When you think of a home, what do you picture? A two-story building with vinyl siding and a peaked roof, a front door, and a garage to the side? While this image is typical, not all properties are build the same, and everyone needs adequate protection for their car or other vehicle. Many homes are not built with a garage, and instead of attempting to create one yourself, consider the assets of carports and garages.

Designed from a metal frame, carports and portable garages are sturdy structures once installed into the ground. The powder-coated or galvanized steel frame withstands the elements, including snow and heavy winds, and the polyethylene tarp is treated to be UV resistant, waterproof, mildew resistant, and rot proof. Together these two parts provide affordable and efficient protection, regardless of the weather outdoors.

For protecting your everyday vehicle, carports and portable garages are created with a valance style. With a peaked roof, the shelter has a polyethylene tarp on top with some overhang on each side, and all sides are open. The car can go in and out easily, and in rain or snow, the shelter protects your vehicle.

More comprehensive protection is needed when a vehicle or another investment is stored inside a carport or portable garage for several months. With the same materials involved, enclosed carports and garages have tarps on all sides and a zipper or rollup door in front. Once a vehicle, such as a boat, is placed inside the shelter, the polyethylene keeps out UV rays and moisture, both of which are damaging to the surface of the vehicle, and allow air to circulate inside, preventing mold, mildew, and dry rot from forming.

Although affordable and efficient storage solutions, carports and garages are like any addition to your property. Before you begin looking for a portable shelter, research any local ordinances for restrictions on size and location. Nearly all towns and neighborhoods have ordinances regulating carports and garage, and know those for your area before you purchase a shelter.