Protecting the car from the scorching sun, hail, showers and falling foliage is not a luxury, but a necessity to extend the life of the paint coating and interior. Two-car canopy It is the best solution for families with multiple vehicles or for those who often receive guests. Unlike a capital garage, this design is much cheaper, requires less time to build and often does not need complex coordination with supervisory authorities.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but many owners prefer to build shelters on their own to take into account all the individual characteristics of the site. Properly designed frame-carve Not only does it perform a utilitarian function, but it also becomes an important element of the landscape design of the courtyard. The key here is the precise calculation of dimensions so that the two cars can comfortably fit side by side without risking hitting each other with doors.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of creating a reliable shelter: from the choice of materials and the type of foundation to the nuances of roof installation. You'll know what it is. standard It is necessary to observe how to correctly calculate the snow load and what errors are most often allowed when self-assembling. Competent approach will create a durable design that will last for decades.
Selection of the type of construction and materials of the frame
The first step in designing is to determine the type of load-bearing structure. The most popular and reliable option is considered metal-frame from the profile pipe. It is characterized by high strength, resistance to deformations and relatively low weight. An alternative is a tree that looks aesthetically pleasing but requires constant antiseptic treatment and is less durable in high humidity conditions.
When choosing a configuration, it is worth considering single-sided and gable options. single-stop shed It is easier to install and cheaper, as it requires less materials, but has limitations on the width of the span. The gable structure ("house") copes better with wind and snow loads, providing more efficient water flow, but its construction requires more complex engineering calculations.
- ποΈ Profile tube - universal material that allows you to create light and durable farms of any complexity.
- π² Glued timber - an elite option for those who want to harmoniously fit the parking in a wooden house.
- 𧱠Brick or concrete columns - used to create capital supports that increase the service life of the entire structure.
β οΈ Attention: When using metal, high-quality anti-corrosion treatment of all welded seams and pipe ends before painting is required, otherwise rust will destroy the structure from the inside in 3-5 years.
It is also important to determine the way the supports are attached. They can be independent (detached) or console (attached to one side of the building wall). For accommodation two-way They often choose stand-alone options, as they provide better visibility and ease of maneuvering from all sides.
Size calculation and site layout
Proper calculation of sizes is the key to comfortable operation. The standard width of a passenger car is about 1.8-2 meters, but for a canopy on two cars this is not enough. It is necessary to lay the distance for opening doors, exit of passengers and safe passage between cars. The minimum width of such a structure should be at least 6 meters, and the width of 6.5-7 meters is considered optimal.
The length of the canopy also matters. If car-size Standard, then the length of 5.5-6 meters will be enough. However, if you plan to park SUVs or minibuses, the length should be increased to 7 meters. The height of the structure at the lowest point should not be less than 2.3-2.5 meters to ensure unimpeded passage, for example, for cars with a trunk on the roof.
The area under the canopy requires special attention. It is not enough to drown the ground, as in the spring and autumn there will be dirt. The ideal solution is to create a solid coating. This is often used for pavement, asphalt concrete or monolithic concrete slab. The surface should have a slight slope (about 2-3 degrees) for the drainage of rainwater into the drainage system or stormwater.
βοΈ Size planning
When planning, do not forget to consider the βdead zonesβ. The gate or entrance to the site must allow you to enter under the canopy on the first attempt. If the driveway is narrow or has a turn, the turning radius of the car under the canopy should be increased.
Foundation and installation of support pillars
The reliability of the entire structure depends on the quality of the foundation. For lightweight canopies made of polycarbonate and metal profiles are often used point-base. Under each support column drilled pit depth below the level of freezing of the ground (usually 1.2-1.5 meters). A formwork is installed in the pit, reinforcing the frame and pouring concrete.
An alternative to deep drilling can be floating-ground or the use of screw piles, especially if the soil on the site is pulpy or swampy. Screw piles allow you to install a canopy even in winter and immediately start mounting the frame, which significantly speeds up the process.
| Foundation type | Depth of laying | Drying time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete pillars | 1.2. - 1.5 m | 21-28 days | Low. |
| Screw pile | 1.5 - 2.0 m | 1 day (installation) | Medium |
| Tape | 0.5 to 0.7 m | 28 days | Tall. |
| monolithic plate | 0.2. - 0.3 m | 28 days | Very high. |
The installation of the pillars should be carried out strictly vertically. Any deviation from the level will cause the entire roof to skew, which can cause stress in the metal and deformation of the roofing. For fixing metal racks in concrete is often used lay-in with anchor bolts, which allows you to replace the rotten or damaged column if necessary.
Use waterproofing (bitumen mastic or ruberoid) at the point of contact of the metal support with concrete to prevent capillary moisture lifting and metal corrosion at the base.
Installation of the roof and the choice of coating
The roof is the element that takes the main blow of the elements. For carports on two cars are most often chosen polycarbonate. This material is light, transmits light, but delays ultraviolet light, and has high impact resistance. The thickness of sheets for such sizes should be at least 8-10 mm, and preferably 16 mm for regions with snowy winters.
Metal roofing and flooring are also popular, but they create higher noise levels during rain and require a more powerful, often solid base. When installing polycarbonate, it is critically important to use special thermal washers that compensate for the thermal expansion of the material. If you twist screws too much or without thermal washers, the leaf will burst at the first serious heating by the sun.
- βοΈ UV protection: Make sure that the polycarbonate sheets have a protective coating on one side and when mounting, this side should look upwards.
- π§οΈ Water drainage system: Design gutters and pipes in advance so that water does not pour a solid wall around the perimeter of the canopy.
- π© Fastening: Use only galvanized or stainless metals to avoid rust leaks on the roof.
β οΈ Attention: When installing polycarbonate, you can not use acrylic or silicone-based sealants that are not compatible with the material, as they can cause chemical destruction of plastic cells.
The angle of the roof slope should be sufficient to self-clean from snow. The optimal angle is considered to be 15-25 degrees. If the roof is too flat, the snow cap can exceed the calculated load, which will lead to collapse. For regions with heavy snowfall, it is recommended to strengthen the crate.
How to calculate the snow load?
Snow load is calculated by the formula S = Sg * ΞΌ, where Sg is the weight of snow cover per 1 m2 of the horizontal surface of the earth (taken from the SNiP maps for your region), and ΞΌ is the coefficient depending on the angle of inclination of the roof. For flat sheds, this coefficient is 1.
Additional equipment and lighting
Modern roofing is not just a roof over your head. For comfort of operation, the space under it is often equipped with additional systems. First and foremost, it is about lighting. The lights should be positioned to illuminate the parking area and the approach to the house, but not to blind the driver when leaving. Optimally use LED spotlights with motion sensors.
Also, a popular solution is installation. electric charging stations. Since the car will stand under the canopy for a long time, the presence of an outlet or a full charge (Wallbox) will allow you to replenish the power reserve without having to pull the extension cord from the house through the entire yard. This requires pre-laying the cable in the ground or on the support.
It will not be superfluous to provide places for storing seasonal things: shovel, snow brushes, mats. To do this, a small closed cabinet or shelf can be attached to one of the supports. This will keep the space under the machine clean and free of excess clutter.
Integrating the lighting and charging system for electric vehicles during the design phase will save you money on re-earthing and finishing in the future.
Frequent mistakes in construction
Building a canopy with your own hands is often accompanied by mistakes that can cost the owner additional repair costs. One of the most common is profile-cross-section savings. Trying to save money, the masters take a thin pipe, which under the weight of snow bends, violating the geometry of the roof and the integrity of the roofing.
Another mistake is ignoring the wind load. High-swing canopies (especially arched or low-angle slopes) can be thwarted by a strong gust of wind if they are not securely secured in the foundation. Mounting only on the anchor to the finished concrete platform without buried pillars is often insufficient for structures with an area of more than 30 sq.m.
- π« Lack of compensatory gaps When installing polycarbonate leads to swelling and cracks.
- π« Poor welding Without cleaning the slag leads to rapid rusting of the joints.
- π« Wrong step of the crateBecause of this, the thin polycarbonate is pushed through by hail or snow.
To avoid problems, always check with building codes and regulations (SNIP) for your region. If you are not sure about your engineering calculations, it is better to order a project from professionals or choose a ready-made standard solution from a proven manufacturer.
Do I need a permit to build a carport?
In most cases, a building permit is not required to build a light canopy without a capital foundation and walls adjacent to the house or standing separately, as this is considered a temporary building. However, if you plan to build a major garage with foundations and walls, or if the site is in a security area, approval is required. Always check the land use and development (LDD) regulations with your local administration.
Which polycarbonate is better: cellular or monolithic?
For canopies on two cars, cellular polycarbonate 10-16 mm thick is better suited. It is cheaper, better retains heat (which is important if the canopy is adjacent to the house) and easier than monolithic. Monolithic polycarbonate is stronger and more transparent than glass, but it is much more expensive and heavier, requiring a more powerful and expensive frame.
How to clean the canopy from snow in winter?
Use metal shovels or scrapers to clean polycarbonate is strictly impossible - you will scratch the protective UV layer. Use soft brushes with a long handle or special snow removal tools with fluoroplastic coating. If the snow layer does not interfere and the design is designed for load, it is better to wait for natural melting.