Jul 16, 2021 | Aluminum Awnings, Aluminum Carport
When customers reach out to Dulando Screen & Awning about a carport, they have a decision to make. Should they opt for a carport awning or a carport canopy? The defining difference between the two is a matter of attachment, but that’s just the beginning. If you’re trying to choose between carport awnings and carport canopies, you’ll want to dig a little deeper.
Awnings Versus Canopies
As their names make clear, both carport awnings and carport canopies are carports. You’ll find that either of these types of carports are a fantastic way to create a shady, protected space for your vehicle. Parking your car underneath a cover will protect it from the wear and tear of ultraviolet rays and other Florida weather patterns. It will also help to keep the interior of the vehicle cooler, so you’ll be more comfortable when you get inside.
What makes them different? Ultimately, it is a basic architectural difference that separates the carport awning from the carport canopy. Awnings attach to a building. Canopies are freestanding structures. That basic design difference means that each structure has certain advantages and drawbacks.
Carport Awnings – Advantages and Drawbacks
What advantages do awnings offer when they’re used for a carport? Because they’re attached to your home, awnings can be used to create a covered entryway. You’ll be able to enter and exit your vehicle without worrying about the weather. The awning also shades your home. This helps to keep it cooler, which can lower your energy bill.
However, you can’t just tack an awning on anywhere. You have to think about how the addition will impact the look and function of your home. This limits the placement and size of the new feature. After all, you wouldn’t put an awning where there’s no reasonable access point. Nor would you want an awning that creates a strain on your home’s structure or looks out of place beside it.
Carport Canopies – Benefits and Downsides
Sometimes called carport tent or portable canopies, they do offer a bit more freedom. After all, they’re not tied to a structure, so you have more control over their placement and their size. Canopies can be as big as your space and budget allow.
Canopies do have their downsides. Without a larger structure to shelter and buffer it, it’s more vulnerable when the Sunshine State’s weather turns wicked. Material choice is especially important with a carport canopy.
Material Considerations
There are lots of choices when it comes to materials for both awnings and canopies. Fabric is lightweight and colorful. Unfortunately, most fabrics won’t hold up when exposed to the Florida sun and humidity. They will require frequent replacement. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance material that won’t rip, rust, or fall prey to destructive insects, then aluminum is a better choice. While they might cost a little more, aluminum carports are much more durable, so you are likely to see a better return on your investment.
Additional Reading:
If you’re interested in learning more about carport awnings or canopies give us a call. Dulando Screen & Awning can help you design a fantastic carport awning crafted from high-quality aluminum that will enhance your space. Contact us today for a free in-home design consultation.
Jun 25, 2019 | Aluminum Carport
Why do so many homeowners in the Sunshine State believe carports are fantastic? If you ask around, you’re likely to hear an assortment of answers. That’s because these simple structures offer a wide range of advantages. Here are the top seven reasons to consider building a carport for your home.
1. Protection. The skies aren’t always sunny in Florida. Constant exposure to the elements can cause an automobile’s paint to fade. When the weather turns rough, they can suffer damage from hail, wind-driven debris, and other hazards. Parking under a carport offers protection that can keep your vehicle in better condition.
2. Comfort. Getting into a car that’s been parked in the sun can feel like settling into a sauna. A carport offers welcome shade that keeps your vehicle’s interior cooler and more comfortable. It also provides shelter from precipitation. It is far easier to stay dry on rainy days if you can get out of the car and get organized before dealing with an umbrella. What about those times when you return home after dark?
3. Security. A carport offers a sense of security as you exit your vehicle at night. In fact, an attached carport may allow you to enter your home without stepping out from under cover.
4. Versatility. Carports can be used for more than parking vehicles. These versatile structures can provide a shaded workplace, a spot to corral children’s toys, or easily accessed storage for yard equipment. They can even be used as an impromptu patio. Are you concerned a summer shower might rain on your outdoor gathering? Simply park the car elsewhere and arrange your lawn furniture beneath the carport’s roof.
5. Convenience.
It’s hard to find a more user-friendly structure than an aluminum carport. There are no doors to open or close. If you build an attached carport, you simply walk out your front door to your car, get in and go. What about maintenance? Aluminum carports are ideal if you want an attractive structure that will serve you well without requiring a lot of upkeep.
6. Value.
If you want a sheltered spot to park your car, you could build a garage, but that’s an expensive undertaking. An aluminum carport offers an affordable alternative. Adding a carport can be a clever way to increase your home’s curb appeal. Many people appreciate the practical benefits of these popular structures. Are you concerned about aesthetics? With so many carport designs to choose from, it isn’t hard to find one that suits your style.
7. Eco-Friendly.
If making environmentally friendly choices is important to you, aluminum carports are definitely worth a closer look. After all, aluminum isn’t just a low-maintenance material. It’s recyclable too.
Additional Reading: Building a Carport
If you’re thinking about building a carport, we hope we’ve sweetened the pot by providing a few more reasons why an aluminum carport is a good idea. Whatever your reason is, the professionals at Dulando Screen & Awning can help. With our design experience, insistence on quality materials and in-house fabrication shop, we deliver excellence every time. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to request a free estimate for your custom aluminum carport.
Apr 11, 2018 | Aluminum Carport
Do you want to offer covered parking on your commercial property? Aluminum commercial carports are hard to beat when compared to other types of covered parking. These cleverly designed structures offer many advantages. See for yourself the many benefits of adding an aluminum commercial carport to your property as well as the benefits for your customers.
Increased Appeal
The chance to park under the protective cover of a commercial carport is something that customers, staff and tenants all appreciate. Installing this desirable feature can make it easier to draw clients to your property. It may also aid in keeping rental spaces occupied.
Why do aluminum carports increase your property’s appeal?
These structures can benefit both vehicles and people. Automobiles that are routinely parked beneath an aluminum carport tend to remain in better condition. After all, they enjoy some protection from damaging forces like the harsh sun, wind-driven debris and hail. Commercial carports also make life more comfortable for people. They supply shelter from bad weather, so you can stay dry when you’re entering, exiting or loading a vehicle. Plus, they provide welcome shade that helps to keep your vehicle’s interior cooler.
Affordability
Typically your two choices if you want to provide covered parking on your property are either an aluminum carport or a parking garage. Unsurprisingly commercial carport structures generally cost substantially less to build than a parking garage. Even a single story parking garage. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive and the installation is a breeze as compared to concrete. Building a commercial carport is an affordable way to add covered parking to your commercial property.
Minimal Maintenance
Steel may have a reputation for strength, but it’s no match for Florida’s famous humidity. In Florida, steel carport structures need a lot of maintenance to retain their stability and appearance. Aluminum carports are better to withstand corrosion, are naturally resistant to rot, and tough enough to weather high winds. Prized for their durability, aluminum carports do not need constant attention. Your new aluminum carport can deliver years of dependable service while requiring little in the way of maintenance.
Improved Property Values
A commercial carport offers an excellent return on your investment and has the potential to increase your commercial property’s value.
A Variety of Styles
Custom commercial carports made from aluminum come in a variety of sizes, colors and designs. That makes it easy to select a look that suits both your sense of style and the appearance of your property.
- Do you prefer the crisp, clean look of a cantilever structure?
- Is the time-tested appeal of a post and purlin structure a good match for your existing architecture?
- Are you a fan of T-frame commercial carports that provide coverage with minimal intrusion from supports?
- Do you want an attached carport to your covered walkway or the business entrance?
With so many carport design options to choose from, you are sure to find a commercial parking structure that is both practical and stylish.
Solar Panel Possibilities
Are you interested in capitalizing on Florida’s sunny weather by installing solar panels? Aluminum carports can serve as solar framing. Why place solar panels on a commercial carport’s roof? It’s a great way to enjoy the energy savings that solar panels can provide without giving up useful space.
These are just a few of the benefits of building an aluminum commercial carport on your property. Even though this article was all about aluminum commercial carports, Dulando also offers matching walkways. Your customers will definitely love those.
Dulando Screen & Awnings offers an extensive range of custom commercial carports built from top-quality aluminum by expert craftsman. Our covered carports improve the curb appeal and value of your commercial property. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to explore your options and request a free no-obligation quote for a new custom commercial carport.
Jan 23, 2018 | Aluminum Carport
Both metal and aluminum carports have their advantages. Which is better? More importantly to those who call the Sunshine State home, which is better in Florida? When deciding between metal and aluminum carports, you’ll want to consider the following factors.
Strength
There’s a reason Superman is called the man of steel. Steel is incredibly strong. In fact, a piece of steel is twice as strong as a comparable piece of aluminum. This can be a compelling feature in areas where snow and ice tend to weigh down roofs during the winter months. However, that argument doesn’t carry much weight in Florida with our warmer climates. When it comes to carports, aluminum has enough muscle to do the job. Regarding strength, a carport cover crafted from either steel or aluminum will perform well in Florida.
Corrosion
Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion. Steel isn’t. It rusts more quickly when exposed to moisture unless covered with a special protective coating. If you live on the Florida coast, you also need to consider the salt air coming inland from the ocean. If that protective layer is compromised on a metal carport by dings or scratches, rust is likely to occur. The Florida coast is known for high humidity, and frequent rains are merely facts of life. Since metal carports constructed from steel are more vulnerable to these elements, anyone building a carport on the coast will likely find that aluminum is the better choice.
Durability
Hardness is a significant consideration when you’re talking about durability. Steel is a harder metal than aluminum, so it’s better able to resist dents. However, since rust can compromise the structural integrity of metal, corrosion-resistance can’t be discounted. As noted above, aluminum wins when it comes to fending off the rust. If durability is your primary concern, steel and aluminum each have their strengths and weaknesses. You’ll need to weigh the matter carefully and decide which best suits your needs.
Maintenance
To keep metal carports at their best, you’ll need to regularly inspect them for scratches or dings and repair any damaged areas promptly to avoid corrosion. Since aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, this eagle-eyed maintenance routine isn’t necessary with aluminum carport awnings. For Floridians who prefer to spend their time on other things, low-maintenance aluminum carports are a smart choice.
Cost
The cost of the materials used in its construction is a significant influence on the price of a carport. Steel is less expensive than aluminum. Therefore, it costs less to build a steel carport than a comparable aluminum one. However, an aluminum carport might still be the better value. Since Florida’s steamy weather is likely to shorten the lifespan of a steel carport, you may need to replace it sooner. In the long term, an aluminum carport is likely to offer you more for your money.
Serving Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas, Dulando Screen & Awning brings an unswerving commitment to quality, craftsmanship and customer service to every project that we install. We are a locally owned company and have the experience to know what works well in Florida. If you’re interested in installing an aluminum carport at your home or business, contact us today at 407-862-6060 to request a free quote.
Oct 17, 2017 | Aluminum Carport
If your home doesn’t have a garage, or if you prefer to use your garage for other purposes, adding a carport garage to your home will provide your vehicles with some shelter from the elements. Although you can have a covered carport built out of almost any material, there are two major types of carports: metal carports for their combination of strength and durability; and aluminum carports for their maintenance-free benefit. Aluminum and metal or steel are the most common materials used in garage carports, but Florida homeowners will usually be better off looking for an aluminum carport. We’ve broken down the requirements in 4 segments for comparing metal carports to aluminum carports.
Maintenance Requirements
Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust, making it a low-maintenance option for a carport. Even after standing up to the winds and rains of Florida, an aluminum carport will look as good as it did the day it was installed. At most, aluminum carports may develop a powdery residue over a few decades, but this generally happens in only the most extreme cases.
Metal carports, on the other hand, require special coatings to protect the metal from rusting. This coating on steel carports can easily scratch from tree branches in the wind, stray golf balls, or overzealous pets. Scratched areas become vulnerable to rust, and over time the rust can spread through the rest of the covered carport. With the frequent rains experienced by much of Florida, rust is a real concern for a steel carport; watching for and repairing scratches in a steel carport is a regular chore that isn’t necessary with an aluminum carport.
Strength Differences
Per volume, aluminum weighs a third as much as steel and is about half as strong. This may make a difference for things like cars and buildings, but for most homeowners, aluminum is plenty strong enough for a long-lasting aluminum carport awning. The added strength of steel is only necessary in climates that regularly experience heavy snows; steel isn’t necessary for most Florida homeowners.
Durability
Metal carports will hold up better to dents and dings than aluminum, but it’s less durable in wet weather than aluminum. Without its galvanized coating, a steel carport will begin to rust quickly in Florida’s rainy weather. Additionally, saltwater will eat through even coated steel with gusto. If you don’t want to spend all day checking your coating for scratches, or if your carport is ever likely to be exposed to even misted saltwater, aluminum will last much longer for most Florida homeowners.
Cost Considerations
On average, steel is cheaper than aluminum. Since the cost of raw materials is a major factor in determining the final cost of your carport, steel carports will often be cheaper to install than aluminum carports. However, with the decreased lifespan of a steel carport, you may end up paying for multiple metal carports because of rust and other corrosion. An aluminum carport may be more expensive up front, but it’s still the better choice; you won’t need to replace it after a few years as you would with a steel carport.
Click on this article If you’re looking for what to look for in a contractor to build an aluminum carport.
If your Orlando home, apartment building or condo needs an aluminum carport, contact the experts at DuLando Screen & Awning. We’re experts in building aluminum carports and can design and build a carport that will be perfect for your home. Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to get started with a free consultation.
Oct 25, 2016 | Aluminum Carport
Adding a carport to your residential or commercial property is a great way to add covered parking to your property without the expense of a parking garage. Building an aluminum carport that will last through inclement weather and the ravages of time isn’t a simple process. We’ve outlined a few simple ideas to help ensure that your project is successful.
Determine Your Needs
Before you embark on your carport plan, you need to decide what features you want in your project. Custom aluminum carports meet a variety of requirements. For example, you can choose to have a carport attached to your residential or commercial space or create a free-standing structure. You’ll also need to decide on the carport’s size and materials. If you’re building a carport for a multi-family dwelling such as a condo or townhouse, you’ll probably want to build a large structure made of durable aluminum that can accommodate multiple cars.
Consider Additional Features
Even basic aluminum carport designs will protect cars from the elements. However, there are extra features available that will help you get more out of your investment. For example, gutters and rainspouts can help keep moisture from causing damage to the structure. Adding insulation to your carport design can help regulate the temperature within the structure and avoid excess condensation.
Decide On Your Budget
Your budget can help you determine the number of elements for your carport, including the number of structures you need, as well as the size of each structure and the materials used. When building an aluminum carport, it is more costly than a wooden structure, but the longevity of the product will save you money for years to come. Talk to a carport contractor to identify the budget ahead of time. Then when you’re ready to build, you’ll already have a budget decided.
Shop for a Contractor
Once you have a rough idea of the carport garage you want for your home or multi-family facility, you can start looking for a contractor to build your project. Make sure the carport builder has experience building carports. It’s not just an aluminum structure. Experience is vital. Look at their online portfolio. When applicable, visit some of their locations. Talk to other businesses or homeowners for a referral. After coming up with a list of potential contractors, talk to each one individually to find the best fit for your project. Don’t let the contractor’s quote be the only deciding factor; choosing the cheapest option might leave you with an inexpensive carport that can’t survive one Florida storm.
Plan Ahead for Maintenance
A good way to protect your covered carport is to periodically perform maintenance. After your carport is completed, schedule some time to examine your carport annually. Use this time to look for minor problems, such as small holes or clogged gutters. Fixing these issues when they’re small can prevent bigger problems later.
Aluminum carports are excellent additions for multi-family complexes such as apartments, condos, townhomes and even timeshares. If you’re considering adding an aluminum carport to your property, contact Dulando Screen & Awning, Inc today for more assistance. We have offices in New Smyrna Beach and Orlando and will work with you to build an aluminum carport that will last for years to come.
