In a city the size of Calgary, the challenge facing every homeowner is how do you get the most out of every square metre of space. This is particularly important outside, and there are very few families that have the space or finances to build a brand new garage to protect their cars from the elements. This is where many turn to a carport as a way to double up on space as you effectively gain an extra outdoor room as well as protecting your car from the harsh Calgary winters.
What is a carport?
You’ll have seen many examples of carports as you drive around Calgary as they encompass any external structure that covers your car that isn’t a garage. At their most basic level, they can be a temporary structure that you put up ahead of severe storms and pack away in more pleasant wether. However, most people choose to install permanent carports which provide year round protection. Permanent carports can be freestanding, particularly useful if your driveway doesn’t come to the side of your house or you have multiple cars, or attached to your home, a great benefit as it means you don’t get wet or cold as you go to your car. They’re typically made from aluminum with vinyl or metal roofs and can be installed in just a few days.
Unusual carport ideas
The best part about installing a carport in Calgary is that you can add to it in unusual ways to get more than one use for your structure:
- Cover for plants – many potted outdoor plants struggle during the Calgary winters and many gardeners choose to bring them inside, requiring watering, artificial sunlight and space. Your new carport can be used to protect delicate plants from the worst of the winter weather while also adding some decoration to your carport.
- Turn it into a second floor deck – if you choose a sturdy frame for your carport, it’s entirely possible to make the roof solid enough for you to create a unique deck experience. You’ll need to work out how to get up to the roof of your carport; either a set of custom built stairs if your home doesn’t have French style windows on the second floor, or an unexpected opportunity for a romantic balcony if you do.
- Sustainable living – finally, those interested in a more sustainable lifestyle will spot the opportunity for additional solar panels on top of the carport roof. You’ll need additional planning permission, but they are guaranteed to get a lot of sunlight. You can also choose a sloped carport roof and collect the rainwater through a guttering and rain butt system to save your water bills in the summer.
However you choose to extend it, it’s clear that a Desert Sun Patios carport is a great investment for your home. With easy planning permits and a quick installation time, come visit our downtown showroom to talk about your carport project.
