You are here:  Home  >  Helpful Information  >  More FAQ 

More FAQ


  • What size of carport do I need for my truck?
  • What warranty comes with my carport?
  • Will I need a building permit for my carport or party tent?
  • What kind of anchor system will I need for my carport?
  • How do I care for my canopy or fabric carport?
  • Should I use water repellency spray on my carport?
  • What is CPAI fire rating?
  • What is Galvanized Steel?
  • What is the difference between powder coated and galvanized steel?
  • What is a Powder Coated Steel finish?
  • What does the gauge of the frame mean?
  • What is Polyethylene material?
  • How will my carport be shipped and delivered to me?
  • How do I assemble my carport?
  • How long will it take to install my carport?
  • Do any of the carports come ready for electricity or plumbing, and if not can add this feature?
  • Do I need a digging permit to install my carport?
  • Can I remodel, cut or manipulate these carports later?
  • Can you custom build carports?
  • Will this carport be strong enough for me to walk on the roof?
  • Can this carport support a garage door should I ever want to add one on?
  • Does my carport float?
  • How far apart are the beams?
  • Can I hang my bike from the ceiling?

    What size of carport do I need for my truck?
    Many of the pictures on our site include a vehicle under the carport. The standard truck should fit under a regular 10' x 20' carport. To verify the necessary size of your carport measure the vehicle and be sure to include space to open your door safely. First, it is important to measure the area allotted to the carport. Then be sure to measure all parts of your vehicle or item to be stored. Don't forget antennas, air conditioning units and luggage racks. Height of trailers should be measured while attached to tow vehicles.

    What warranty comes with my carport?
    The carports and tents we carry at CarportsUSA all carry a manufacturer warranty. Please check the product for specific details. Warranties vary from one to thirty years.

    Will I need a building permit for my carport or party tent?
    Check with your local or county zoning commission or permit office. In many cases a permanent structure will require a building permit.

    What kind of anchor system will I need for my carport?
    That will depend on the size and model of carport you purchase. Some products come with an anchor system and some need to be purchased separately, please check the product information. Carports make fantastic kites so make sure the canopy or tent is well anchored to a flat surface.

    How do I care for my canopy or fabric carport?
    If cleaning is ever necessary, for both canvas and nylon use a soft bristle brush and a mild detergent water solution. It is best to lie out the canopy on a hard surface while cleaning. Make sure you let the tent dry thoroughly before storing.

    Should I use water repellency spray on my carport?
    As the carport ages, if the fabric of the carport loses its water repellency you can spray the fabric with any silicone based water repellency spray that is made for leather or fabric use. Make sure the carport is completely dry before folding and storing in order to prevent mildew growth. Try to store the carport in a dry place.

    What is CPAI fire rating?
    CPAI is a fire retardant rating used primarily in California. "CPAI-84" is a specification for flame resistant materials used in camping tentage. The Industrial Fabrics Association International established this code in 1980.

    What is Galvanized Steel?
    Our galvanized steel products have a zinc coating, which prevents corrosive elements such as water and salt from coming into contact with the steel, generally eliminating the possibility of rust. When steel is galvanized it is coated with rust resistant zinc. First the surface of steel is cleaned by friction with dilute acid then commonly dipped in a hot bath of zinc.

    What is the difference between powder coated and galvanized steel?
    Both powder coated and galvanized steel resist rust and corrosion. Powder coated is manufactured in a "baking process". Galvanized is dipped in hot, melted zinc to produce a longer lasting defense against rust and corrosion.

    What is a Powder Coated Steel finish?
    Some carport frames come with a weather-resistant powder coating. It looks great, is tough, and resists scratching. Powder coating is a dry finishing process. Finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrically charged and sprayed onto the products to be coated. The parts that are to be coated are electrically grounded so that the charged particles adhere to them until melted and fused into a solid coating, in a curing oven.

    What does the gauge of the frame mean?
    The gauge of our steel frames will tell you how sturdy the frame will be in certain conditions. The smaller the gauge of the steel tube, the sturdier the product will be.

    What is Polyethylene material?
    Polyethylene is a plastic material sent through a chemical process. It is commonly used for containers, kitchenware & tubing. Polyethylene material protects from harmful ultra violet rays and is water resistant. The end result is similar to a common tarp.

    How will my carport be shipped and delivered to me?
    Shipping times will vary, but usually run between 10-15 days. The size and style of carport you have chosen may come to your doorstep in several boxes. Depending on the size and style of your carport, it will be delivered by UPS or common carrier.

    How do I assemble my carport?
    Click on Instruction Manuals for further detail. Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free at: www.adobe.com

    How long will it take to install my carport?
    Some of our heavy-duty carports recommend you allow one day to install and have another person to assist. However, many of our party tents require little to no installation and no tools. Please check the product information for details.

    Do any of the carports come ready for electricity or plumbing, and if not can I add this feature?
    Our carports are not wired for electricity or plumbing. If you decide to add these features we suggest you contact a local electrician.

    Do I need a digging permit to install my carport?
    Yes, if you are planning on doing any digging to assemble your carport. In all states a digging permit is required before digging.

    Can I remodel, cut or manipulate these carports later?
    Yes, depending on which carport you purchase. Some of the larger carports we carry do have extensions. Please call us if you have any questions about extensions at 1-800-859-0096. In the case you decide to add on to a carport without the suggested extensions the manufacturer's warranty will be void.

    Can you custom build carports?
    No, we do not custom build any carports. If you are searching for a specific size and do not find it on our site, give us a call (1-800-859-0096) and we will try to accommodate your needs.

    Will this carport be strong enough for me to walk on the roof?
    CarportsUSA does not recommend walking on your carport. The canopy carports will not support weight. For specific information on a carport please call our customer service number (1-800-859-0096).

    Can this carport support a garage door should I ever want to add one on?
    This will depend on which carport you choose. If you choose to use an extension that is not suggested by the manufacturer the warranty will be void. For specific information on a carport please call our customer service number (1-800-859-0096).

    Does my carport float?
    The steel carports from CarportsUSA will not carry you across a river. No, they do not float.

    How far apart are the beams?
    Varies on every carport. For specific information on a carport please call our customer service number (1-800-859-0096).

    Can I hang my bike from the ceiling?
    CarportsUSA does not recommend hanging items from the sheet metal or canopy covers. CarportsUSA will not be liable for damage.