Carport roof options

[aramis720]

My first structure will be a 20x30 carport and I'm looking for advice on the best roofing material to use. I'm looking for durable but affordable and aesthetics matter too, which means I don't want to go sheet metal unless I really have to. Any ideas?

[Carey]

If you are going to need catchment, you may have limited options (there are some very artistic metal roofs (tile & shake profiles) & ones (like the Protec line) that do not need as much support structure....

So the first thing to determine....catchment need
Then, what is readily available (some great roofing products are not widely available here, which will add $$$, time & lack of easy repair..)
Also the drafting of the carport structure & permit may spec out the roof...so that might also limit options (forgoing a permit may add complications down the line...but that is not a "for sure" just "may"...unless you have neighbors that will determine your compliance....but that has been covered in many other threads...)

[kalakoa]

Unless you're building something taller than the carport, you won't be able to see the roof anyway, so you might as well just use the cheap/available option: sheet metal.

[aramis720]

Thanks for the quick responses. Carey, my lot is zoned ag so I can build up to 600 square feet accessory structures without permits. In this case, it's a simple carport structure that won't be used for catchment.

Kalakoa, the roof will be sloped for runoff so it will be visible from some angles and from the house I plan to build in a year or so.

[Carey]

Then, your choices are as varied as the materials available when you start (many who live here know the "it was here last week!" followed by "6-8 (fill in your favorite) weeks for restock!"

[lquade]

one thought is the pitch for metal can be super low, while shingles mean at least a 4/12. so with a carport you could do a simple shed roof with either metal or the heavy duty plastic (shipman).

[rainyjim]

I've considered this also.

First off. I think you actually have to have a permited building on your ag lot in order for the rules about an "ag shed" under 600 sq ft to apply.

That said, frankly, I don't think anyone including myself or the county really cares : )

Here are some ideas for you to mull over...

This is more conventional. It is cheap to an extent and has lasting value while probanly not being the aesthetically pleasing look you were going for...

http://www.steelmasterusa.com/residentia...ts/carport

And this is a much more aesthetically pleasing DIY idea...


http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/burla...-fly-roof/

Have fun, whatever you decide be sure to keep us updated.

[kalakoa]

quote:

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First off. I think you actually have to have a permited building on your ag lot in order for the rules about an "ag shed" under 600 sq ft to apply.

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Yes: utility sheds are an "accessory" to a permitted use.

Ag buildings on Ag-zoned land of at least 2-acres are "by right" under State codes.

Once far enough off the pavement, enforcement is rare.

[aramis720]

Great, thanks again. Making a trip to Home Depot today to check out what's easily available.

[aramis720]

I think I'm going to go with translucent SunTuf polycarbonate panels. They ain't the prettiest but it will be great to have plenty of light since part of the carport will enclosed into a workshop.