Adding a Door or walls to a Carport, The Dangers of Modifying Your Carport

Carports provide a convenient and cost-effective way to protect your vehicles from the elements, but you must be aware of adding a door or walls to a carport, the dangers of modifying your carport. A carport avoids the larger cost and commitment of a full-fledged garage. It is never a cheap substitute to converting to a garage-like structure. A common question that arises among carport owners is whether it's safe to enclose their structure? That is by adding walls, doors, or other modifications. This should never be done on any existing steel or aluminum carport: it should not be altered.

Carports sold in Australia must be certified by an engineer to comply with all Australian Standards. They are classed by the building code as Class 10A structures. Garages are also classed as Class 10A Structures but that is where the similarities stop.

Many answers you see about adding to carports are from overseas sources and do not apply to Australia! Some Australian suppliers do not have the knowledge or experience to know that you cannot modify a certified Australian carport.

Carport Kits

Carports are typically certified to be open structures. This means that they are designed to withstand specific wind pressures and weight loads in their original state. Many carports in Australia just meet the minimum standards, many are under the minimum standards), for an open structure. Adding sides to a carport will increase wind pressure, changing the stress on the structure and so compromising its integrity. Moreover, adding walls to a carport significantly increases the pressure on the entire structure. This leads to the potentialrisks of collapse or damage.

Carports are designed to support their own weight only. That is without the additional burden of enclosed walls or doors! Placing extra pressure on a carport by enclosing it can be extremely dangerous for not only your vehicles but also for your family.

Adding a door to your carport, adding a Door or walls to a Carport, The Dangers of Modifying Your Carport

A roller door usually weighs around 70kg. This is a large additional weight to be placing on the beams and legs of a carport. Apart from the weight, an enclosed front will add large additional pressure to the structure, even in a mildly windy day. A door can only be added to a carport that is designed to take this additional weight and pressure. It is possible to strengthen a carport to take these pressures, but this should always be done in conjunction with a qualified engineer. An engineer can calculate the additional weights and pressures and give an accurate assessment of what need to be added and strengthened to take the weight of the new door.

Adding Walls to a Carport, adding a Door or walls to a Carport, The Dangers of Modifying Your Carport

If you are considering enclosing your carport, significant strengthening of the structure is necessary before doing so. This could involve reinforcing the frame, increasing the foundation, and adding additional support beams. However, keep in mind that even with these modifications, there are risks involved in altering the original design of the carport unless you have an engineer’s certification.

Adding Solar Panels to the roof of a Carport

Solar panels cannot be added to the roof of a carport. That is unless the carport has been designed to take this addition weight. There are only a couple of businesses in Australia who can design carports for solar panels and Car Covers and Shelter is one of these. They will also design carports that can have the strength and certification for the added weight of a roller door or walls.

When Can I add to my Carport?

Ideally, if you want to enclose any part of your carport, or add weight to the roof, it's best to have a carport that has been specifically designed to take the extra pressure and weight. This ensures that the structure is equipped and certified to manage the modifications safely.

Summary, adding a Door or walls to a Carport, The Dangers of Modifying Your Carport

It's essential to never enclose a carport unless it has been specifically designed for the extra weight and pressure that comes with adding walls or doors. Highly recommend seeking professional advice and consulting with a structural engineer or a licensed contractor before making any modifications to your carport.

While it may be tempting to enclose your carport for added protection, it's crucial to understand the potential dangers and risks associated with doing so. The safety of your vehicles, your family and neighbours should always take precedence. Remember to seek advice and explore all options before making any changes to your carport.

You can be sure to have the right structure designed for you by Car Covers and Shelter. Just let us know what you want, and we guarantee you the strongest, safest certified carports available in Australia.