While the south-eastern Australian climate might make it an exceptional place to live in many ways, the harsh sun and temperamental stormy weather can make it a somewhat less exceptional place for your family car to live in! There are different types of carports that can help your car from these elements (good and bad) and we have put together a list providing you with the different types of car covering options you have for keeping your car in tip-top shape, ranging from least to most effective.
Tarpaulin
Perhaps the easiest and cheapest way in which you can protect your car is by stringing up a tarp. Using some handy tent pegs, strings and few metal poles, it is entirely possible to erect a makeshift shelter to keep some of the harmful weather conditions at bay.
While this is the cheapest option we have available on the list, it should not be relied upon as a long-term solution. It is not the most effective, it is not likely to withstand heavy winds and it is not a great addition in terms of overall house aesthetics. It may even be against local Council regulations!
Gazebo
A similarly makeshift option comes in the form of a non-permanent gazebo. It is easy enough to find gazebos that will fit one or two cars for a reasonably cheap price (try eBay). Erecting a structure like this allows you to keep rain and sun off of your car, and can be easily secured to the ground.
While this (again) may be a good solution in the short term, it should not be relied on as a permanent solution. Leaving a gazebo outside for a long period of time will more than likely result in deterioration of the gazebo itself, leaving you out of pocket and with no protection. Also, it too may not conform to council regulations – and if really unsightly may cause some strife with your neighbours!
Shade Sail
A more viable option would be to install one or more shade sails. They are more permanent and can be installed in any number of configurations, colours, sizes or heights. This makes the option of shade sails very dynamic, as they are able to be customized to best suit your particular needs. They are relatively hardy in terms of durability and can be made to fit in with the overall look and style of your home.
The downside to this option is that the price for materials and installation is far higher than the earlier options. It is also possible for inclement weather to penetrate through the sails, as they aren’t totally waterproof and aren’t enclosed on the sides.
Carport
At Pacific Patios, we know more about all of the different types of carports than the other solutions we’ve mentioned. We have been designing, planning and constructing carports on the Gold Coast since 2003, and you can check out some of our work here.
As the most effective option on the list, carports are a tough option to beat.
Carports as a term can mean many different things, in terms of size, durability, aesthetics and building materials. One of the reasons why they are such a great choice is due to their versatility, as they can be custom constructed to any number of different sites.
Carports as a permanent structure make them extremely long-lasting, so you will probably find it is a good ROI. They can also be designed with your home’s existing style in mind, enhancing the overall value of your home. Another added advantage to a carport is that with a secure roller door and built-in side panels they are often more secure than the other options mentioned. This gives you peace of mind about leaving your car outside overnight.
The options we have outlined may vary greatly, but they can all be used as a way to better protect your vehicles from the harsh Australian climate. While these different types of carports and coverings offer varying levels of protection, a custom carport is your best bet if you want to protect your car from the elements and potential theft or even vandalism.
The style and design of carports range hugely, so if you’re in the market for a quality, value-adding carport for your Gold Coast Home, we’d love for you to get in contact today for a consultation with one of our experts.
