Did carports ever go out of style? Or, were they ever in? Carports, no matter home storage trends, have been in use since the 1930s and, according to a recent article on Newsday.com, they’re making a comeback. But, in more recent instances, this comeback includes replacing the traditional garage for a portable one. As far as the old garage space is concerned, homeowners essentially transform it into another room for activities or lounging. The carport outdoors protects the vehicles and, in some cases, an additional shed is added for more and all-around storage space. Of course, enclosed carports also provide this feature.
Why carports and why now? According to the article linked above, those from the city are moving out to the suburbs and often purchase homes with garages. Owning a garage is seen as more than storage, however. For many, a brick-and-mortar garage can become a lounge, work, or activity area and the vehicles end up getting in the way. Because new homeowners want the garage space for more than vehicles, the cars go outside and the garage becomes an additional room in the house. The carports or portable garages, then, are needed to protect the cars outdoors.
Carports, as an alternative to brick-and-mortar garages, have their own benefits. These structures, including both fully metal and metal and polyethylene ones, protect a car from rain and UV rays and allow air to circulate underneath. For convenience, an open shelter can be modified at a later date to be fully enclosed by polyethylene walls and zipper doors. In addition to protecting the vehicles, the portable shelters can also protect many other items outdoors, including people. A carport offers versatility to the user: not only will it cover cars everyday but it can protect seasonal vehicles and serve as a temporary tent for outdoor gatherings.
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[...] year, we reported on a story about carports making a comeback. Garages, as we mentioned, were being turned into storage or living spaces, and carports, as a [...]