As winter has finally come in full force, you’ll find yourself busy with snow removal. Sidewalks and driveways need plowing or shoveling, and a heavy bag of salt probably sits just to the side of your front door to make the walkway safe on those days when the temperature dips below freezing and cement and blacktop freezes.

You’ll have to take the same precautions when it comes to your vehicle. From warming it up a few minutes before you need to leave for work or school to scraping off ice and snow after a big storm, you have to be on the ball once wintertime is here. Of course, a carport can go a long way when it comes to winter maintenance. Not only do you have a secure place to enter and exit your vehicle, but it prevents snow and ice from building up as much as it would without a carport. These architectural features were once more popular than they are today, but a carport can serve you well if you take care of it.

Image Credit: Ctguitarguy, via Wikimedia Commons

The beauty of a carport is that it takes all the stress, and snow, off your vehicle(s). However, the carport takes on that stress, and if you’re experiencing a cold winter complete with several feet of snow, your carport is holding up potentially hundreds of pounds of snow. As every new storm dumps more on the ground and your carport, the structure can begin to sag. In the worst case scenario, your carport could collapse, dumping all that snow, shingles, wood and other materials on your car. Even a small collapse could take a lot of work and money to properly clean up, which is why you have to make sure your carport will hold up in winter conditions, this and every winter season.

Before the big snowfall, check that your carport is secure. Sagging or leaning are red flags, and if you catch them in time, you may be able to replace aging beams, fallen shingles or other supports. Carports made of wood are more prone to degrading from exposure to the elements, so periodic sealing can help to prolong the life of your carport. However, you might consider replacing wooden beams or support with cement and shingled roofs with aluminum for a structure that will last longer. In fact, newer car ports often use these materials by default.

Once the snow starts to fall, you should make sure to remove it with a roof rake. Shovel or plow a path around your carport to give you access with the rake. Pull the snow down from the carport. Furthermore, an angled roof on your carport can help the snow and other debris to naturally fall to the ground, rather than weighing it down. Angled car ports are becoming increasingly popular.

If your carport includes drain channels or gutters, you’ll want to clean them out just like you do the rest of your house. Otherwise, debris could cause a blockage that prevents precipitation from correctly running back into the ground. You don’t want to create a situation where water or ice build up and cause your gutters to fall.

While you will have to perform some maintenance of your carport, just having one reduces the amount of time you’ll spend shoveling around and clearing off your car. Take a few minutes to check on your carport to make it last longer.

Bio:
As an author, Jordan McPelt writes about various subject matters related to construction and home improvement, including car ports.