Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
Choose a metal carport if you mainly need a roof over vehicles or equipment and quick access. Choose an enclosed metal garage if you need security, a weather-tight space or room to work. Many buyers in Colorado land in between, with a partly enclosed building or a garage with a lean-to.
Key takeaways
- A carport is a roof on a steel frame, sometimes with one or more sides closed in. It protects from sun, hail and snow, not theft or blowing dust.
- A garage is fully enclosed with roll-up and walk doors. It protects against weather, wind-driven snow and theft.
- Both are steel-framed and engineered to your site's snow and wind loads.
- A carport can be the first step: many open buildings can be closed in later if planned for at the start.
- The right answer depends on what you're storing, how exposed your site is and what your county requires.
What is the difference between a carport and a garage?
| Metal carport | Metal garage | |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Open, or one to three sides closed | Fully enclosed |
| Doors | None needed | Roll-up and walk doors |
| Protects from | Sun, hail, falling snow | Sun, hail, snow, wind, dust, theft |
| Access | Drive in from any open side | Through the doors |
| Foundation | Often anchored to ground, gravel or concrete, per the engineering | Usually a concrete slab |
| Room to work | Limited in wind and cold | Year-round with insulation and heat |
When is a carport the better choice?
- You need cover, not a lockup. Daily vehicles, a tractor you use every day, or a boat that just needs shade and hail protection.
- You want fast, open access. Pull through, back a trailer in, or load from the side.
- You're covering something tall or long. Open sides make it easier to fit RVs, trailers and equipment.
Our Buildings & Pricing page includes an open-sided building as an example. See metal carports for what we offer.
When is a garage worth it?
- Security matters. Tools, vehicles and equipment behind a locked door.
- Weather gets in sideways. On exposed ground, wind drives snow and dust under any open-sided roof.
- You want to work inside. A garage can be insulated and heated. See how to insulate and heat a shop and how big a detached garage should be.
- You care about condensation control. An enclosed building lets you manage moisture. See stopping condensation.
See detached garages and metal garages.
Can I start with a carport and close it in later?
Often, yes, if you plan for it. Walls add weight and catch wind, so a building that might be enclosed later should be engineered for that from the start. Tell us at the quote stage, and read can I add on to a steel building later?.
Do I need a permit for a carport?
It depends on your county and the building's size. Some counties treat carports differently from enclosed buildings, and some don't. Permit requirements vary by county, and we'll walk you through what yours requires. Start with do I need a permit?.
Frequently asked questions
Will a metal carport hold up to Colorado snow?
It will when it's engineered for your site's snow and wind loads. Every building we sell is engineered for the location it's going to. See snow load and wind load.
Is a carport cheaper than a garage?
A carport of the same footprint usually costs less because it has fewer walls and no doors. Get a written quote for both if you're unsure. See what drives the price.
Can a carport have a closed side?
Yes. Closing in one side or end against the prevailing wind is a common middle ground.
Can I finance either one?
Yes. Rocky Mountain Metal offers rent-to-own through RTO National, financing through Heartland, and 90-days-same-as-cash. See financing.
