The Best Covered Parking Structures for Apartments

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Offering covered parking to apartment tenants is a major perk that is sure to be appreciated by anyone thinking of renting a unit. With so many vehicles coming and going through the day and night, damage to vehicles in apartment parking lots is relatively common. Adding covered parking can help to protect those vehicles, potentially giving your property an advantage over the local competition.

Of course, any parking structure you add to your apartment complex property has to be a good one. A low-quality structure isn’t going to hold up over time. If you’re looking for the best covered parking structures for apartments, turn to American Steel Carports, Inc. To get started, see what you can create with our Build & Price tool. Looking to make your project even bigger than this tool allows? Contact our team for assistance! We’re always here to help.

A Desirable Amenity

The primary motivation for adding a parking structure at your apartment complex is that it will be seen as a nice amenity for potential renters. When trying to decide where to live, potential renters are sure to check out a few places and list the amenities that they offer while also considering the monthly cost of a unit. If you can present a similar monthly cost while offering more amenities than nearby complexes, you’ll have a great chance at keeping your occupancy high year after year.

The parking structure alone might not be the tipping point that causes someone to sign a lease, but it will be one more thing in your favor. Also, for existing tenants, adding a parking structure is a clear sign that you are continuing to invest in the complex and their satisfaction, so it could go a long way toward helping with retention, as well. Anything that can help bring in new tenants while also retaining current residents is certainly worth your attention.

Working with the Right Supplier

Finding the right partner for this project is a critical step. Since you may need to purchase several parking structures around the property, and since you need these to live up to high standards, it’s important to work with a company that can fill such an order without ever sacrificing quality.

There are many different carport companies out there in the market today, and they represent a wide range of quality levels. If you happen to see carports available for prices that are hard to believe, think twice about what the company will be able to deliver for such a low cost.

Be wary of doing business with any carport company that doesn’t offer customizations or isn’t willing to stand behind their products with some type of warranty. You shouldn’t be forced to settle for whatever stock designs they happen to have, and you certainly shouldn’t need to make this purchase without any warranty coverage to protect your investment. Fortunately, you’ve already found the best covered parking structures for apartments at American Steel, so you can turn to us and be sure that we’ll deliver!

It’s All About the Bottom Line

When making a business decision, the only thing that really matters is the bottom line. Is spending money on a given project going to result in a positive return on investment? If the answer is yes, that decision becomes an easy one. With building a parking structure, especially one that is as durable as what you’ll get from American Steel Carports, Inc., it’s easy to see how the return will be positive in the long run.

The big advantage here is the number of years that you can expect to get from one of our metal structures. With our 12-gauge products backed by a 20-year warranty, you can rest assured that your new parking structure is going to continue to pay off well into the future. Not only will the durability pay off in terms of how many years the structure will last, but the quality that goes into our products means your tenants will be able to trust that this is a sturdy roof worthy of protecting their vehicles.

American Steel Has Your Apartment Covered

Given the affordable and durable nature of our covered parking structures, this is a project that can fit into your apartment’s budget now and still last for years to come. You don’t want to find yourself right back at the drawing board looking for a new parking structure shortly after buying the first one, so stick with American Steel Carports, Inc. to get the quality you deserve.

If you need help planning this type of large project, get in touch with our team today! We hope to help you soon with this exciting new project.

5 Reasons to Invest in a Winter Carport

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Parking your vehicle outside might not pose much of a problem for the majority of the year. When temperatures are mild, and precipitation is rare, parking outside might serve you just fine. However, if you live in a cold climate, the winter months are going to be a different story entirely. With this article, we’d like to present five reasons to invest in a winter carport for your property.

Once you’ve decided to make this purchase, be sure to start the process here at American Steel Carports, Inc. The first step is using our Build & Price tool to check out what’s possible. If any questions come up as you design your carport, contact our team for help!

#1 No More Digging Out

For people in snowy climates, this first selling point will be enough all on its own to convince them that a carport is a worthwhile investment. Simply put, digging out of the snow day after day gets old in a hurry. When you park in a sturdy winter carport, the snow will be kept off of your vehicle and you’ll simply be able to slide in behind the wheel and be on your way.

It’s important to consider how many vehicles you use on a daily basis and how big your carport will need to be to accommodate all of those cars and trucks. You’d ideally be able to keep all of the vehicles out of the snow, so getting a double- or triple-wide carport may be the best way to go (assuming you have the space for it).

#2 Prepare for an Incoming Storm

If you have a carport on your property, you’ll have some additional outdoor space available to put things away when a storm is in the forecast. Some of your outdoor belongings that might be fine to live out in the weather most of the time could be at risk when the weather turns stormy, so adding a covered, protected area will give you another option in such a situation. You can crowd quite a bit of stuff under the roof of a carport when necessary, and you can simply move those things back out again once the storm has gone through.

#3 Protect the Condition of Your Vehicle

Parking in a covered area day after day is going to do wonders to protect the condition of your vehicle over the long run. When left out, the finish can be degraded by the sun’s UV rays, it can be pounded by precipitation, and debris from nearby trees could cause problems, as well. Given the modest cost of a good metal carport from American Steel Carports, Inc., you’ll be getting great value when you keep your vehicle in good shape for many years ahead.

#4 Good for More Than Just Cars

While the name “carport” might lead you to think that this kind of structure is about nothing more than parking, that is far from the truth. In reality, carport owners use their buildings for many different purposes, including storage, working on projects, etc. The nice thing is that you don’t have to commit to a single one of those uses – this space can always be in flux, changing uses as time passes. Finding new ways to utilize your carport year after year is just another way that this structure can add value to your property.

#5 Useful Throughout the Year

While you might initially be motivated to add a carport to your property because of what it can do for you during the winter, it will be just as useful in the summer months. It’s nice to park under a roof during the summer to avoid letting your vehicle get too hot before you have to get in and head out for a drive. Also, you might choose to use your carport for other purposes in the summer months, such as for a shade structure that you could put a table and chairs under for a gathering with friends.

American Steel Has You Covered

We hope you enjoyed this blog on reasons to invest in a winter carport! So, should you invest in a winter carport? At American Steel Carports, we think so! Just remember: while a carport can be a huge upgrade to your property, this is only true if you buy a high-quality structure. A cheap carport might seem like a way to save money at the start, but it’s only going to cause you frustration in the end—especially if it collapses under the weight of snow or blows away due to high winds. At American Steel Carports, Inc., we take pride in the quality of our products, and we even stand behind our 12-gauge materials with an impressive 20-year warranty.

To get started on your next home project, see what’s possible with our free Build & Price tool. If you have any questions along the way, our team is always here to help. Thanks for stopping by our blog, and we hope to serve you soon!

Why Does My Car Battery Keep Dying?

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“Why does my car battery keep dying?” If you are asking yourself this question, we understand that it can be incredibly frustrating! Without a healthy battery, you’ll be stuck wherever you are. To avoid that hassle, it’s important to make sure your battery remains in good condition, and you can do that by avoiding some of the common causes of a dead battery in modern vehicles.

Let’s dive right into a list of potential causes of a dead battery in your car or truck. Once you know what to watch for, it will be much easier to avoid these problems and keep your battery on track for a long and healthy life.

3 of the Easiest Ways to Kill Your Car Battery

#1 Long periods of inactivity

The battery that serves your vehicle is recharged each time you take a drive. A component in the vehicle called an alternator captures energy and uses it to charge up the battery while you are on the road. Of course, if you don’t hit the road very often, the alternator won’t be doing anything, and the battery will gradually lose its charge. So, if you have a vehicle that doesn’t move often, consider this as a potential reason for battery troubles.

#2 You left something on

One of the classic reasons for a dead car battery is leaving the headlights on after you park and walk away. Those lights will keep pulling from the battery until there isn’t enough energy left to start the engine when you return. Fortunately, this is not as common as it used to be, since modern vehicles usually turn auxiliary equipment off after a period of time.

#3 An old battery

Car batteries are impressively durable, but they do wear out after a while. Getting three years out of a battery is pretty standard, and while you might be able to stretch it out another year or two after that, the performance is going to start to decline pretty quickly. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to have a new battery installed, and you should then have plenty of power for the years ahead.

The Impact of Weather

It’s easy enough to figure out if one of the three points listed above is your problem, but where do you turn if those aren’t the issue? Start by thinking about the weather conditions. Has it been particularly hot or cold where you live? If the temperatures in your area have been extreme, and you park outside most of the time, your battery could be suffering as a result.

For example, if you try to start your car on a very cold morning, those low temperatures could have pulled enough energy out of the battery to prevent it from starting the vehicle successfully. To combat this problem, look into finding indoor parking for your vehicle – at least during the hottest and coldest periods of the year. If your primary concern is heat, then even covered parking—like a carport—can help.

Whether that means cleaning out an existing garage or building a new one, having some indoor parking available goes a long way toward protecting the condition of your battery There are plenty of other nice benefits that come with parking inside, as well, so this one is a win all the way around.

It’s None of the Above: Now What?

As you keep running down the list of what may be leading to your battery troubles, there are a couple of other points to consider. For one, you might be having trouble with your alternator. If you are driving a lot but the alternator isn’t working correctly, the battery won’t be getting recharged as it should.

It’s also possible that the connections for the battery have come loose or corroded. If the connections aren’t firm on the terminal posts at the top of the battery, the transfer of power from the battery to the vehicle and back again will be interrupted. To learn more about how to remove corrosion from your car battery, the Family Handyman has an excellent video available on YouTube that will show you exactly how to get the job done.

American Steel Has You Covered

We hope you found this guide helpful! The next time someone asks, “Why does my car battery keep dying?” you’ll be armed with the knowledge needed to answer that question perfectly. Remember, keeping your battery out of extreme temperature ranges—both hot and cold—is one of the best ways to make sure it keeps working properly for its entire lifespan. On that point, consider turning to American Steel Carports, Inc. to build an insulated garage or stainless steel carport for your property. With a garage serving as a protected parking spot, your car—and its battery—will avoid the worst of the weather throughout the year.

Try our Build & Price tool to explore the possibilities. Special features like windows, doors, skylights, and insulation are also available to add to your project. If you have any questions, contact our team for help. Thanks for stopping by our blog, and we hope to serve you soon!

Do Tonneau Covers Save Gas?

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Adding a tonneau cover to the back of a truck is a popular choice. This flat cover goes over the bed of the truck and keeps everything inside nicely contained. Whether you use your truck for work or play, a tonneau cover can make life on the road more convenient.

One of the benefits you will sometimes hear presented as an argument in favor of tonneau covers is the opportunity to save gas. Could it be true that adding a simple tonneau cover to the back of your truck could cut down on fuel consumption? That certainly would be nice, but let’s look closer to see if it might be true.

If you are serious about caring for your truck, you may also look into adding a carport to your property from American Steel Carports, Inc. Our metal structures are durable, affordable, and easy to customize. Start by exploring our Build & Price tool and don’t hesitate to contact us for answers to your questions!

An Idea with Some Merit

To get right to the point – yes, adding a tonneau cover to your truck can improve gas mileage. With a cover over the bed, the truck will become somewhat more aerodynamic, and as a result, less fuel will be required to cover a given distance. So, if you have been thinking about getting a tonneau cover for your truck and you’d like to benefit from improved fuel consumption, there is reason to be optimistic about this purchase.

This is the point, however, where we need to toss a little bit of cold water on the excitement of this idea. While it does appear to be true that tonneau covers cut down on drag and improve gas mileage, those improvements are likely to be quite minor. The exact results will depend on your truck, the cover you purchase, your driving habits, and more, but you shouldn’t expect to see more than a 2% improvement in fuel economy – and it may be even less than that.

Let’s do a little math to see what that looks like:

If you get a 2% improvement in fuel economy, and your truck currently gets 15 miles per gallon, that would mean getting an extra .3 MPG. So, after adding the cover, you may get something around 15.3 miles per gallon on average. While it’s always nice to use less gas, most people would agree that such savings do not have a significant impact on your fuel spending.

One of Many Benefits

Buying a tonneau cover with the sole purpose of getting better gas mileage is an idea that is dubious, at best. Considering you’ll need to spend at least a couple hundred dollars on the cover, if not significantly more, the very modest fuel savings won’t seem like much in the end. So, should you forget about the idea of buying a cover? Not necessarily. It’s when you look at the bigger picture of what a cover has to offer that this purchase starts to make more sense. In addition to a small improvement in fuel economy, some of the other benefits of buying a cover include –

  • Keep things dry. The bed of your truck offers plenty of space to transport items, but those things are normally exposed to the elements. If you need to bring things with you that should be kept dry, an open bed really isn’t going to do the job. With a tonneau cover, you can keep everything nice and dry until you reach your destination.
  • Lock it up. An open bed also doesn’t do anything from a security perspective – anyone walking by while your truck is parked can easily see in the bed, and nothing would be stopping them from grabbing what they see. A locking tonneau cover not only puts your stuff out of site, but it also adds a physical barrier that will protect your things. Nothing is perfect in terms of security, of course, but having a locked cover over your bed is significantly safer than leaving it open.
  • Enjoy the look. Many people simply like the neat and tidy look of a tonneau cover on a pickup truck. This is in contrast to a traditional canopy, which can be effective from a practical standpoint, but is perhaps not as attractive and is usually more expensive.

Keep Your Truck Covered with American Steel

Should you buy a tonneau cover for the gas mileage benefits alone? Probably not. When you look at everything that a tonneau cover brings to the table, however, it starts to look like an appealing overall package. Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to consider American Steel Carports, Inc. for upcoming projects on your property.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

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When you start your car, you’ll know immediately if your catalytic converter has gone missing. The telltale sign is a loud rumbling or roaring sound as soon as you start your engine. Unfortunately, replacing this part isn’t cheap. In fact, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that the average cost of repair and replacement is somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000.

Once you’ve shelled out the cash for a catalytic converter repair, chances are you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent it from happening again. And, with the holidays quickly approaching, now is the best time of year to protect your vehicle from theft. Here are three ways to avoid catalytic converter theft.

How Common Is Catalytic Converter Theft?

In 2018, a study from the NICB reported an average of 108 catalytic converter thefts in the United States per month. However, in 2020 following the pandemic, the NICB saw those numbers skyrocket to a whopping 652 cases per month in January 2020 and 2,347 in December 2020. The NICB also noted that the actual number of stolen catalytic converters may be even higher since many automobile owners choose not to report these thefts. Why? The cost of repairs is often less than a car insurance plan’s deductible.

Why Are Thefts on the Rise?

Catalytic converters contain precious metals, like rhodium, that are more valuable than gold. Thieves often take stolen catalytic converters to scrapyards and walk away with a pocket full of cash. Although stealing a converter is a felony, buying or selling one of these illegally is only a misdemeanor. Therefore, the profits are worth the risk for many sketchy car scrapyards. Even worse, a catalytic converter theft can happen in less than a minute. Opportunistic thieves often come equipped with pneumatic car jacks and cordless saws and complete the theft before anyone even notices it.

3 of the Best Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Theft can happen anywhere. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can protect your vehicle. The key to thwarting theft is making your vehicle less desirable and more difficult to target. If you’re ready to get started, here’s what to do.

#1 Install a Metal Garage

Parking in a closed garage is one of the most effective and money-smart ways to prevent theft. Not only will a locked metal structure deter catalytic converter theft, but it will also prevent vehicle theft of any kind. Additionally, metal garages offer the ultimate protection for your vehicle(s) and property at a lower cost than a traditional garage.

If you’re shopping for a metal garage, keep in mind that they aren’t all created with the same level of quality. Look for structures made from stainless steel for built-in corrosion resistance. Additionally, work with a trusted builder that offers warranties for their structures. At American Steel, we are proud to offer 20-year warranties for our stainless steel buildings and garages.

#2 Install a Cage or Clamp

In general, cages and clamps are mostly affordable options. These can be installed by anyone familiar with the underpinnings of a vehicle. However, we suggest consulting with your auto service center. One of the most popular catalytic converter clamps is the CatStrap. By design, this strap lays across your catalytic converter and provides a dense protective layer that dulls the teeth of a saw blade. There are also catalytic converter cages that are bolted or even welded to the vehicle’s frame. These anti-theft devices are usually made of high-quality, durable metal, like stainless steel or aluminum.

#3 Spray Paint Your Catalytic Converter

If you’re short on cash, spray paint is the cheapest option for deterring thieves. Because thieves must remove all the paint from the converter before taking it to the scrapyard, they will typically take one look at a brightly colored catalytic converter and run.

Other Methods

  • Etch your VIN into your catalytic converter: This allows police to recover your catalytic converter if it is stolen. Common sense says that if someone is illegally buying scrap metal, they likely won’t care if there is an etched VIN or not. However, if a thief is carrying your catalytic converter and they are pulled over in a traffic stop–should their vehicle be searched–you may be able to recover your catalytic converter.
  • Install a catalytic converter alarm system: Catalytic converter alarm systems are motion-sensor alarms that sound off whenever a catalytic converter is jostled. These are typically easy to install. Conversely, they are easy to uninstall. While inexperienced thieves may see an alarm and run, the pros may simply cut the alarm off and continue with the theft.

Protect Your Vehicle with American Steel

As you can see, there are several options when it comes to protecting your vehicle from theft. But, nothing compares to the peace of mind and home security offered by a metal garage.

While building a traditional garage can be expensive, you can accomplish the same goal for a lower cost with the help of American Steel Carports. If you’re ready to start building, explore our free Build & Price Tool and or check our financing options. If you have any questions along the way, contact our team for assistance! We’re always here to help.

How to Protect Your Car from Hail

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Of the many different weather conditions that Mother Nature can conjure up, hail is one of the most damaging. In just a moment, a hail storm can bear down on your area and cause incredible damage. Cars and trucks are particularly vulnerable to hail damage, so it’s wise to protect yourself as best as possible by planning ahead.

Of course, one of the best options to keep your car safe from hail is to park it under a strong metal carport from American Steel Carports, Inc. After learning more about how to protect your vehicle from hail while at home and on the road, remember to explore our free Build & Price tool to design a structure that is customized to fit your needs.

Protect Your Vehicle with a Carport

Without a doubt, the best thing you can do to avoid hail damage – and other kinds of weather-related issues – is to park your vehicle in a covered space while at home. However, many people don’t have a garage available, or they need that garage for other purposes like storage or as a workshop. In that case, turning to a carport for affordable protection is a great alternative. Adding a metal carport to your property is an affordable project that will go a long way toward keeping your car safe. When a hail storm does move in, the roof of your carport will take the beating while your vehicle will be spared. Also, even when there is no hail to be seen, parking under cover will protect your vehicle from rain and snow, powerful sunshine, and more.

More Options for Parked Vehicles

If you don’t have the space for adding a carport to your property, consider investing in hail covers for your car. Thick blankets are another great option for protecting your car’s metal exterior. Along with a cover or blanket, remember to give your windshield special attention. Placing cardboard or another protective cover over your windshield is an excellent way to help prevent cracks.

Dealing with a Storm Safely

It would be convenient if hail storms waited to arrive until you had your vehicle parked safely undercover at home so you could wait it out without incurring any damage. Of course, the hail doesn’t care where you are, and it certainly isn’t going to wait.

If you find yourself far from home when a hail storm arrives, stay calm and make safety your top priority. Continue to pay attention to the road while seeking shelter. Any kind of covered parking space will do, such as a parking garage that may happen to be nearby. If you make your way to a covered area, just turn off your vehicle and wait out the storm. With any luck, you’ll be able to avoid damage to the car’s body.

If shelter isn’t nearby and you can safely do so, fold in your mirrors to prevent them from being cracked. You might also place floor mats on both your front and rear windshields to prevent them from being cracked.

Making Repairs After Hail Damage

Despite your best efforts, you might wind up with hail damage to your vehicle at some point. If that happens, it’s what you decide to do next that will make all the difference. By acting quickly and repairing the damage, you can avoid long-term issues and get your vehicle back to looking great once again.

In the case of minor damage, you might be able to make some repairs yourself by using a tool that is designed for a technique called paintless dent repair. The idea here is to pull out the dent from the body of the car without harming the paint. Remember, any gaps in the paint on your vehicle will allow water to get through and rust could develop, so having a solid layer of paint all the way around the exterior is important.

With that said, some hail damage is going to be too significant for the average car owner to fix alone. In that case, a local body shop is going to be your best bet. These pros will have the right tools and skills to repair the dents, add new paint, and get the car back into good condition in short order.

Protect Your Vehicle with American Steel

Weather conditions are sometimes unpredictable, and you can’t guarantee that your vehicle will never be damaged by hail. With that said, if you live in an area that experiences frequent storms, we hope the above tips are helpful! Of course, parking your vehicle under a carport reduces your risk greatly, so consider working with American Steel Carports, Inc. to customize a carport that fits your vehicle perfectly. To learn more, explore our Build & Price tool! If you have any questions along the way, our team is here to help. We hope to serve you soon!

How to Protect Your Car from Snow Without a Garage

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We all know that parking in a garage is the best way to protect your car from the snow, but not all car owners have this luxury. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways that you can protect your car from the snow without a garage. Read on to discover your options.

In the end, it’s obvious why adding an insulated metal garage or enclosed carport to your property is the best choice. If you decide to go this route, start by exploring our free Build & Price tool. Here, you can customize your building, request a quote, and more. If you have any questions along the way, our team is here to help.

Winter Car Care Preparation

Planning for the inevitable snow ahead is one of the wisest things you can do for your car. Here are a few snow-related tips to help you get started.

1. Add an insulated carport or garage to your property

Insulated garages are your best choice when it comes to protecting your car from both harsh temperatures and snow. To avoid the dreaded dead winter battery, give your car a warmer shelter. Taking this route not only helps to conserve your battery power but also extends your car’s lifespan. This option will also take away many other common winter worries including protecting your tires,

2. Buy a car cover

If you can’t park under a roof, a water-resistant car cover is your best option. Water-resistant material is essential here if you don’t want to trap moisture. Choose a cover that drapes over your entire vehicle from front to back. Using a car cover may not be as efficient as a garage, but it will still make it easier to brush or knock the snow off your vehicle once a storm passes.

3. Invest in essential blankets

The snow itself on the outside of your car shouldn’t be your only worry. Harsh temperatures can do a lot of damage when it comes to your vehicle’s lifespan. Car battery blankets are a great option for keeping your battery warmer and avoiding the dreaded dead winter battery. And grille covers help maintain the integrity of your rig. A small investment in a grille cover will easily pay for itself in the long term by preventing ice from building up in your ventilation system.

Quick Tips for Protecting Your Car from Snow

Of course, taking cover with a carport is your best option when it comes to protecting your vehicle from snow. But if a snowstorm is on the way and you need to prepare immediately, follow these quick tips.

  • Protect the windshield. While there are products made specifically for covering the windshield of your vehicle in the snow, you can also use blankets or towels. When the snow is gone, peel back the protective layer to clear your windshield.
  • Adjust your wipers. When snow is expected, always stand up your windshield wipers. This prevents the wiper from freezing to the windshield and damaging the rubber.
  • Park wisely. Even if you don’t have a garage, think strategically about where you park. Avoid parking directly under a tree or anywhere else there is potential for snow or other objects to come crashing down on your vehicle. , as that tree may get loaded down with snow and branches could come crashing down.

Stay Covered this Winter with American Steel

We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to protect your vehicle from snow. It’s only a matter of time before winter’s first snow is here. Fortunately, you have plenty of time to prepare. If you’re leaning toward adding an insulated garage or carport to your property, remember to explore our free Build & Price tool. To learn more about our insulated metal buildings, carports, and garages, contact our team today! We hope to serve you soon.

Insulating a Metal Carport: What You Need to Know

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Metal carports are incredibly useful when it comes to protecting your vehicle. With that said, they’re not particularly good at moderating temperature. Since metal conducts heat quite well, the temperature inside of your carport is likely to closely mirror the temperature on the outside. That’s not always a good thing, you so might want to consider insulating your carport to control those temperature swings and make a more comfortable shelter for your vehicle.

Read on for your guide on how to insulate a metal carport. And if you happen to be in the market for a new carport, leave the work to our team at American Steel. Enclosed and insulated carports are our specialty. Customize a structure with our free Build & Price tool to get started. If you need help, reach out to our team and we’ll be glad to assist!

Disclaimer: Insulated carports made by American Steel come with a 20-year warranty from the date of completion of installation. This warranty is forfeited if structures are modified by the owner.

Popular Carport Insulation Options

If you are convinced of the usefulness of adding insulation to a carport, there are a few products that can help you get the job done. Here are three of the most popular options.

1.      Foam Insulation

Two distinct options are available in this category, and they are both strong contenders for your attention. First, there is spray foam – the material that gets sprayed into place and then expands to fill up the area and insulate it from the outside. Alternatively, you could go with rigid foam board, which comes in large sheets that can easily be cut to fit the spaces you want to protect.

In addition to the thermal insulation advantages of foam insulation, you’ll also appreciate the way this option can help keep pests from making their way in. You always need to be aware of the chance that mice, rats, or other unwelcome guests could visit your carport. With foam insulation – either rigid board or spray foam – you will be adding a sturdy line of defense that will help keep the critters outside the structure.

2.      Fiberglass Insulation

One of the most popular types of materials for insulation, fiberglass can be used to insulate your metal building. It’s important to note that you will need to pick out fiberglass insulation that is specifically rated for use with metal buildings, and you’ll always want to buy from a trusted, reputable supplier. If you are going to spend the money to buy insulation for your carport, it’s worth going the extra step to purchase from a brand that you know you can trust.

Speaking of money, you might be drawn to the fiberglass option as a result of its lower cost compared to other materials. You may be able to purchase a quality fiberglass insulation product from a respected brand while still paying less than you would when buying another type of insulation. If you are trying to keep this project on a tight budget, look at fiberglass as a worthy option.

3.      Reflective Insulation

If you are looking for excellent performance from your insulation on this project, reflective insulation might be the way to go. You’ll also see this product referred to as radiant barrier insulation, which is a nod to the way it can interfere with heat transfer and keep the inside of your carport nice and cool. It should be noted that it’s usually easiest to add reflective insulation from the start when your building is first being constructed, so this might not be the best pick when trying to add insulation to a metal structure that is already in place.

Reasons to Add Insulation to a Carport

There are many potential motivations for adding insulation to an existing carport, or for planning to add insulation to a new carport as soon as it is constructed. Some of the most common reasons for making this upgrade are listed below –

  • Personal comfort. If you are going to spend a lot of time in this carport, you’ll want it to be as comfortable as possible. You might not have the option to add air conditioning or heating to the space, but you can even out the highs and lows with some simple insulation.
  • Protect your things. Some things you might be storing inside of a carport might be sensitive to temperature changes and may fare better over the long run with the help of insulation.
  • More valuable structure. This might not be your main motivation, but adding insulation to your carport is a great way to boost the value of this one building as well as the value of your property as a whole.

Not all carports need to be insulated. If you are going to use yours for parking and little else, adding insulation is probably an unnecessary step. When it will be used for other purposes, however – such as for storage of more sensitive items, or as a workshop – insulation can be a great upgrade.

To learn more about our insulated carports at American Steel, visit our Features page and remember to explore our free Build & Price tool. If you have any questions along the way, contact us for support. We hope to serve you soon!

4 Things to Consider When Designing a Carport

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There are plenty of great reasons to consider working with American Steel Carports, Inc. We have been in this business for many years, have an excellent track record, and offer fair prices for our metal structures. More than anything else, however, you may be motivated to work with us because of our commitment to customization. We want every customer to get exactly what they need for the project at hand, so we place a premium on making customization a breeze.

To help you get started, we’d like to provide some tips in this article on how to properly design your custom carport. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and possibilities, this article should help point you in the right direction. When you are ready to get started, visit our free Build & Price tool to play around with design ideas. And, if you’d like help, just contact us directly and we’ll be happy to serve you.

#1 – Start with Intended Uses

The best place to start when designing your new carport is to think about what you’ll be using this space for once the carport is constructed. That’s the key piece of the puzzle because your intended uses are going to dictate so much about the design. For example, if you want to park three cars under this new roof, you’ll obviously need enough width for all three cars to fit comfortably. Or, if you are going to use this carport for RV parking, you’ll need a tall enough roof to make room for the RV to fit below. Whatever your planned uses may be, get those organized in your head first, and then work on finalizing the details of the design.

#2 – How Much Space Is Available?

Another important piece to this puzzle is determining how much space you have available on your property for the carport. It’s great to have dreams of a huge metal carport with enough room for big projects and ample storage, but that just might not be realistic in your situation. Pick out your intended building site and decide how much of that area can be dedicated to your carport. Also, remember to consider any rules that may come into the equation here, such as setbacks from the property line or HOA restrictions.

#3 – Consider the Weather

A standard carport has a roof and little else. This basic design is what allows metal carports to be so affordable. With that said, you might want to customize your carport to add additional features based on the weather in your area. If you live in a place that deals with the persistent prevailing wind and plenty of precipitation, closing the carport in the direction of the wind will help you keep the inside dry and offer more protection to whatever you decide to store under the roof.

In snowy places, it’s also a good idea to upgrade to a vertical roof design, rather than a horizontal layout. With a vertical roof, the metal panels run up and down on the roof rather than from front to back, and they do a better job of shedding snow as a result.

#4 – One Final Note

As you plan out this project, remember to consider the fact that your needs today might not accurately reflect your needs in the future. So, when thinking about something like the size of the carport, it’s a good idea to err on the larger side rather than building something that is just barely big enough for what you need it to do today. If you have the space available, you are unlikely to regret building a slightly larger carport than you truly need, as that extra space is sure to come in handy in many different ways over the coming years. This is a far more desirable situation than needing to tear down your carport and build a new one because the first one didn’t serve your needs for long.

Start Building Your Carport Today

At American Steel Carports, Inc., we make customizing a new metal carport as easy as it could be. After you spend some time thinking about how you want your carport to function, and what features you want it to include, working with us will allow you to make that vision a reality. And, of course, if you need some help bringing your vision into focus, we would be happy to work with you to finalize a design that makes sense for your situation. If you’re ready to start building, remember to explore our free Build & Price tool! Thank you for visiting and we hope to serve you soon!

The Ultimate RV Road Trip Packing List

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Taking a vacation in an RV can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. Wide open spaces and beautiful roads await. If you’re ready to pack your bags, read on to discover the ultimate RV road trip packing list! And, if you’re looking for a home base for your RV, remember to consider American Steel Carports. Start by exploring our free Build & Price tool to create a comfortable place for your RV to rest when you aren’t on the open road.

Your Complete RV Road Trip Packing List

Start with Clothes

This is the main category of items that you need to pack for every trip, so it’s the best place to start. Since the clothes you pack will vary depending on the weather and your planned activities, you’ll want to spend the most time on this task so you can enjoy your trip and be as comfortable as possible.

We can’t give you a specific list of what you should take because there are so many variables, but here’s a good starting point –

  • Clothes for relaxing outside and hanging around the campsite
  • Clothes for activities you are going to enjoy – such as swimsuits or hiking garments
  • Clothes for time spent in the RV, such as pajamas
  • Undergarments sufficient for two (or more) days than you plan to travel
  • Plenty of towels (especially if swimming is on the agenda)
  • Laundry bags to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes
  • And remember, packing extra clothes never hurts. After all, you don’t know when you may accidentally spill something on your outfit, and it’s good to have a few backup options at hand.

A Basic Set of Tools

You don’t need to pack enough tools to rebuild the entire RV, but to be safe, you want enough tools to perform basic maintenance while on the road. With the right set of tools for routine tasks, life on the road is a lot easier. Assemble a tool kit for your RV and leave it in a dedicated box. Here are some of the best items to include:

  • Set of screwdrivers
  • Wrenches, including an adjustable wrench and a socket set
  • Rope and duct tape
  • Utility knife with replacement blades
  • WD-40 or similar lubricant
  • Flashlights

Personal Items for Everyone

There are various things that you want to include when packing for personal hygiene and health. These items will vary some from person to person, of course, but some of the key elements to think about include:

  • Soap
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
  • Medications, both over-the-counter and any prescriptions.
  • Your pet’s medication and bowls. If your dog is traveling with you, remember their medications, too! This is so easy to forget.
  • A bottle of lotion
  • Bug spray and sunscreen
  • A disposable camera. Just for fun!

Entertainment

The whole point of heading out on an RV trip is to have a great time, so your packing won’t be finished until you load up some entertainment options to include in the rig with you. This can include both things that you will use inside of the RV and any equipment and accessories you’ll need to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. Of course, space is limited in an RV, so be strategic and make room for what you’re likely to use the most.

  • A pack of cards and some board games are great for rainy days or taking breaks from being out in the sun.
  • Kids (or adults) might want to bring art supplies like pens and pencils and some paper
  • Books or magazines to read during quiet time
  • Depending on space, you might bring bikes, scooters, inflatables for the water, fishing poles, etc.

Find Your Home Base with American Steel

We hope you found this RV road trip packing list helpful! With an organized packing plan in place, you’re already one step closer to your next exciting trip. And remember to always keep your RV protected when it isn’t on the open road. With a metal carport, you’ll know it will be kept safe from the elements between now and your next adventure. If you’re ready to start building, explore our free Build & Price tool today!

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Do you have questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact us whether you’re a potential dealer, customer, or simply researching our product. We’re here to serve you.

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