So, you've got some additional space on your property – but no garage. While building a brick-and-mortar garage is a considerable expense, a far more versatile structure offers just as much protection. Carports, in use for the past 60 years, are made from galvanized steel, and many have a polyethylene canopy with a valance or enclosed style. Assuming the structure follows local building codes and ordinances, it can be placed nearly anywhere on your property to protect your vehicle, be it a car, motorcycle, or boat from UV exposure and water.

Most carports on the market at the moment have a steel and polyethylene design. Each consists of a galvanized steel frame, which needs to be added into the ground for full installation, and a polyethylene canopy. Made from heavy-duty, rip-stop material, the canopy is treated to be UV resistant, waterproof, mildew resistant, and rot proof. Ideal for protecting your everyday vehicle, these carports can be placed in several locations on your property to keep your vehicle in solid condition. Additionally, many of these portable carports can be modified to be enclosed, which is ideal for long-term protection.

Other carports are fully made of metal. Each of these has a frame and roof made from galvanized steel, with the top coated with silicon for additional protection. Metal carports often have a long lifespan, and the steel used for the frame naturally keeps out UV rays and moisture.

Each carport is sturdy, but one model may benefit your needs more than the other. If you plan to use the structure for a variety of purposes, such as protecting your car and, for a few months during the year, a seasonal vehicle, an enclosed portable carport has several features geared toward your needs. Such shelters may already have an enclosed design or can be modified at a later date. But, if the structure will solely be covering your everyday vehicle, a metal carport may meet your needs better; each shelter can last up to 15 years without any significant part replacements.

Some carports may have a more specialized use. While these structures may be large enough to accommodate multiple vehicles underneath, some have dimensions designed for specific vehicles. RV carports are an example of this. Designed for seasonal vehicle storage, these shelters protect an RV or camper-style vehicle for several months with a rounded, enclosed canopy. The fully-enclosed design keeps out the moisture and UV rays, while the dimensions of the metal frame are longer and taller than those of a typical carport.