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How a carport and shed combo functions when planned as an enclosed garage

  • Jack Wrytr
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read
carport and shed combo

Getting the most out of your location and at the same time making sure that your vehicles get the best protection possible, it is important to know what a combination of carports and sheds can really do. If such units are constructed as fully enclosed garages, they will no longer be just simple sheds but rather high-performance utility buildings. Cardinal Carports is a company that focuses on such multi-purpose structures and provides a level of customization that is beyond the capability of traditional wooden garages.

This is how you can make the most of your combination unit to serve as a professional-grade enclosed ​‍​‌‍​‍‌garage.


Strategic Interior Customization


After​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the exterior shell of your carport and shed combo is secured and enclosed, your attention should be turned to the interior environment. Different from a typical garage, the combo unit provides a "split-plan" interior that can help you organize your work and keep your assets safe.


1. Advanced Weatherproofing and Condensation Control


In a steel garage where the temperature is fluctuating inside, the main issue is how to iron out those fluctuations. The Cardinal Carports experts suggest the usage of vapor barriers or closed-cell spray foam for insulation. Essentially, it helps to stop the metal buildings from "breathing" when the seasons change which in turn results in condensation on the walls. The local climate gets regulated very well thus allowing the cars' electronic systems remain safe without any risk of damage, and the tools that you store in the shed area will also be free from rust.


2. Customizing the Thresholds


Comfortable garages are mainly judged based on how quickly one can get through them. If you'll be combining the two units in one:

  • Roll-up Garage Doors: Consider positioning your roll-up door in the center to give an unblocked path for the drive-in.

  • Internal Pass-Through: For your convenience, you can have a framed opening between the carport and the shed. So, you can either get a tool or even check a project without necessarily stepping outside.

  • Reinforced Headers: If your plan includes a larger SUV or truck, Cardinal Carports is ready to reinforce the headers so that taller door clearances can be allowed, thus your garage will be able to accommodate your car needs in the future.


3. Lighting and Power Integration


Since these buildings have galvanized steel frames, electrical conduit installation is both simple and safe. The space can be made really functional if the homeowner considers the following in their plan:

  • LED Shop Lights Overhead: In the vehicle bay, maintenance is facilitated by well-lit spaces.

  • Separate Power Lines: To use power tools or have a secondary fridge in the shed area without the main breaker being tripped, dedicated 20-amp circuits are ​‍​‌‍​‍‌necessary.


Why the Enclosed Combo Outperforms

Traditional Builds


If you pick an enclosed garage through a carport and shed combo from Cardinal Carports, you will get great benefits for both speed and cost. The traditional method of building may take months and usually requires shock from multiple contractors. However, a steel combo unit is designed out-of-site and put up in less time, thus a precision-fit structure is provided which is resistant to fire, termites and rot.

In addition, the modular feature of our steel frames means your garage will be a flexible asset. If your storage requirements increase, the building can be extended or changed with the addition of extra panels and lean-tos, something that is almost impossible with a brick-and-mortar garage of standard ​‍​‌‍​‍‌size.



Frequently Asked Questions


1.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ What impact does an enclosed carport and shed combo have on the property value?


An enclosed garage is recognized as a permanent home improvement. Since Cardinal Carports employs top-notch, visually appealing steel, these buildings almost always yield a high return on investment (ROI) by effectively increasing the total usable square footage of your property.


2. Would it be possible to put a car lift in the enclosed area?


Of course, if you prepare for it! You will have to get a model that has enough side height (usually 12 feet or more) and also make sure that your concrete slab is reinforced (6 inches thick) to be able to bear the load of the lift and car.


3. Is there a floor included in the shed part?


Cardinal Carports buildings are generally set up on your level ground or a concrete pad. As for the shed section of an enclosed garage, the majority of the users like to have a single concrete slab, while a few decide to put a treated wood floor system by themselves after the steel frame is erected.


4. How much more wind-resistant is an enclosed combo unit versus an open one?


Actually, an enclosed garage has different aerodynamic characteristics. When a structure is fully enclosed and securely anchored, it is very resistant to wind uplift. Our products come with engineering certification that they can withstand the wind speed requirements of the local area, so customers can relax during storm times.


5. What upkeep should I expect for a Cardinal Carports enclosed garage?


It's maintenance-free for the most part. Perhaps an exterior power wash from time to time, plus a yearly inspection of the door and window seals is usually sufficient to keep the building in great shape for many ​‍​‌‍​‍‌years.


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