FAQs

Many people in USA also have so much stuff in their garage that they do not even have room to park their vehicles in there. A carport will provide that extra bit of storage and extra protection for any vehicle that may be parked outside. Carports can be designed to suit any purpose. Some have been built to be used as a carport or an outdoor porch area. They are also used as a change room at the swimming pool or beach. Some have been fitted with side panels to provide even more protection from the elements and are being used as an outdoor storage shed. Other people have used it as a cheap alternative to building a home extension by enclosing the area with walls, a window, and a sliding door to make an extra room in the house. This enclosed type of carport is being used for a wide range of uses such as a home office, art studio, music room, kids’ playroom, exercise area, and many more. Overall, it is quite evident that carports have an array of benefits and can suit the many requirements of people, providing protection for anything from cars, boats, caravans, entertaining, or even an extension of your home. With this in mind, considering a carport to suit your needs may just be a worthy investment.

If your carport is built right next to your home, you can then enter and exit your vehicle in safety and coverage from the rain and the Sun. A carport is not only a valuable thing for the protection of your vehicle, but it can also lead to an increase in the value of your home. A carport is a low-cost improvement that can add both style and function to your home. Whether it be timber to match a more traditional style home or steel to add a modern flare, a carport is an option for all types of homes.

Aside from adding value to your home, considering the lifespan of a carport is also substantial. A carport is a cost-effective investment for adding protection for your car, caravan, or boat from the elements. The materials used and the simple design should allow a carport to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide protection to your vehicle for many years to come. A quality carport can be expected to require little maintenance and have a lifespan of 15-20 years if well looked after. The longevity of a carport is also a benefit if you wish to market your carport and sell it at a later date. If your carport is considered an extension, it will need to meet council regulations and can be seen as a desirable addition to your home by potential buyers. Due to the low maintenance, providing your carport is in good condition when it comes time to sell, it can be marketed as an added feature and increase the sale price of your property.

Beyond the aesthetic benefits of adding a carport to your property, carports also increase the monetary worth of your property. If you are considering reselling your home in the future, adding a carport can be a clever investment. Potential home buyers may see the advantages of a carport as a desirable feature and be more inclined to provide you with the asking price, or more, when it comes time to sell. If your home should have a garage, then a carport is a cheaper alternative that may allow you to provide the same benefits a garage would, at a much lower cost.

A carport is an essential fixture for any American home. With the intense climate and harsh weather conditions on offer throughout the year, a carport is like insurance on your vehicle. It will protect your car from hail, snow, rain, and damaging sunlight. It will protect your car from water damage, which can cause the paint to peel and the metal to rust. It will also protect your vehicle from falling branches, debris, or anything else that may be blown onto it by the wind. High winds can often cause trees to topple, causing substantial damage to vehicles.

A carport has great advantages because it provides protection for your vehicle's surface from harmful weather conditions. Most can be assembled with a few basic tools, have UV resistant materials, and feature a sturdy design. The type of carport you choose will determine how well it protects your car. More robustly built carports, such as steel frame carports and timber framed carports, will offer better protection.

Carports can be a cheaper alternative than building a garage. If you only have a small area of land and simply wish to protect your car, a carport may be the best option. Carports are designed for vehicles, but with a small adjustment, they can provide shelter for other things. A carport is a wise investment for your vehicle's protection. Your vehicle is most likely the second largest investment you will make after your home. Having a carport will keep your vehicle out of the harmful weather as well as be a safer alternative than parking on the street.

Remember, a tent is supposed to keep you dry and comfortable in all types of weather. Keep this in mind when considering tent style, quality, and the addition of a fly. A frame-supported tent with a built-in no-see-um mesh house and a full coverage rainfly offers the best versatility and comfort in all weather. A no-see-um mesh enclosure will keep bugs out and add fresh air ventilation on clear warm nights. Tents without a full coverage rainfly or an umbrella-type rainfly offer less comfort and versatility in foul weather. Dome tents offer great weather resistance with their wind-shedding aerodynamics, but make sure the dome has a well-built and solid frame. Beware of cheaply made dome tents with poor frame strength. A sun/rain shelter is also a good addition to any campsite for added protection and comfort in inclement weather and has the added versatility of being a stand-alone shelter for any outdoor activity. There are a variety of different kinds of tents, different styles, shapes, and purposes. But what's the right tent for you? Consider your needs and the needs of your group. How important is comfort? How important is privacy? How important is safety? A good way to answer these questions is to consider when and where you will be camping. Try to visualize the ideal campsite you would like to have.

If you are a parent with young children, you will need to take into account their needs. While you or you and your partner can likely share a tent without qualm, if the kids are old enough and responsible enough, you may wish to get them their own tent. If they are to share a tent with you, you may still get away with purchasing a 2/3-man tent, although a larger family tent will give you more room and a bit of flexibility. First, you will need to determine what situations you most need a tent for: a family trip, a boys' camping weekend, a festival with your partner, etc. If the tent is mainly, or exclusively, for festival use, it is likely to only be used as a place to sleep, so you can likely get away with a smaller tent. However, if the festival has poor weather, you may be forced to spend a considerable amount of time inside your tent, so consider this when deciding how big to go.

The tent's intended use fits hand in hand with the tent type. Base camps and car camping lend to a heavier tent with more luxurious features. If base camping or car camping, it is always nice to have a separate rain room and a tent with a roof that extends beyond the walls. Often there is a weight constraint to the campsite, so always consider how far the tent must be carried. Pulling a child's wagon is a great way to get a heavy tent to a campsite if a car cannot be driven all the way. High mountain climbers and backpackers will need a tent that is both lightweight and functional. A lightweight quality tent can be cost-effective, as it can be used for family camping trips if a second, heavier tent is purchased for the car camp or base camp. A lightweight tent will typically have a reduced packed size, making it easier to transport. The tent must withstand the environmental conditions of the location and season of intended use. Always consider the durability, longevity, and repairability of a tent.

Tents are classified as 3-season, extended season, or 4-season. A 3-season tent is designed for spring, summer, and fall conditions. A 3-season tent employs more mesh and has greater ventilation. Extended and 4-season tents are designed to withstand harsher weather. They will typically have more poles, tougher fabrics, and a stronger framework. The tradeoff for the bombproof shelter is the weight increase and the reduction in ventilation. A 4-season tent can be very uncomfortable in the summer. For any tent, always look for a full coverage rainfly and factory sealed seams. Tents can leak in the seams and the zippers, so spend some time seam sealing for full rain protection. If weight and pack size is of little or no concern, always go with a 4-season tent for its strength and versatility.

This refers to the time and effort that must be put into a tent in order to make it habitable. Ease of setup varies between the tent types. Larger cabin and dome tents can be very heavy, complex to erect, and often require more than one person, adding a level of difficulty to the process. This can be very off-putting, especially if you encountered bad weather while camping and just want to retreat into the tent. A simpler option may be to get a small hiking tent or a canvas swag. The hiking tent will be highly portable, easy to set up, and usually only requiring one person to do so. This is also true with the swag, in which you only need to find a flat surface to roll it out and insert two pegs, and it is set up. Hiking tents and swags can be erected in very little time. From different types and brands, they vary in regards to ease of setup, but none will be as difficult as a large cabin or dome tent. High-quality family tents can have a much quicker assembly due to advances in research and technology. A good instance of this is an instant up tent, which employs the use of a steel or alloy frame built into the tent. Simply unfold the tent, extend the legs, and it is set up. They are generally heavier than the conventional family tent but still quite portable. In regards to portability, larger and heavier tents containing more poles, guy ropes, pegs, and multiple bags can be an organizational nightmare and also more difficult to fit in or on a vehicle. When camping, we also take various other equipment and items, and a lighter tent can make things much easier. This is also important if you have to carry your tent from your vehicle to your campsite. Smaller hiking tents and swags are obviously very easy to carry. Some hiking tents and all instant up tents are now all-in-one designs, fitting all components including the tent itself into one bag. This makes it much easier to keep track of everything.

Now that your tent is clean and dry, perform any necessary seam sealing. Prolonged pitching and folding of the flysheet cause the stitching holes in the seams to enlarge, allowing water to penetrate. Seam sealing is an easy cosmetic maintenance task that ensures the waterproofness of the tent. Using a McNett SeamGrip or SilNet, apply a thin coat along the seam, wiping any excess that drips onto the fabric. It may be useful to seam seal the flysheet or floor new out of the box and at any time there is a hint of seam hole enlargement. The drying process accomplishes two objectives. First, it prevents the growth of mildew. Secondly, it allows the tent fabric to tighten back to its original shape. Fabric sag in nylon and polyester fabrics is a natural occurrence, caused by the coating settling and/or the fabric stretching. The process of heating the fabric will often times return the fabric to its original state, removing sag. At about 140°F, the fabric’s tautness or shrinkage in the dryer could become excessive. False. Nylon fabric may shrink in the dryer and on the shelf, sagging will slowly occur, polyester fabric may shrink marginally in the dryer but will experience severe shelf sagging. There are many fabrics used in outdoor gear, and it is always best to follow any specific manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and drying a tent.

In order to properly clean your tent, it should be carefully assembled and left in the prime real estate for 10-15 minutes under a sunny sky. It is very important to spot clean your tent by hand using a sponge or a rag and a small amount of mild soap. The tent should be thoroughly rinsed with water to remove all soap residue. For stubborn dirt or excessive tree sap, and for preventative maintenance, your flysheet and floor can be cleaned with Dupont Silicone Wash, Gear-Aid Revive X, Nikwax Tech Wash, or pure soap flakes. Do not use detergent cleaners as they can leave trace chemicals that can affect the fabric coatings. After washing and thorough rinsing, the tent should be carefully dried. It can be hung on a line to dry or pitched and left to dry in a cool shady spot. Never dry the tent by putting it in the tumble dryer, using a hair dryer, by an open flame, or other high heat source.

Tent care and maintenance encompasses a range of simple, regime-enhancing tasks that ensure your tent can endure many years of excellent service. Despite the multitude of tent styles, these simple maintenance tasks have stood the test of time as the most effective ways to prolong the life of your tent.

Camping in the rain is not always a bad experience, but it can help to give you a further appreciation for good weather. To clean your tent, use a non-detergent soap and a sponge. Sponge the soap onto the tent and let it sit for a few moments. Then wipe the dirt and the soap off with clean water and a sponge. If your tent is quite dirty, a larger area to clean, or perhaps you would like to give it an extra good annual cleaning, it is possible to submerge the entire tent in a tub filled with water and non-detergent soap. Gently swish the tent around and let it soak for some time. Then, hang your tent and let it dry completely. Either method of cleaning will help ensure a clean tent. Always ensure your tent is completely dry before storing! Any dampness can lead to mildew, and the next time you pull your tent out of the bag you will be very disappointed in that foul smell and the sight of mildew spots. UV rays are also harmful to a tent, causing the fabric to become brittle and the waterproof coating to fail. It is very important to dry your tent quickly and completely. A sunny, breezy day at home works best but if that isn't possible, set your tent back up and wipe it dry with a towel, then let it air-dry indoors.

Be sure your tent is completely dry before packing it away. Damp canvas or mesh can lead to mildew and odors. If you're using a spongy foam mattress, do not store it in its stuff sack. This can cause the foam to take the shape of the sack and will create soft spots over time. Lay it flat or prop it up in a dry location. It is also important to store your tent in a cool, dry place. If you pack the tent away while it is still wet, you will most likely open it up to find mildew spots scattered over the tent. If this happens, the best way to remove it is to use a mild solution of warm water and mild detergent. Sponge the affected areas with the solution and thoroughly rinse the tent with a hose. Let the tent dry in the sun. When you finally decide to pack away your tent, be sure to store it in a loose-fitting storage bag. This is because storing it in the small sack for extended periods of time will affect the tent fabric's water resistance. Use a larger bag to store the tent and other small storage items such as ground cloths and the mentioned foam mattresses. Also, store the tent poles and stakes in a separate bag so that they don't puncture and tear the fabric of the tent during storage or transportation.

In a double wall tent, you have an interior canopy with a layer of bug netting on the walls and a separate, lighter weight, waterproof fly. These tents are less warm but offer better ventilation and avoid the condensation issues of a single wall tent. A good place to use a double wall tent will be on a miserably cold and rainy/sleety day in winter or in early spring. It's warm enough and you can cook inside. This tent will fare better in these conditions than a single wall, even if it means compromising a little weight.

In the world of winter tents, there are single wall and double wall tents. A single wall is exactly what it sounds like. It's a tent with a single waterproof/breathable wall. The advantages of these tents are that they are often very lightweight and usually pack to a small size. They are also the warmest option. The disadvantage is that under heavy snowfall, the roof can sag to the degree where it touches the bag on the inside and compromises the tent structure. This makes it hard to keep the inside of the tent dry. These tents also have issues with ventilation if weather does not permit openings to be left. Excessive condensation can build up inside.

Absolutely! Depending on your needs, there are winter tents available. Most often, these tents are mountaineering tents. Mountaineering tents are designed to withstand heavy snow loads and very high winds. This makes them ideal to take into the backcountry when snow camping or for harsh winter conditions. These tents are usually 4-season and are heavier than 3-season tents, but if you require a tent to keep you safe in extreme winter conditions, this is it.

Don't let small grievances about tents bother you too much. In regards to environmental impact, durability, weight, and resistance, the best overall tent fabric to date is silicone impregnated nylon. Nylon fabrics are nowadays very strong, several times stronger than polyester of the same weight. Nylon does not absorb water and will not rot, mildew, or shrink. The spectrum of nylon's properties varies depending on the actual type of nylon; the best and most expensive being type 6.6. UV resistance can be increased significantly with a UV resistant coating. Urethane coatings once had the best longevity, but now silicone coatings are the longest lasting, nearly matching that of the nylon. Silicone coatings are also much lighter than urethane, which decreases the overall weight of the tent. The only downside to silicone impregnated nylon is cost, but for a serious backpacker, the investment is well worth it.

A newer fabric appearing on the tent scene is polyethylene. Polyethylene is an extremely long-lasting and very light material that is not crease sensitive and can be easily recycled. These attributes make it great for cheap backpacking tents. Polyethylene is not very UV resistant and must be well stabilized to prevent degradation. To date, the only known polyethylene tent has been made by a single manufacturer for use in very hot and dry deserts. While tent shopping, you will notice that a wide variety of tents are available. The most important tent characteristic is the fabric. The fabric can make or break the tent's performance. Depending on your purpose, there are many different tent fabrics to consider. Ask yourself, "Am I willing to be hot if that means I won't get wet?" "Will this tent be used solely for car camping, or will I be carrying it on my back?" Having the answer to questions like these may make the tent fabric decision easier. Below is a summary of the different types of tent fabrics followed by a comparison chart.

A similar problem occurs with stake loop and guy line anchors coming away from the tent fabric. When in a corner, these are often areas of high stress, so it is best to repair these immediately. Hand sew the ring or loop back into place with at least six stitches to form a secure attachment. If the fabric has become torn away, apply a repair patch across the area on the inside and out. If your pole sleeve stitching becomes frayed, don't worry, it won't necessarily affect the strength of the sleeve in using it. But to prevent it from getting worse, you can hand sew the area with a few stitches to round the top. This is better than using a repair tape as it will not cause a point of abrasion on the inner tent when using the pole. Leaking seams are a common problem in tents, caused by the stitching holes becoming enlarged and areas of sewing no longer remaining waterproof. To solve this problem, you should apply seam sealant to the area, inside and out, and this will reseal the needle holes. Make sure the area is dry first and leave the sealer to set overnight. If your tent comes into disrepair in the wilderness or at a festival, you need to be prepared with knowledge and a repair kit to fix the problem. This will keep you dry in the rain and ensure you have the full use of your tent for the future. Below are the most common problems and how to solve them.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are mountaineering tents designed to cope with extreme environments and high winds and snow loading. These tents are usually of a geodesic design and are lower in profile to better cope with high winds. They also have more poles than an equivalent-sized hiking tent to give the tent more strength. The outer tent is usually in a dark color to help melt snow, with a bright color for the main body. The idea being that if a storm hits while you are out, you will be able to find your bright-looking tent. These tents are not recommended for normal camping as they are heavier due to the extra poles and the use of strong but heavy fabrics. Are there tents for specific activities? Yes, there are. If you plan on going to the beach, there are specially designed tents for this. They are usually a lot more open than traditional tents, with mesh walls and perhaps a rainfly that only covers the top of the tent and only comes down the sides a little bit. These are designed to provide shade, with the open walls allowing for a refreshing cross breeze. They are not designed for high winds and driving rain that you may encounter in the wilderness or at a rainy music festival. Using this beach tent in the wrong environment may result in it being destroyed.