When you are in the market for a cheap steel carport, you might find it overwhelming because there are so many varieties of cheap carports in the market today each claiming to be better than the other. While it is nearly impossible to compare the pros and cons and pluses and minuses of every single steel carport that is out there, I decided to give some basics that you can use to gage the quality of the steel carport that are envisaging to purchase and install.
When purchasing a steel carport, the first thing you want to compare is the corrosion finish applications of the steel. A carport system that uses a clear coat finish in addition to the galvanized steel finish is better than one that is only galvanized. Corrosion protection is important especially since the carport steel members will be exposed to the elements. Next check the gauge of the steel frame elements. A 11 gauge frame is a lot sturdier than a 15 gauge frame and unless you specifically compare apples to apples, you are liable to settle for something substandard. You need strong and sturdy frames for your steel carport.
Next check the load bearing capacity and wind bearing capacity of your carport. A steel carport that is capable of handling a 30 pound snow load and an 80 mile per hour wind load is a lot better than one that is rated for a 10 pound snow load and a 30 mile per hour wind load. It might sound silly, but do you know that some steel carport suppliers do not even give out these ratings
Another very important parameter to check is the yield strength level of the steel used in the carport design. Put very simply, yield strength of a material is the stress level at which the material will start to yield and start depicting plastic deformation. A steel carport supplier that claims to use steel that is a 70,000 pounds per square inch yield strength steel is definitely offering you a superior carport compared with a steel carport supplier that is offering a 40,000 pounds per square inch yield strength steel carport. These may sound like difficult questions to ask, but then again it is your money and let no salesman push you to buy without giving all the details. Also check the quality of the connections and the thread quality at the ends. Ensure that the highest quality fittings and threaded ends are designed. If the panels come in painted, ask for what kind of warranty will the manufacturer offer against fading, cracking or peeling. You do not want to be left painting and re-painting every two or three years.
When it comes to steel carports, price alone does not guarantee quality. You may find a cheap steel carport, cheap as in lower cost, that is actually better in design as opposed to a more expensively priced carport. How much of a margin is the manufacturer building in to the price is a major factor in pricing. But ensure that the quality is obtained by top of the line material and design specifications and you will end up with a steel carport that you will love for a long time to come.
Steel carports quality comparisons
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