Shopping for Carport Awnings and Canopies
Homeowners, businesses, or public works personnel who need to build carports for various purposes sometimes find that non-metal, non-rigid canopies serve the rooftop purpose just as ideally and with a great deal less effort. Canopies also aid in the portability of a carport because they are easier to compact and to transport from spot to spot for special events purposes.
Made customarily from polyester or polyethylene, awning carports offer the same element and pest protection as rigid carport tops, but they are often less expensive than the rigid metal tops. Moreover, maintenance is simpler. You can re-treat the awning to make it water repellent if age or the elements have weakened the finish. Simply by applying a silicone-based water repellent spray or solution made for fabric you can add many more years of function to your new or older carport. If you do, you should be sure the awning is dry thoroughly—the best method is simply to lay it flat on hard ground—before you fold, store, or reattach the awning.
Some carport designs include enclosure walls of the same material, making these carports perfect for camping, lawn parties, or private or public recreation activities. Usually, these fabric enclosures feature a plain end wall, a zippered end wall, and sidewalls with clear plastic windows cut in.
Carports USA manufactures a number of carport awnings and canopies, that you can pick from and spend less than $300. Their Shelter Logic model lists for $259 but is often on sale for as low as $149. This kit contains a steel collapsible frame, waterproof polyethylene single-piece awning, white bungee cords, temporary spike anchors making it ideal for location-to-location use, and six white foot plates. They also offer an Original King model on sale for $299 (it normally lists for $399), featuring eight supports, twenty-gauge steel, and a silver polyethylene canopy. The only drawback—you have to buy the anchor kit separately.
