Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you install your orders or do you just sell kits?

A: All orders placed with Custom Carports include Fast & Free delivery and installation. 


Q: What is the difference between Certified and Uncertified?

A: Uncertified Structures are standard structures and are recommended for customers who live in areas that do not receive heavy wind and snow loads. Certified Structures are engineered to go anywhere and are recommended for customers who live in areas that receive heavy wind and snow loads. Certified Structures also come with Engineering Papers which may be required if you need to permit your structure with your county. Certified Structures also come standard with Mobile Home Anchors and Roof Bracing which provides you with an overall stronger structure.


Q: Will I need a permit for my structure?

A: Whether or not you need a permit depends entirely upon your county government.  Please check with your local county government office and find out if you will need a permit and if you will need engineered drawings in order to get a permit for your structure.  If so, then you will need to purchase a Certified structure.


Q: What are they made of?

A: Our metal carports and metal garages are constructed entirely of steel.  We use either 14 Gauge or 12 Gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel tubing for the frame and 29 Gauge steel panels which utilize a baked-on enamel for color and protection for all siding and roofing metal on our metal carports and garages.


Q: What is the difference between 14 Gauge and 12 Gauge Framing?

A: The 14 Gauge Carport is our most popular style and is constructed using 2 1/2 inch square hot-dipped galvanized tubing.  This unit does not have a warranty, but it is still a top quality unit, and that in no way diminishes its strength and integrity.

The 12 Gauge Carport is constructed of more rigid, 2 1/4 inch square hot-dipped galvanized tubing.  This unit is covered by a 20-year limited warranty which covers against rust-through on the frame itself.  This unit gives peace of mind through higher tinsel strength and thickness of material, and is 25% stronger than 14 Gauge Framing.


Q: How long will it take to get my carport delivered after I place my order?

A: It usually takes 2-4 weeks from the time the order is received from the dealer, and no longer than 6 weeks.


Q: I'm pouring the cement slab for my carport. What size to I need to make it?

A: The slab should be 3/4" wider and 1' shorter in length.


Q: What are the dimensions of the carport, outside to outside?

A: We measure our carports in Width x Length x Height. Example: 18 x 21 x 6
Length dimension is measured by the roof metal having a 6" overhang on each end of the bottom base rail which is one foot shorter than the roof. Width is measured from the outer edge of one base rail across to the other outer edge of the base rail.


Q: What is the highest leg height that I can order?

A: The highest leg height we can provide is 12'.  Please note that if you purchase legs over 8' tall, it is recommended that you purchase either 2' or 4' extra leg bracing for added support.


Q: What margin of adjustment will I have to level my carport?

A: You will have about 3 to 4 inches to adjust with the legs in order to make the structure level.


Q: What options are available for my metal carport or metal garage?

A: Our metal carports and metal garages are completely customizable in that we offer various widths and lengths of the structures.  We can also add height to the legs of the metal carport or metal garage to make it taller, add metal panels down each side, completely close in the structure so as to create a metal garage, as well as add metal garage doors, personnel doors, and windows.


Q: Can I add options to my carport after it has been installed?

A: Only in certain situations. We only provide materials for Carolina Carports Inc. carports. For all post-installation additions, there is a $50 service charge. If you are adding walk-in or garage doors, then your carport must have been installed with legs taller than 6'.


Q: Do you offer insulation for your metal buildings?

A: Unfortunately, Custom Carports cannot install insulation in our metal buildings.  We are not set up to insulate and can only erect the metal building on site.


Q: What types of anchors are used by Custom Carports?

A: We use three different types of anchors:

  1. 3' Rebar Anchor for ground and asphalt installations.
  2. Double Helix Mobile Home Anchors for an additional charge or standard with Certified Carports on ground installations only.
  3. Wedge anchors for concrete installations.


Q: What is the pitch in the center of the carport?

A: The pitch varies depending on the width of the carport. With the majority of our products it could range from 2 1/2' to 4'.


Q: Do you service my area?

A: We are able to fully service and install our metal carports and garages in 23 states nationwide which include: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

We also offer a limited service area to New York and Nebraska.  If you happen to live in either of these two states, please call us toll free at (800) 606-5559 to find out if where you live is inside of our service area.

Q: What is the difference between a metal carport and a metal garage?

A: A metal carport is simply a structure that is open on all four sides and consists of only a roof and the legs of the structure.  A metal garage, on the other hand, begins with a metal carport and then all four sides are covered with metal.  After all four sides of the metal garage are covered, we then add garage doors and/or, windows, and/or personnel doors to the structure in order to make a complete metal garage.  If you just want a roof over your investments to keep them covered, then you want to go with one of our metal carports.  If you would like complete coverage and protection for your investments, then you would want to go with one of our metal garages.


Q: If I purchase a metal carport from you, can I turn it in to a metal garage later?

A: Yes, but there are limitations to this.  A metal carport may only be turned in to a metal garage if the leg height is AT LEAST 6 ft. tall.  The smallest door that we are able to offer for metal garages is a 6 x 6.  If you would like a standard sized garage door, 8 x 8, then your metal carport must have legs of AT LEAST 8 ft. in order to facilitate that door size.


Q: What size doors are available for metal garages?

A: We are able to offer metal garage doors in 6 x 6, 8 x 8, 9 x 8, 10 x 8, and 10 x 10 (the first number in the dimensions is the width of the metal garage door.)  We are also able to offer metal personnel doors in 32" x 72" as well as 36" x 80" to complement your metal garage.