The Ultimate Guide to Metal Carport Maintenance

Metal carports are sturdy and reliable structures that protect outdoor vehicles and equipment. Discover how to properly care for your carport.

Metal Carport Maintenance

When you invest in a metal carport, you want it to last for a long time. If properly cared for, steel structures can last several decades, making them a fantastic investment if you’re looking to add storage space to your property. Read our ultimate guide to metal carport maintenance so you can keep your structure in top-tier condition for many years to come.

Annual Maintenance by Season

The first part of this guide will walk you through how to care for your carport in each season, but of course, you’ll need to make adjustments based on your location’s climate. Not everyone has to deal with snow, ice, or hundred-degree heat.

Summer Maintenance

The biggest issue during the summer is pests. Wasps, birds, and other critters will see your carport as the ideal spot to set up their nests. Though baby birds are cute, nobody wants bird poop on their car, RV, or tractor. Wasps make it dangerous to even use your carport.

To prevent birds from nesting in your carport’s rafters, line it with bird netting, which you can find at any hardware store. There is also a substance called methyl anthranilate, derived from grapes, which you can spray once a week if you don’t like the look of netting.

Methyl anthranilate is an ethical bird repellent that works by irritating birds’ taste and smell receptors, sort of like how humans react to cutting an onion. The smell is actually quite pleasant to most people, so don’t worry about it stinking up your carport.

Wasps, on the other hand, are not so easy to prevent. You’ll need to keep a close eye on any wasps flying near your carport and follow them to see if they’ve started building a nest nearby. If you don’t mind a little gardening, planting things like marigolds, mint, basil, and wormwood near your carport can help keep wasps away.

Fall Preparation

Once the temperatures start to cool, it’s a good idea to get your carport sprayed for insects, since the colder temperatures often drive bugs to look for shelter. If your carport is near trees, you’ll also want to remove any fallen leaves on a regular basis so that they don’t trap moisture or become homes for pests.

Another issue in the fall is rain. If your carport is older, you’ll want to keep an eye out after every storm for rust beginning to form. While newer steel carports are often made with higher-quality materials that resist rust, it’s never a bad idea to check.

If you find that water pools close to the foundation of your carport, it might be time to install gutters and downspouts to guide the water away from your metal structure. Pooling water can lead to rust and breeding insects.

Winter Maintenance

Most people install carports in order to protect vehicles, like boats, RVs, cars, and tractors. That said, your carport isn’t invincible. If you live in an area that gets lots of snow during the winter, make sure to clear off any buildup on your carport’s roof on a regular basis. Snow and ice weigh a lot more than you think, and the last thing you need is a collapsed roof right when it’s most important.

Spring Cleaning

When the last snow melts and the temperatures start to pick back up, it’s time to clear out your carport and give it a deep cleaning. Start by moving everything out from under your carport, then sweep out all the junk and debris left behind.

Next, give your carport a wash using your choice of tools. If your carport has only a little dirt buildup and some cobwebs, you can get by with just a garden hose and a spray nozzle. If there is a tougher layer of grime to clean up, you might need to break out the soap, and maybe rent a power washer. Once the shed is clean and dry, you can move everything back inside.

Specialized Maintenance

This section of our guide will give you advice on how to deal with specific problems you may encounter throughout the year.

Rust Buildup

No ultimate guide to metal carport maintenance would be complete without mentioning how to deal with rust. It requires some special tools to remove, including rust remover and scouring pads. Once you’ve removed the rust, give your carport a buff with metal polishing paste that you can get from any hardware store.

Removing Mold

Sometimes humidity causes mold to grow on the sides or interior of metal structures. If you notice this problem, you can use bleach and water to clean your carport. Make sure to wear gloves, goggles, and work in a well-ventilated space.

Corrosion and Holes

Though you always want to try and catch corrosion before it becomes a large problem, sometimes you miss things. If you spot any holes in your carport roof, you can repair them with alternating layers of urethane roof cement and steel roofing mesh. Be sure to clean the area of any rust, mold, or dirt before applying.

Prevent Maintenance Problems

You can prevent many of the most common issues with metal carports by taking special care before problems arise. Firstly, installing insulation can be a good idea if your carport frequently sweats. The insulation will help regulate temperatures in both warm and cool weather.

Secondly, make sure you keep up with any sealants on your carport, and add them if your carport currently lacks one. Sealants keep away moisture and make it much easier to clean grime and dirt.

If you’re just now looking to install a steel carport, or you want to replace the one you have, use Pro Metal Buildings’ free 3D design tool to create the perfect carport for your needs. Our carports are made of high-quality steel and are highly resistant to rust and other moisture problems. Choosing one of our custom carports means you’ll be able to avoid many of the maintenance tasks in this guide. Plus, we even offer free delivery and installation!

Carports are incredibly useful structures that protect your vehicles, grills, and other equipment during the most extreme weather conditions. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

Call us at 888-536-1585

Metal Carport Maintenance