Mobile home carports are a popular feature nationwide, offering a convenient addition to mobile homes. These structures are available in various materials, colors, and sizes. They require no additional space if you have a driveway adjacent to your home.

Understanding Mobile Home Carports

A mobile home carport is an exterior structure attached to your mobile home, providing overhead coverage for your vehicle. It is typically installed above your driveway and may either connect to your mobile home’s side or back door or stand independently.

Carports are typically mounted on the side of mobile homes where the roof meets the exterior wall. They are supported by beams on the opposite side of the driveway, allowing ample space for parking a car underneath safely. Some carports may feature a supporting wall on the far end of the mobile home, providing additional strength and privacy.

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Carports vs. Garages

It is important to note that mobile home carports and garages are different. In comparison, a garage is a fully enclosed structure capable of housing not only a car but also other tools and appliances, and a carport functions as a roof extension that protects your vehicle from the elements. Unlike a garage, carports lack a front door that can be raised or lowered when parking or leaving.

Materials Used for Carports

Carports are predominantly made from sturdy materials like aluminum or other metals. These materials offer excellent resistance to rainfall and other inclement weather conditions. Moreover, they exhibit durability, with an aluminum or metal carport lasting at least a decade, if not longer.

Advantages of Carports

Carports provide several advantages for mobile homeowners, the foremost being weather protection. Shielding your car from rain, snow, and other harsh weather elements, helps maintain its condition. Additionally, carports can offer additional shade, preventing your vehicle from becoming unbearably hot on scorching sunny days.

Another advantage of carports is their space-saving nature. Since they primarily extend over your existing driveway, installing a carport typically does not require additional land clearing. Sometimes, you only need around a foot of space alongside your driveway to accommodate the support poles. Many carports can be anchored onto the edge of the driveway itself. Consequently, if your mobile home lacks a carport, finding space for installation can be relatively easy, especially if your driveway is directly adjacent to your home.

Carports also tend to be easier to maintain compared to garages. Minor cosmetic damage can be buffed out or painted over, and minor dents can be repaired by applying heat to the opposite end of the dent with a heat gun or hairdryer before pushing it out.

Affordability is another significant benefit of mobile home carports. Most carports range between $1,500 and $6,000, making them a more budget-friendly option compared to garages, which can cost around five figures.

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Installation Considerations

While you can purchase a carport and have it delivered to your mobile home, hiring a professional for installation is advisable. Your park manager must approve a carport if you live in a manufactured home community. Ensure compliance with both community and local government regulations to avoid any conflicts. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may require a permit to add a carport to your mobile home. It is also essential to avoid crossing lot lines when installing a carport in a community, as encroaching onto someone else’s property can lead to legal issues.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the age of your manufactured home. Newer homes may have a certificate, sticker, or other notice certifying their structural capacity to support a carport or other outdoor structures. However, older mobile homes may have a different certification. Check with your local or state jurisdiction to determine if your home requires certification and ensure it can support a carport.

Carports can be challenging to maneuver and install without proper expertise. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to attempt installation alone or construct a carport using spare materials. Hiring a team of contractors ensures a smooth and safe installation process.