The two most common metals used in metal carport covers are steel and aluminum. These metal carport covers can come in easy to assemble kits.  This adds to their attractiveness.  Not only do they go up quickly and easily for most do-it-yourselfers, but also by coming in a kit, the savings can be considerable

The steel carport cover kit can come in sizes from 10 x 18 for a single car to 30 x 38 for a car and a truck or a car and a boat.  While they are usually eight feet high, their height can be customized to fit your needs.  They can be either freestanding units or attached to the house.  When they are galvanized with aluminum, you can get them with a 30-year warranty against perforation by rust.  Their color selection is extremely limited.

Aluminum carport covers have some definite advantages.  They are strong, extremely weather resistant, and fairly lightweight, which makes them easier to put together.  If you decide to get a freestanding aluminum carport cover, there are several options to consider.  If you wish to cover the underside structural elements of the roof, you can include ceiling panels.  You may decide to have an open carport, or you may wish to install sides to protect from the prevailing winds.  There are a wide variety of colors for the carport cover and the posts.  You have many choices for the style of gutter and downspout you want.  You will be able to get exactly the size you want in order to cover your vehicle(s) because there is an enormous variety of sizes available.  One advantage of the aluminum cover that is usually not considered by buyers is that aluminum has very little waste in the manufacturing process and is 100% recyclable, making it one of the most eco-friendly building materials available.

Any metal carport cover that is supposed to be permanent will need to have the poles set solidly into the ground, usually anchored in cement that goes below the frost line.  The number of poles you have will depend on the length of the carport cover and whether or not it is anchored to the house.  If you want a carport cover that can be moved, you will not want to anchor the posts that strongly, but use portable anchoring methods.  Carport covers can be slightly pointed at the top or aerodynamically rounded.

Related posts:

1. Metal Carport Covers
2. Aluminum Carport Covers
3. Steel Carport Covers
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5. Metal Carport Covers
6. Aluminum Carport Plans