At Carolina Garage Door, we specialize in garage doors for your commercial and residential garages. We’re sure everyone’s familiar with what a garage is, but there’s a similar option that has a few differences – a carport. Let’s look at the differences between carports and garages to help you decide which one to choose.

What is a carport?

A carport is not a full, contained building like a garage is. It consists of a roof or covering supported by a frame rather than solid walls. Like regular garages, carports can either be detached or attached to your home. This means that the carport will be open on either 2, 3, or 4 sides as it also doesn’t have a door.

While a garage is often used as a multi-purpose space (and may not even be used to park a car), a carport is specifically designed for sheltering a car and for sheltering people when going between the car and the house. And like a garage, you can also build a double carport if you need more space to park two vehicles.

Which is right for you?

When choosing between a carport and a garage, you should consider your specific needs. Are you just looking for somewhere to park your car or do you also want a space for storage and somewhere to pursue hobbies like DIY or band practice? A carport is sufficient if you just want a parking space that’s protected from the elements, but you’ll need a garage for any of the other requirements.

If you do just need a parking space, then a carport will be a more affordable option as fewer materials are required compared to a garage. However, a carport won’t provide as much protection against the weather as it is open on at least two sides. This means rain, snow, and hail could still reach your car, particularly on windy days. It also won’t protect your car from pests as they are not locked out like they would be with a garage.

One advantage that carports have over garages is that you don’t have to worry about ventilation as they aren’t enclosed, avoiding problems like mold and damp that you may have with garages. You may also have aesthetic preferences when it comes to carports vs. garages. Carports are very varied in terms of materials, design, and size, so do some research to decide which you prefer the look of.

If you’re installing a new garage or upgrading your existing garage, then contact us for garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville, NC.