Carport panel design can be freestanding or attached to the home or garage. The attached type is sometimes called an awning. Carport roof panels can be configured to meet the dimensional requirements that are unique to each home.

Metal carport panels offer the homeowner a choice between extended header design and a setback beam design. The choice is between having an eave or overhang past the beam and post or having no eave where the beam and post come all the way out to the edge of the roof panels. The extended header maximizes the useable interior space.  Steel carport panels offer the homeowner a durable product that can withstand considerable environmental forces. There are also aluminum carport panels that provide a good measure of strength and protection while keeping weight of the structure to a minimum.

A good quality awning or stand alone carport can add value to the home. Carport panels can be insulated. The insulation is covered with aluminum sheets to add a finished look. Insulation can reduce heat gain that can be transferred into the home. A masonry sided home, or dark colored wood or vinyl sided home, will likely notice heat gain more readily. Dark colors and masonry act as a heat sink. A heat sink holds heat energy like a battery. The heat will then radiate out of the sink after the sun goes down. This is good in the winter time.  What if you live in Florida or Texas? Consider insulation especially if you live in warmer climates.

A metal carport is strong enough to support solar panels. The added square footage of roof space could come in handy especially for photovoltaic panels. If you are hooked into the grid and you plan to supply 100% of the household demand then more roof space is always a good thing.

Related posts:

1. Shopping for Aluminum Carport Parts
2. Post and Beam Carport
3. Carport Post
4. Metal Garages – Shelter for a Fraction of the Cost
5. Carport Walls
6. Converting Carport