Carports are generally a standard size and shape that will provide your car(s) with protection from the elements. There are, however, a range of options available for the style of roof that you choose for the more permanent carports giving you the chance to add your own style to the design.
When you look for a new carport you are most likely going to be able to choose from a range of roof styles including: flat top, even gable, offset gable, mansard and double mansard. Each style provides a slightly different profile to the carport and will also add a slightly different level of protection from the sides.
As the name suggests the flat top carport roof consists of a single flat cover that slopes slightly to allow the rain to run to the gutters. This roof style is the simplest solution to erect and is also the cheapest. This type of carport roof may be attached or unattached to the home or structure it sits beside and may either be supported with a pair of posts on either side or a single support at the centre of each side.
The single mansard style of carport allows for a sturdy roof covering over the car with the pitch of the roof peaking at the edge creating a short lip at either the back or the front of the carport. The lip created by the mansard roof provides an additional section of shade that will increase the length of time that the car is shaded during the day.
The double mansard roof takes the lip concept and repeats it at both ends of the carport. The mansard roof adds a little bit of protection from the sun to prolong the time that the car is shaded and the second mansard section could ensure that the front of the car is shaded all day.
An option that may be preferred over the choice of the double mansard design is the single mansard with a straight back wall. This option also provides additional protection at one end of the carport but the straight back wall gives you slightly more coverage when it is raining or windy.
An even gable roof is merely a roof where the pitch is the same on either side of the carport. This is the type of roof that might mirror the look of the house that it is erected beside creating a more balanced or complementary appearance. It is possible to either have an even gable roof with an open end or a gable roof with a hip end. The carport below is an example of a gable roof with a hip end.
The alternative to the even gabled carport roof is the offset gabled roof. While this is also a pitched roof design one side is longer than the other. This may be a preference if you wish to bring the level of the roof down lower over the nose of the car.
Additional choices may be available to you such as a carport roof design that includes an attic where the gable style of roof is enclosed underneath. This brings the ceiling down lower and gives you a more enclosed feeling and may be useful if you wish to install lighting within the carport. It also provides you with the possibility of using the space inside as storage. Another option may be to only use a single support beam on either side of the carport rather than the more standard two supports. This T-style of carport may be required when there is difficulty finding appropriate ground for footings.
The carport roofs that have been discussed and pictured in this article will hopefully help you in deciding what style and configuration will best suit your purposes.
For more information about the various alternatives to garages you might also like to read through the following related articles:
Advantages of Garage and Carport Kits
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