What is a parking shelter?
A carport, also often referred to as a vehicle shed or garage canopy, is a structural building or simple structure that provides shelter and protection for vehicles such as private cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. Its main function is to reduce the direct erosion of vehicles under adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, sunlight and hail, extend the service life of vehicles, and improve the cleanliness and comfort of the parking environment.
Type of carport
Common types of carports
Type | Function | Materials | Suitable Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Sunshade Carport | Blocks sunlight, reduces heat | PC panels, tensile membrane fabric | Areas with strong sunlight, open-air parking |
Rainproof Carport | Sunshade + rain protection | Color steel sheets, waterproof PVC fabric, PC panels | Rainy regions, residential garage entrances |
Flat-Roof Steel Carport | Stable structure, flat roof, strong load capacity | Hot-dip galvanized steel pipes or H-beams + color steel/PC panels | Public parking lots, enterprises, schools |
Cantilever (Single-Side Support) Carport | Visually light, space-efficient | Steel frame + PC panels/membrane fabric | Residential communities, commercial plazas |
Arched (Curved) Carport | Smooth drainage, stylish appearance | Curved steel beams + membrane structure or polycarbonate panels | High-end communities, villas, scenic areas |
Membrane Structure Carport | Versatile design, good light transmission, excellent drainage | PTFE membrane, PVC membrane, ETFE film | Commercial centers, exhibition venues |
Portable (Detachable) Carport | Removable and mobile, highly flexible | Lightweight aluminum frame + waterproof fabric/tarpaulin | Temporary parking, construction sites, expos |
Wooden Carport | Eco-friendly, decorative | Treated wood, solid wood beams + glass or PC roofing | Private yards, resorts, hotel facilities |
Glass (Laminated/Tempered) Carport | Modern look, great lighting | Steel or aluminum frame + laminated safety glass | Office areas, high-end residences, airports |
Modular/Prefabricated Carport | Modular design, easy to expand | Steel or aluminum alloy + various roofing materials | Large public areas, schools, factories |
Integrated Carport with EV Charger | Convenient charging, optional solar panels | Steel frame + solar PV panels/electrical system | New energy parking lots, company garages |
1.Sunshade carport
A sunshade carport—also called a carport canopy or vehicle sun shelter—is a freestanding or attached structure designed to protect cars, motorcycles, bicycles and other vehicles from sun, rain, snow and hail. By blocking UV rays and harsh weather, a sunshade carport helps preserve paint and interior, reduces summer heat buildup, and extends the life of your vehicle.
(1)Main framework
- Material: Hot-dip galvanized steel, aluminum alloy or stainless steel, featuring high strength and corrosion resistance.
- Form: Cantilever support (" wing type ") creates a simple appearance; Four-column or multi-column supports are used to achieve maximum stability.
(2)roofing materials
- Polycarbonate sheet: Diffused light, UV-resistant, can block up to 90% of direct sunlight while ensuring natural lighting.
- Membrane structure fabric: Tensioned PVC or HDPE fabric, economical, easy to install, and available in multiple colors.
- Metal sheets: Corrugated or lockedge steel/aluminum sheets, which are highly durable but relatively heavy, are suitable for industrial scenarios.
(3)accessories and add-ons
- Drainage channels and downspouts: Drain rainwater in time to prevent water accumulation.
- Wind-resistant support: Cross tie rods or steel cable structures to enhance wind resistance performance.
- Surface treatment: Powder coating or galvanized coating for rust prevention.
2.Rainproof Carport
A rainproof carport is a specially designed shelter to protect vehicles from rain on rainy days. It quickly guides and drains rainwater through a reasonable roof structure and drainage system, thus preventing the vehicle from getting wet and extending the service life of the body and interior.
(1)Main framework
- Material: Hot-dip galvanized steel, aluminum alloy or stainless steel, all of which have undergone anti-corrosion treatment to ensure no rust during years of outdoor use.
- Form: Usually, four-column or multi-column supports are adopted to ensure stability in heavy rain or strong wind weather.
(2)roofing materials
- Waterproof tiles: PVC color steel tiles, profiled steel sheets, aluminum-magnesium-manganese alloy tiles, with tight splicing and excellent drainage effect.
- Anti-seepage polycarbonate sheet (PC sheet) : It features UV resistance, anti-aging, and good sealing performance, and can withstand a certain degree of water accumulation pressure.
- Waterproof membrane: Lay waterproof rolls or rubber sealing strips at the interface between the board and the frame to prevent water leakage.
(3)Drainage and protective accessories
- Gutters and downspouts: Horizontal gutters collect roof rainwater, which is then discharged to the ground or the stormwater network through vertical downspouts.
- Anti-blocking grid: Installed at the entrance of the eave gutter to prevent fallen leaves and debris from blocking it.
- Sealing strips and pressure strips: Rubber sealing strips are installed at the joints of the roof panels and fixed with aluminum alloy pressure strips to enhance the sealing performance.
Examples of application scenarios
Residential communities: Single carports or row carports provide convenient parking protection for property owners.
Commercial center: Large parking carports, usually combined with smart charging piles, cater to the needs of shopping customers.
Enterprise park: Customized carports, which can be designed as access control areas and visitor parking areas.
Schools and hospitals: Specialized bicycle and motorcycle sheds provide convenient services for teachers, students and patients.
Public transportation stops: Bus and taxi waiting area carports to ensure a comfortable waiting environment for drivers and passengers.
Purchase Tips
Load-bearing capacity and wind and snow resistance: Select appropriate profiles and structures based on local climate (wind speed, snowfall volume).
Anti-corrosion grade: Especially in coastal or riverine areas, high anti-corrosion materials or surface treatments should be given priority.
Lighting and ventilation: If all-weather brightness is required, transparent or semi-transparent roof panels can be selected. The ventilation design can prevent the carport from getting damp.
Maintenance convenience: Easy to disassemble and assemble, replace roof panels or accessories, reducing later maintenance costs.
Aesthetics and Customization: Colors, shapes, and additional functions (such as charging piles and solar power generation) can be customized according to project requirements.