Frequently Ask Questions About Carports

What carport height should I order?

When ordering, it is important to note that the height is defined as the lowest point near the sides of the carport. If you need a specific clearance for your RV, car, boat, or anything else you store under the carport, garage, or barn, please verify that requirement before ordering. As an example, if you order a 12′ wide structure with 5′ side wall leg heights, the center clearance will be 7’3″ and the peak height will be 7’9”. Note, the peak height is not the clearance for a vehicle; it is simply the highest point of the structure. The clearance for your vehicle is typically the height of the side legs.

How to calculate the peak height and center clearance of carports and metal buildings.

 

How are the buildings measured?

Buildings are measured in Width (gabled end), Length, and Height or W x L x H in feet.
Width: Width is the gabled end. Even if you decide to turn your building so the “Front” is a long wall with an eave, the Width will still be a measure of the width of the gabled end.
Length: The length of the building is a sidewall that has a 6” eave overhang on a frame horizontal and vertical construction, or a rounded eave on a regular roof.
Height: The height of the building is the measure from the ground to the eave of the building, this is also called “side height” or “leg height”. If you add a gabled end to your end alls, the height clearance is the “height” of the building. Thus, if you have a building that is 8’ high, the bottom of the gabled (or eave height) would be 8’, and the peak of the building is higher based on the total width of the structure.
Peak: The peak is the highest point of the metal building.
Center Clearance: Center clearance is the true clear span between any structural frame, truss, or bracing a building will have. Some truss designs will have higher clearance in the center of the building than at the sides due to extra bracing that add structural strength and loadings to your building where required.
Foundation: We can install on any surface, dirt, grass, gravel, concrete, asphalt. The only requirement is that it is level. Level is within 3” of level in any direction. We can design a building to be installed on stem walls, or even on wood, but special installations like this may require additional engineering, equipment, or labor feels, please contact us for details.

What size building do I need?

This can be tricky if you’re new to the purchasing experience. Many customers base this decision on their storage needs, as well as the dimensions of their vehicles. Below is a rough guideline for determining width. You will also want to factor in a little wiggle room for opening and closing car doors, which comes down to a personal preference.

  • 12′ wide is good for most single vehicle
  • 18′ wide – (2) compact cars
  • 20′ wide- (2) mid-size cars
  • 22′ wide – (2) full-size cars
  • 24′ wide – (2) large vehicles
  • 30′ wide – (3) vehicles
Height of each building is based of the side walls, not the peak of the structure. You should base your desired height off of the height of your vehicles. Larger units, such as RVs, are going to need extra headroom, which we can easily accommodate. You should consider the same variables when determining length. Interested customers should also measure the amount of available space on your property prior to purchasing. Please also consider desired proximity of your new structure to existing buildings on your property.

Can I change my order?

It depends on the production stage of your order. Please email us at or call our customer service department at (828-355-7120). We will make every effort to modify your order. Please note, additional costs may be required along with an additional non-refundable deposit and return fee, if applicable.

Do you provide financing?

We provide financing for qualified customers.

Do you provide delivery and installation to my city or town?

The easiest way to verify delivery in your neighborhood is to click over to carport.com and hit “Get Pricing.” From there, you will be asked to enter your zip code. Once you enter you zip code, click enter. If the building rendering to the right returns a value of “$0” then we do not offer delivery in your area. We do, however, offer factory direct pick-up, which includes a discount.

How do I update my customer information?

If you would like to remain connected with Elephant Structures and your information has changed, please sign up again on our site and provide us with your new information. Otherwise, if you have a previous e-newsletter, customers have the option of modifying their own information by clicking on the Change Contact Information link on the bottom of the email.

How do I use the online builder?

This is one of our most common questions. Our online builder is a great way to learn more about the carport building and purchasing experience. The online builder is an interactive feature that gives you the ability to design your carport or garage before your very eyes. This feature, which is located on our homepage, allows you to take complete creative control of the design experience by building a virtual representation of your structure from start to finish. As you make changes to your building, the results will appear to the right in the form of a digital building. So, where do you start? Once you click over to carport.com, you can then click the “Get Pricing” button. The builder will then ask you to enter your current zip code. We ask for this information to determine if free delivery and installation is available in your area. Next, you will need to determine what size you want. You can adjust the size of your desired building by simply moving the three separate siders accordingly. The roof comes next. Will you need a standard horizontal panel roof or opt for superior strength in our vertical option? You can make that decision by clicking the “Roof” tab, which is located next to the “Start” selection. Following the roof selection, you can click over to the “walls” tab. Here, you will decide if you want a carport of a an enclosed garage. You can add as many walls in any configuration that you desire. To the right of the “Walls” tab is the “Doors” option. Just like the previous tab, you retain complete creative control. Now you just need to determine what size and how many roll-up doors you desire. You can also select a number of walk-in doors if your prefer. These values can be changed by simply clicking on the arrow buttons. Finally, you can chose the number and placement of windows, if you selected the enclosed garage option.

What do I need to do to my site to make it ready for the day of the install?

In order to provide you with the highest quality carport at the lowest installed price, please make sure that the location of the carport is ready before the installers arrive. The surface should be flat and accessible with all building permits including, but not limited to, homeowners association approvals and county or city set-back restrictions. Flooring is not included in our prices.

If I want to install the metal structure myself, do you have metal carport kits?

Yes, we do have carport kits if you are a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) homeowner. Simply give Elephant Structures at Carport.com a call at (855) 227-7678 and ask about our Self-installation kits for the best, most durable, and easiest to construct building in the nation! How can you top that? We also offer the fastest delivery. Call Now.

How do I use the Refer-a-Friend option?

Refer-a-Friend is fun, easy and a great way to make some extra money. Click on the Refer-a-Friend link and follow the simple form. If your friend purchases a carport after being referred to us, you’ll earn a reward. Refer-a-Friend is limited to current carport.com and Elephant Structures customers.

Does the advertised price include delivery and installation?

Yes. We provide free delivery and installation in areas that we service.

What are the standard sizes available for carports?

Sizes vary by structure. Feel free to check the “Build a Carport” page to see all the options available. Our builder is limited to 30′ wide; however, we do have the capability of going up to 100′ wide. If you have a special request that is not available on the Build a Carport page, please contact us at (855) CAR-PORT.

Are taxes included?

The respective sales tax from the customer’s residing state is added to the final purchase price. Taxes are required in every state without proof of tax exemption.

What is the difference between 12 gauge – 2 ¼” galvanized steel legs and 14 gauge – 2 ½” galvanized steel legs?

While lower gauge steel is thicker, all of our gauge options can be certified. However, 12 gauge provides additional warranty protection and, if needed, higher ratings for snow and wind. 14 gauge is the standard galvanized frame option.

What anchoring options are available for my carport?

All pricing includes installation and anchoring:

Rebar is used when installing a carport over gravel or dirt. Concrete lag bolts are used to install on cement.

Concrete Screws are used when installing a carport over concrete pads or footers.

Auger Anchors are sold as an option and may be required when installing a carport over gravel or dirt. If you have a three-sided building, you must select these anchors. You may purchase additional auger anchors, also commonly referred to as mobile home anchors.

Anchors should be placed on each corner or every 10 feet depending on the location.

 

What style roofs do you offer?

Our regular style roof is anything but basic. It’s the tried and true cover. Our regular style roof is known as the “traditional” approach because it harkens back to our earliest days in steel manufacturing. With rounded covers that begin a subtle approach to the ground before abruptly finish, this style roof adds an element of charm and sophistication without a hefty increase in pricing. The regular style roof is typically the most affordable option. 

Boxed eave roofs feature an A-style roof truss and accentuated with horizontal panels. With sharp corners and an austere look, the boxed eave roof is our most popular design. Firmly connected panels create a flush look that is resistant to sagging and bending. Consistent panel placement run parallel to ridgeline, creating a look of uniformity and durability. Boxed eave roofs can complement both an open carport design, as well as an enclosed garage with doors and windows.

For larger buildings or areas prone to heavy snow and high winds, we recommend the vertical roof. Reinforced with steel hat channel bracketing, a vertical roof adds extra bracing for superior strength. Hat channels are also known to be stronger than wooden trusses. Internal brackets help maintain the building’s structural integrity as it sustains heavy blows from Mother Nature. A vertical roof is, by far, the superior roof that we offer.

 

What size concrete pad do I need for my building?

Your cement pour should be the exact width of the building and 1′ foot shorter than the roof. As for Florida, the cement should be 3/4″ wider than the width and 1′ shorter for the roof.  Contact your town’s local planning office for other requirements.

What is certification? Do I need it for my building?

As we mentioned, every town or municipality has different building requirements as required by zoning. Certified buildings are engineered to meet these requirements. Some regions, for example, require owners to erect units that meet high wind and snow ratings. Be sure to contact your county’s local planning office prior to purchasing a carport or garage. Certified carports and garages are stronger than the typical building and are manufactured to meet the unique climate of any municipality.

 

Can you add a lean-to to my existing carport or garage?

We can only attach a lean-to to an existing structure if that carport or garage was manufactured by us. It is not our policy to work on buildings that were not originally manufactured in our facility. We can, however, ship the individual pieces of the lean-to to your location for self-install.

 

Can I see a picture of my building prior to purchase and delivery?

Because we manufacture each carport and garage to the customer’s exact specifications, you will not be able to see your building until it is fully installed. Feel free to browse our online catalog to get an idea of what the finished product will look like.

 

What is the typical length of time to install a carport once an order is placed?

The majority of our orders are installed in less than six (6) weeks, and it is rare for a building to take more than sixty (60) days to be installed and delivered. For more information click here.

What is the roof pitch of a metal structure?

3-12 roof pitch is standard. Call us to get a quote on a custom pitch or check out the estimated peak height chart.

 

Do I need a permit?

Different states or local areas having jurisdiction have different building requirements. What works in one state might not necessarily work for another. For example, municipalities in Wisconsin require home owners to construct a carport with a high snow rating. You won’t likely see the same requirement for building a carport in Florida. All permitting is the responsibility of the customer. You will need to consult with your town’s local planning office for complete details.

 

Do you provide insulation for your garages?

We do not provide complete insulation for our buildings. We do, however, provide vapor barrier moisture resistance, which prevents sweating in areas that are prone to temperature fluctuations. For a complete climate controlled building, consider contacting a general contractor who can provide traditional insulation, such as spray foam.

 

Do you provide guttering?

We do not provide guttering for our carports or garages. You will need to consult with a local contractor to add guttering to your carport or garage.

 

Do you provide anchoring?

We use various anchors depending on the foundation surface the building is set to be constructed on.

Concrete wedge anchors for cement construction. Rebar anchors for ground/asphalt installations. For mobile home anchors, refer to these as “auger anchors” also called “high wind or mobile home anchors”. Auger anchors may be used in addition to rebar anchors in certified building construction pending size and specifications on select surfaces.

How many legs, per side, are installed on carports, garages, and barns?

Most carports require 4 feet to 5 feet between frame legs. The actual distance is determined by a certified engineer and may not be specified by the customer. If you are installing multiple garage doors, there must be 2′ between each and the corners. For example, if you want two (2) 8’x8′ garage doors on the front of the carport, you will need to order a 22′ wide carport to accommodate the doors. If you want two (2) 6’x6′ garage doors on the front of the building, you will need to order an 18′ wide carport.

How secure is my personal information?

Your personal information is very secure. Elephant Structures uses Starfield SSL to protect data as it is sent over the internet. We never store your credit card information. All credit card orders are passed to our merchant processor.

Can I lock in my price?

Yes, when you place your order and make your deposit, we will let you delay the delivery & installation of your order for up to six (6) months.

What is the standard Warranty?

Standard 14 gauge structures come with a 30 day workmanship warranty. Certified 12 gauge structures include the standard 30 day workmanship warranty and an additional 20 year warranty against rust through the frame.

See contract for full terms. No other warranties stated or implied. Any addition, modification, or alteration shall void all warranties.

How do I get a custom quote? I’m having difficulty building exactly what I need on the Carport Builder

While our builder is a great tool to design a standard carport, barn, or metal garage, we understand that custom sizes are extremely important. Our buildings can expand to 100 feet wide and as long as your needs require. Click on Custom Building Quote to fill out a few details and we will provide you with a custom quote within hours. Please note, if you are using the builder and do not see a price, you have have missed entering a zip code. If you skip that step, we can’t give you a price because we don’t know what state you want the carport installed in.

Where can I get a promotion or coupon code?

After designing your custom Elephant Structures and clicking on the Add to Cart button, your price will automatically reflect any promotions or discounts available. There is no need to search other coupon websites. All Carport.com and Elephant Structures discounts and promotions are detailed on our Coupon page.

How do I opt-out of email communication?

On the bottom of all promotional or newsletter emails from Elephant Structures, you may follow the instructions to unsubscribe or click on the Unsubscribe button, if available.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes, in most cases you may cancel your order within three (3) days by emailing us at orders@elephantstructures.com or by calling our customer service department at (828) 355-7120. Please note, because of the costs involved with processing and preparing your order, your deposit is non-refundable and will not be returned, but please read complete Terms & Conditions with your order.