Most carport ads are full of pretty pictures and vague promises. They want you excited about the color options. They want you clicking “Buy Now” before you ask about the steel thickness.

A carport is a metal frame bolted to concrete. It either holds up to weather or it flies into your neighbor’s yard during a storm. The difference comes down to specs. Not paint color. Not “customer service ratings.” Specs.

Here are the four numbers that actually matter when you are shopping for carports for sale.

1. Steel Gauge (Frame and Sheet)

Steel gauge is backwards. Lower numbers mean thicker steel. Higher numbers mean thinner steel.

Most ads hide this because they are selling you the thin stuff.

Frame Gauge

The frame is the skeleton of your carport. It holds everything together.

14-gauge tubing is standard for most carports. It works fine for smaller structures in mild climates. The tubing measures 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches.

12-gauge tubing is what you want for anything serious. It is thicker, stronger, and comes with a 20-year rust warranty instead of 10. The tubing measures 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/4 inches but the walls are thicker.

When to choose 12-gauge:

  • Heavy snow or strong wind areas
  • Plans to enclose the carport later
  • Adding a lean-to or storage section
  • You want it to last without worrying

Sheet Metal Gauge

The sheet metal is the skin. It sheds water and blocks sun.

29-gauge sheet metal is the base option. It is thin but functional. Most carports use it because it costs less.

26-gauge sheet metal is 30% thicker. It dents less. It lasts longer. It costs about 10-15% more upfront but you will not need to replace panels in ten years.

Smart upgrade strategy:

  • Roof: Upgrade to 26-gauge (takes the most weather abuse)
  • Walls: 29-gauge is usually fine (unless you live in hail country)

2. Wind and Snow Ratings

A wind rating tells you how hard the wind can blow before your carport turns into a kite. A snow rating tells you how much weight the roof can hold before it collapses.

Standard Ratings

Most certified carports come with these baseline numbers:

  • Wind rating: 140 MPH (three-second gust, not sustained wind)
  • Snow load: 25-30 PSF (pounds per square foot)

These ratings assume the carport is properly anchored. If you skip the anchors, the ratings drop to zero.

When You Need Higher Ratings

If you live in a hurricane zone or heavy snow country, you need better numbers. Some manufacturers offer 170 MPH wind packages or 35-40 PSF snow loads. They cost more but your insurance company might require them.

Red flags for weak ratings:

  • Seller avoids giving specific numbers
  • “Rated for your area” without documentation
  • No mention of engineering certification
  • Price seems too good compared to competitors

Ask for certified buildings. That means a professional engineer stamped the design. Non-certified buildings might work fine or they might fold like a lawn chair. You will not know until a storm hits.

How to Verify

When you get a quote, ask for the wind and snow ratings in writing. If the seller says “it is rated for your area,” that is not an answer. Get the numbers. Cross-check them against local building codes.

Buildings over 30 feet wide often need commercial-grade trusses to hit higher ratings. Buildings over 32 feet wide almost always do.

3. Anchoring Inclusion

Anchors are what keep your carport on the ground when the wind picks up. Without them, you bought an expensive projectile.

What Should Be Included

Concrete anchors are usually included in the base price. These are wedge anchors that drill into a concrete slab. You need one anchor per post. For a standard 20×20 carport, that is four anchors minimum.

If you are installing on concrete, you should not pay extra for anchors. If a seller charges you for concrete anchors, they are padding the bill.

What Costs Extra

Mobile home anchors are used when you install on dirt, gravel, or asphalt. These are long steel rods that screw into the ground. Most manufacturers do not include them in the base price.

You need one mobile home anchor for every 10 feet of building perimeter. A 20×20 carport needs eight anchors minimum. They cost around $35 each installed.

Asphalt anchors are specialty fasteners for parking lot installs. They grip the asphalt layer. They cost more than mobile home anchors and not every installer carries them.

Installation Surface Matters

The surface you install on changes the cost and the warranty:

  • Concrete: Cheapest to anchor. Strongest hold. Best warranty coverage.
  • Dirt/Gravel: Requires mobile home anchors. May need additional anchors in high-wind areas. Warranty might exclude wind damage.
  • Asphalt: Requires specialty anchors. Weakest hold. Some manufacturers will not install on asphalt at all.

If you do not have a concrete pad yet, budget for one. A 4-inch slab with 12×12 perimeter footings runs $6-14 per square foot depending on your location.

Before installation checklist:

  • Confirm anchor type for your surface
  • Verify warranty coverage for your installation method
  • Have concrete cured at least 30 days before install

4. Installation Lead Times

Nobody tells you this part until after you pay the deposit. Then you find out your carport will not arrive for three months.

Lead times matter if you are trying to beat winter or if you need covered parking before your car rusts.

What Affects Lead Time

Building size is the main factor. Smaller carports ship faster. Anything under 24 feet wide usually delivers in 3-8 weeks. Larger buildings can take longer.

Factors that extend lead times:

  • Busy season orders (spring and summer)
  • Long distance from manufacturer

Manufacturer workload changes by season. Spring and summer are busy. Fall and winter are slower. Order in October and you might get installed before Thanksgiving. Order in April and you might wait until July.

Your location matters too. If you live 300 miles from the nearest manufacturer, expect longer lead times. Some companies only deliver within their region. Others will ship nationwide but charge freight.

If you are worried about timing, talk to customer service. Metal America has a dedicated support team that tracks orders and keeps you updated. They can tell you realistic timeframes for your specific build and location.

Site Prep Delays

If your site is not ready when the installers arrive, they leave. You pay a return trip fee (usually $500) to get them back.

Site prep requirements before install week:

  • Site must be graded and level
  • Concrete must be cured at least 30 days
  • Underground utilities must be marked
  • Clear 10 feet around building perimeter for equipment access

The installers do not wait around while you call a concrete guy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What steel gauge should I get for a carport?

A: Get 12-gauge framing if you live in areas with heavy snow or high winds, plan to enclose it later, or want maximum durability. It comes with a 20-year rust warranty. For sheet metal, upgrade the roof to 26-gauge but 29-gauge walls are usually fine unless you get frequent hail.

Q: Are concrete anchors included in the price?

A: Concrete anchors are usually included when installing on a concrete slab. Mobile home anchors for dirt or gravel installations typically cost extra, around $35 each installed. You need one mobile home anchor for every 10 feet of building perimeter.

Q: What wind rating do I need for my carport?

A: Most certified carports come with a 140 MPH wind rating, which works for average conditions. If you live in a hurricane zone or high-wind area, look for 170 MPH ratings. Always verify the rating is for a three-second gust with proper concrete anchoring, not sustained wind.

Q: How long does it take to get a carport installed?

A: Standard carports under 24 feet wide typically take 3-8 weeks from order to installation. Larger buildings or busy seasons can extend this timeline. The actual installation usually takes one day once the crew arrives at your prepared site.

Q: Do I need a concrete slab for a carport?

A: Concrete is not required but strongly recommended. It provides the strongest anchor hold, best warranty coverage, and longest lifespan. A 4-inch slab with perimeter footings costs $6-14 per square foot depending on location. You can install on dirt with mobile home anchors but warranties may be limited.

Q: What happens if my site is not ready on install day?

A: If your site is not level or your concrete is not cured when installers arrive, they will leave and charge a return trip fee of around $500. Your site must be graded, level, and ready with all utilities marked before the scheduled installation date.

Before You Pay That Deposit

Every carport deposit at Metal America is non-refundable after 72 hours. We understand unavoidable circumstances happen. We will work with you and always be fair. But make sure you know the specs before you commit.

Questions to ask before paying:

  • What is the frame gauge? (Look for 12-gauge or 14-gauge)
  • What is the sheet metal gauge? (Aim for 26-gauge roof, 29-gauge walls)
  • What are the wind and snow ratings? (Get numbers in writing)
  • Are concrete anchors included? (Should be yes for concrete slabs)
  • What is the realistic lead time? (Account for size, season, location)

If the seller will not answer these questions directly, they are hiding something.

Access our full buyer’s checklist in The Complete Carport Guide.

A good carport lasts 20-30 years. A cheap one needs repairs in five. The difference is in the details they hope you will not ask about.

Want to talk to a Metal Building Specialist?