach a tennis ball to the ceiling and have it hang down directly where you need to stop.
5. Remove the Snow Regularly
If you live in an area that frequently experiences heavy snows, you know all too well how important it is to clean snow off of your buildings between storms. This is an important thing to do for your steel carport, too. The strong vertical roof excellently channels precipitation and debris off of your roof, but even it will need assistance in blizzard-like conditions. Clearing the roof prolongs the life of your building; you and your vehicles will stay safe and secure.
6. Inspect Your Carport After Storms
It’s important that you inspect your carport after every instance of severe weather. Look for wind or hail damage, leaks, or standing water.
7. Organize Your Carport
Our carports are the best places to store your vehicles, yard tools, sports equipment, holiday decorations, and more. However, you need to make sure that all of your stuff is organized well. This saves you time and effort when it comes time to clean.
8. Fill in the Gaps
Do you want to keep the AC inside and critters and dirt outside of your garage? If so, you need to keep your carport hole-free and fill in any gaps you find. The best way to do this is by weatherstripping. Weatherstripping fills the spaces surrounding your garage door. By attaching 3/4th inch foam pipe insulation to the bottom of the garage door, with the slit side facing down, you create a firm seal between the bottom of the garage door and the floor.
9. Fix Water Damage Immediately
Water is the most damaging force your carport faces. It can damage the walls and the foundation. This is why you need to pay careful attention to any water droplets you see inside your metal carport. Be sure to fix any leaks and condensation issues as soon as you see it. One of the easiest ways to avoid excessive water damage is to install gutters on your metal carport.
Conclusion
Metal carports are convenient structures that make your life much easier, but they do require some upkeep. By following these nine simple tips, you’re ensuring that your steel building stays in peak condition for years to come.
