What Is The Best Height For A Carport?

The best height of a carport can vary depending on several factors such as what you plan putting underneath the carport, local regulations and HOA permissions, and aesthetics to match the look and feel of your property. When you are determining your carport size, the height is an important factor to consider. The most common height of a carport is 8 feet because it can shelter most standard cars, SUVs, and trucks.

In this brief article, we will discuss some of the factors that you should consider before deciding the height of the carport you're purchasing.

Standard Height Recommendations

For standard vehicles like cars, SUVs, and small trucks, a carport height of 7 to 8 feet is usually sufficient. However, if you own or plan to purchase larger vehicles such as RVs, boats, or large trucks, a height of 10 to 12 feet is recommended to accommodate these bigger models. Carports for RVs can be as tall as 16 feet to accommodate the largest RVs and motorhomes.

Local Building Codes and Regulations

Before finalizing your carport height, check your local building codes. These regulations can vary and may have specific requirements that affect your carport design. Ensuring compliance will save you from potential fines and complications. Your county permitting office would have any information regarding size limitations.

Future Vehicle Purchases

Consider the types of vehicles you might buy in the future. If there's a chance you might need to accommodate larger vehicles, planning for extra height now can save you from the hassle of modifications later.

Modifying the height of the carport is hard to do after the carport has been erected. Once it's up it should be able to meet all of your sheltering needs. In some rare instances, you can find a contractor willing to extend the leg height. However, its possible that it can cost about as much as buying another carport.

Ventilation and Airflow

Adequate height helps with airflow and ventilation, preventing the buildup of fumes and keeping the space comfortable. This is particularly important if you use your carport for extended periods or as a workspace.

Metal carports can hold heat due to the conductivity of the material. If the sun is beating down on the roof of your carport, it is likely you can feel the heat radiating from the metal. Having enough airflow and ventilation will help keep it cool instead of baking like an oven.

Adding an extra foot or two in height above your tallest vehicle to allow airflow will provide a more comfortable parking or working area.

Aesthetic Considerations

Your carport should blend well with your home's architecture. Choosing a height that complements the existing structures will enhance your property’s curb appeal and can potentially add value to your home.

When deciding the height, It can be helpful to match your roof line on a single story home. Another consideration is using the height of your porch to use as a parallel line when trying to match elements of your home.

Lighting and Electrical Installations

If you plan to install lighting, fans, or other electrical components in your carport, ensure there is enough height to accommodate these fixtures without interfering with vehicle clearance.

Adding in lights or even a ceiling fan can really enhance your carport. Although this may void most warranties on any metal carport, it can be rather nice if you are using your carport as a shelter for grilling out at night, or having outdoor social gatherings around the house.

Roof Pitch Considerations

The pitch or angle of your carport roof will affect its overall height. The standard pitch of a carport is 3/12. As the structure gets a steeper roof pitch, the height also increases and ultimately allows for more clearance.

Usually the steeper the pitch, the less likely you will have to worry about accumulating too much snow if you live in a snowy area.

Ease of Maintenance

A tall carport can make it harder to clean and maintain the space. Carports need to be power washed cleaned every couple of years. They may need the roof blown off twice a year to remove leaves and debris. You may need to remove snow from your roof or occasionally you may have some pests such as wasps, or birds nesting in the corners that need to be removed.

With a taller carport, a ladder will be needed to perform this type of maintenance. It can be dangerous when climbing up and down any ladder and can cost more to hire a professional to do your maintenance. Consider this when deciding on the height.

Cost Implications

Taller carports require more material and results in being more expensive to construct. Exceeding some heights require changes in engineering such as using double base rails, or using additional inserts to ensure proper strength. This can also make purchasing a carport more costly when deciding the height of a carport. Balance your budget with your needs to determine the most cost-effective height.

Permits and Homeowners' Association Regulations

Ensure you obtain any necessary permits and check with your homeowners' association for any restrictions or guidelines on structure heights. Compliance will prevent legal issues and community disputes from arising.

Conclusion

Choosing the best height for your carport involves balancing practical needs with regulatory requirements and aesthetic preferences. By considering these factors, you can ensure your carport is functional, attractive, and compliant with all necessary standards.

Happy building!