Metal Carport Extension: Steps to add More Space

The thought of running out of room probably never crossed your mind. Your carport seemed to have plenty of space but things have changed. Maybe you need to store another vehicle or you keep adding to your power tool collection.

Whatever the reason, you need to extend your metal carport. Thankfully, you can find metal carport extensions, which means you should be able to extend the structure’s width and length. So, the next question is how to add an extension to a metal carport.

Extending the Length of a Metal Carport

Do you need to extend the length of your carport? Maybe you need to fit a longer vehicle like a boat or extended cab pickup truck. Regardless of why you need the extra space, extending a metal carport’s length is surprisingly easy.

There is a little bit of construction work involved, but don’t worry, the steps are pretty simple:

1. Remove the roof and side paneling. Don’t throw any of the metal sheets away or set them somewhere where damage is possible. You’re probably going to reattach the siding before finishing the project.

2. You’re going to need to extend the pad if it’s not already long enough to support the extension. If your foundation is gravel or dirt, extending the pad is fairly easy. Either clear away the growth or add extra gravel. If you have an asphalt or concrete foundation, extending the pad is a little more time-consuming. You’ll need to let either the concrete cure or the asphalt dry before moving on to the next step. How long does it take for concrete to dry? Small slabs typically dry in 24 to 48 hours. The timeline about the same for asphalt.

3. The extension needs to be secured to the slab. After all, you don’t want the extension blowing away the next time the wind kicks up. You’ll follow the same steps you used to anchor the original structure. Use anchors designed for your type of foundation and attach them to the extension.

Okay, now your carport extension is up and anchored to the foundation. Now, it’s time to put your carport back together. Grab the siding you removed and replace it in the original position. Your carport now should have an extension long enough to fit whatever you need to keep protected.

Making a Metal Carport a Little Wider

Are you feeling a little cramped in your carport? Is it impossible to open your car door all of the way or at least enough for you to get comfortably in and out of your vehicle? Maybe you’re bumping into something every time you move. If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider expanding the width of your carport.

The steps to add width to an existing carport are similar to extending its length. However, there is a difference. To add width, you usually need to construct a second structure. Commonly known as a lean-too, it can add more width so you don’t need to install a brand-new carport.

A lean-too can also be versatile. You can keep the original siding off and enjoy a single large structure. You can also reinsert the siding and have two separates, but connected buildings. The lean-too relies on the existing carport for support on the connecting side.

You’ll need to install supports for the side not connected to the carport. Don’t forget about anchors; your anchors must be designed for your foundation type.

Considerations Before Enlarging a Carport

Before you invest the time and other resources into extending or expanding your metal carport, you may want to think about a few considerations.

Do you have the available land to extend your carport? There’s a good chance you’re going to need to extend the foundation. If you don’t have the available land, you may need to start thinking about other storage options.

You’re probably going to need building permits to erect an extension. You don’t want to start the project without the proper permits. Not only will you need to tear down any unpermitted work, but you may also face hefty fines.

If you’re not sure what permits you may need, talk to your county building inspector. They can help ensure you’re following all local and state building laws.

You Can Add More Space to Your Metal Carport

Whether you need to extend the length or expand the width, adding space to your existing carport is possible. The process might be easier than you think, especially if the foundation is already in place.

Just remember to check on any required building permits, and before you know it, you’ll have plenty of room in your carport.