In this article, you will learn how to layout car ports and prepare the concrete. You will also learn about the tools you will need to construct car ports. In addition, you will learn how to check the stability of the structure and prep the concrete. Read on to learn how to layout car ports! But before you begin, take a moment to review the following tips. They are all essential parts of building a carport.
Full build plans are available here!!
Laying out a carport
Before building your carport, it is important to know how to lay out a square structure. You can start by measuring the dimensions of the carport's perimeter. The length is about 6000mm by 3000mm (20ft x 10ft), and you need to position the posts 50mm in from each side of the line and three feet back from the end. After determining the location of the corner post, you can drive a stake at the second plumb line mark.
Some people choose to build carports on asphalt, but it is also important to remember that a larger area will require a concrete base. Asphalt is a solid material, but it needs regular maintenance like sealing it once a year. It will also support the carport, which should be attached to the asphalt. Laying out a carport requires some thought, but it's an essential first step. Then, you can start putting up your carport!
To build a carport, you must first identify the area on your property that will serve as your carport's roof. You can do this by measuring the height of the area and measuring it with a string. Then, lay out the 6x6 posts with batter boards. You can mark each post with a string to check for any flaws. Another good tip when setting up your carport is to ask a friend to help you with the construction. You should always have a helper, as it is easier to work if you have someone who can hold the components while the other drives the screws.
Preparing the concrete
You must prepare the concrete before building a carport. This is especially true for large carports. You can't just dump the concrete into the yard. You must prepare the ground beforehand by leveling it first. After a year, you need to seal the concrete to protect it from moisture and prevent it from shifting. Otherwise, you'll have to add a layer of concrete to it again.
If the ground is light and sandy, you can use a foundation board. If the ground is stable, you don't need to use formwork. You must also make sure that there are no underground utilities that could interfere with the work. The location of the carport should be free of any debris. You may have to remove sprinkler heads or relocate an outdoor pool. Before digging, you must clear the lawn of any gardening supplies.
Once the ground is cleared, you need to prepare the base for the concrete. You need a level, compacted surface to place the carport on. You may also want to lay down wood planks around the area to help keep the dirt stacked up in the right places and avoid any spreading while compacting. In the end, a level, firm base will help your carport look great.
Checking the stability of the carport
The stability of a carport depends on the strength of its foundation and the integrity of its roof. If you want your carport to stand up in windy conditions, a solid foundation is a must. For that reason, you must check its stability several times a year. Several factors should be checked before putting up your carport. Here are some of them:
Level the ground first. Next, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the beams. Be sure to check for utility lines. Power lines, gas, and sewer lines can be obstructed by a carport. It is also a fire hazard. Once the groundwork is completed, you must fasten the beams to the posts. Make sure that you follow the building code requirements. After you have checked the stability of the carport, you may proceed with building it.
The footings are an important part of a carport. The posts must be properly spaced around the perimeter. You should also check for footing bolts, as they can loosen with age and can cause a carport to sway. A good carport has a strong concrete footing. The footings should also go deeper into the ground. If you're worried about the swaying of the carport, use concrete footings.
Tools needed
To build a carport, you need to gather some tools. A hammer and a power saw are essential tools. You also need to mark the position of anchors on the ground. Afterwards, you should attach the posts with nails and structural screws. You can also use shims between posts and anchors. You should mark the height of each post and then trim them to the desired length. Make sure that the posts nearest the house have a sloped roof so that rainwater will not get into the building's foundation.
When you are ready to start building, make sure to gather all the materials. Make sure to have a cordless drill with enough capacity. Using two batteries is more convenient. Other tools you may need include a screw gun and tek screws, which are available in carport kits. Another useful tool is a silicone gun, which you can use to seal the gutter. Make sure you have all the tools and materials you need to build a carport.
If you're going to do it yourself, you'll need post-hole diggers. These tools help you dig holes for the posts. Make sure that you dig holes at least two feet deep, but you can use four if necessary. For extra support, you can use a support post half-way down the sides. A carport is not complete without posts. Those four posts will support the roof and the sides of the carport.
Securing the support posts in poured concrete
After you've measured the width and depth of the carport's footing, you'll need to dig holes for the support posts. Dig the footings about 24 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Be sure to avoid loose soil, which compacts and makes it difficult to set the support posts properly. Pour wet concrete into the footing holes, leaving a couple of inches of space between the posts and the surface. Then set the support posts into the concrete, using a plumb bob or a level to make sure the posts are level.
You need to mark the locations of the support posts. Mark the locations with a mason's string line. Make sure to square the corners. There should be four support posts on each corner of the carport, but if your carport is larger than your carport's footings, you may need to install an additional support post half-way down each side. After securing the support posts, make sure that they're level with each other and with the floor.
Once you've secured all the support posts in place, you can lower the ceiling jack. Be sure to have a helper at the ready to put weight on the support posts. Use a masonry bit to pre-drill two 3/16-in. holes in the plinth block. After that, install metal anchor straps at each post base and nail them to the wooden posts.
Installing a metal roof over the shingles
Installing a metal roof over the shingle roof on a carport may save you a lot of money over the life of the carport. While it is still necessary to have a permit from your local building department, there are some advantages to this option. First, you'll save on labor costs and landfill space. Additionally, you'll get the added benefit of an extra layer of insulation. However, installing a metal roof over the shingles will have a few disadvantages.
Another important consideration when installing a metal roof is the skill level of the installer. There are many variations of metal roofing. While most styles are easily attainable by a do-it-yourself enthusiast, more advanced projects will require professional help. Also, make sure to wear appropriate fall protection equipment and follow the manufacturer's instructions. A good guide will explain different types of metal roofing, including basic corrugated through-fastened metal roofs.
One advantage of a metal roof over shingles is that it resists rot and mildew. However, if there's too much moisture trapped between the metal and the shingles, the metal may corrode. If this happens, you may have to spend money on repairs. Using ridge vents and a furring strip will prevent the granules from coming in contact with the metal and cause damage.