Carport Empire believes your metal carport, garage, storage building or pump house should be as stylish as your home. That’s why we offer an array of color combinations for you to choose from. Clicking the “Color Charts” tab at the top of the Carport Empire website takes you to an interactive page wherein you can click on one of 13 different color blocks to change the color of the side panels on a photo of a Carport Empire enclosed garage with a pass-thru carport. Do the same on the next row of 13 color blocks to change the color of the trim in the photo. This allows you to see what your new metal utility structure will look like.

However, if you don’t see the colors you want for your new metal carport, garage, storage building or pump house, we’ve got tips for painting it yourself. First, clean your metal building using a pressure washer and hose or scrub with a soft sponge and a solution of mild cleaner and water, such as ¼ cup of phosphate-free laundry detergent or dishwashing detergent per gallon of water to clear away airborne dirt, or ¼ cup of bleach or ammonia per gallon of water to clean organic residue such as pollen. Rinse thoroughly with a water hose, then wipe with a black or dark colored cloth. If you see chalk on the cloth, rewash and rinse that area, as this is a sign of natural degradation of the original paint.

Apply two coats of rust-inhibitive primer, then two coats of acrylic soft gloss house paint in the color of your choice, allowing several hours between each coat for ample drying time. Drying typically takes about two hours in warm, clear weather.

Your new metal carport, garage, storage building or pump house is sure to be a stylish addition to your property, whether you choose one of our custom color combinations or paint it yourself. Our paint jobs are designed to last, but natural wear and tear will happen on any paint job, depending on your area’s climate. And, you may want to update your colors as your personal preferences change over time.

If you have any questions about our existing color options or painting your own Carport Empire carport, enclosed garage, storage building or pump house, contact us via our convenient online email form or call us at 800-985-7678.

Chances are your independent style is evidenced in the choosing of your home and its colors, interior and exterior, and your carport, garage or storage building should be no different. At Carport Empire, we believe there’s no reason that utility structures shouldn’t also be stylish. That’s why we offer an array of color options for you to choose from.

In the taps across the top of our website, you’ll see a link marked “Color Charts.” By clicking this link, you’ll see a photo of one of our enclosed garages with a pass-through covered carport. The side panels, roof and trim all are white, but scroll down and you’ll see two rows of color blocks, one for the side panels and one for trim. Click on a color block and you’ll see the colors in the photo change. This interactive section helps you visualize what your custom colored metal carport, enclosed garage or metal storage building will look like.

Want a traditional barn look? Barn red side panels with white trim evoke a nostalgic, rural feel. Or, choose colors that match the exterior and trim of your home. Unless you plan to insulate your enclosed garage or metal storage building, you may want to consider a lighter color for your side panels, so as to reflect the sun’s rays. Darker colored panels will soak in the sun’s rays, raising the temperatures inside your enclosed garage or storage building.

Don’t see the colors you in mind on our color chart? In our next blog, we’ll give you tips on painting your new carport, enclosed garage or storage building. Please note, however, that the actual colors of your structure may differ slightly from what you see on your computer monitor due to color differences in monitors and graphics processors.

Got a question about color options for your steel carport, enclose garage or steel storage building? Feel free to contact Carport Empire and talk with one of our friendly representatives today. Reach us via our convenient online email form or call us at 888-985-7678.

A Carport Empire metal garage, metal storage building or metal carport is an investment that you can expect to last for many years. Our products are made with only the strongest most durable products and installed by highly trained professionals. So when it comes to cleaning your painted structure, we’ve got some helpful tips.

Painted metal garages, metal storage buildings and metal carports often collect airborne dirt, organic residues (such as pollen), mildew and chalk. Mildew typically shows up in areas that remain moist for extended times, such as north-facing walls and areas that are sheltered by eaves or nearby trees that block the sunlight from drying rain, for instance. Chalk is a natural byproduct of paint degraded by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. What many believe is fading of the paint is actually a buildup of this chalky film that covers the paint, making it appear lighter and less glossy.

Mildew and chalk are most effectively removed by a good pressure washing. Hire a local pressure washing service, or buy a consumer grade pressure washer from most any hardware store. Prices range from about $300 to nearly $2,000.

To clean airborne dirt or organic residues, first rinse the entire surface of your metal garage, metal storage building or metal carport with a water hose. Mix a solution of mild cleaner and water, such as ¼ cup of phosphate-free laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, bleach or ammonia per gallon of water.

When using bleach or ammonia be sure to mix the solution in a well ventilated area. Scrub soiled areas with a soft sponge or cloth. To reach high walls, use a soft bristled brush on pole or a sponge mop. Avoid using harsh items like steel wool or hard-bristled brushes, as they may scratch or dull the paint. Once you’re done, thoroughly rinse the entire area, as some cleaners may leave a residue. Make sure the water sheets off the metal. If you see bubbles or beads, rewash the area with the soap solution and rinse again.

Keep your Carport Empire metal garage, metal storage building or metal carport looking brand new for years to come.

Wintertime can do real damage to items like water heaters, well pumps and pool pumps that sit outside or are placed in open or lesser quality garages, storage buildings and pump houses. If you have outdoor appliances, be sure they’re protected from freezing temperatures or damaging rust and corrosion that result from moisture.

Locate larger appliances like water heaters, washers, dryers and extra refrigerators or freezers in a Carport Empire enclosed steel garage or storage building. All of our buildings can be outfitted with electricity and water – just be sure to let our professional installers know your plans, as they may affect placement of your new unit.

Our pump houses are a great fit for smaller appliances and other items such as water and pool pumps, even some water heaters and water softeners. Carport Empire offers two standard-size steel pump houses that measure 10X10 and 12X12 in our convenient and affordable “Buy Now” packages. We also build custom sizes and configurations to fit the dimensions of your particular space and include windows and doors and offer 13 color options for side panels, rooftops and trim on your new enclosed garage, pump house or storage building.

All of our steel pump houses, steel garages and steel storage buildings are built with highly durable 14 gauge framing and 29 gauge roofing material. Each can be certified to withstand heavy snow loads and wind speeds of 110 mph, 130 mph and 150 mph. And each can be engineered to meet specific building and code requirements of your city, county and state.

Protect your appliances and other items with a high quality metal garage, pump house or storage building. Contact us via our convenient online email form or call us at 888-985-7678.

Some folks living at a Phoenix, Arizona apartment complex got stuck for days – or rather, their automobiles did – when two carports were toppled by strong winds. The winds literally yanked the carports from the ground, causing them to tip over and land on top of several residents’ automobiles.

At Carport Empire, we think your carport should stay right where you put it no matter how severe the weather gets. Our single carports, double carports, triple carports, RV carports, boat carports, and carport garages are available as certified structures or uncertified structures. If you choose a certified carport, we guarantee you a sturdy, durable structure that will stay put through Mother Nature’s ugliest fits. Our certified carports are engineered to withstand wind speeds of 110 mph, 130 mph and 150 mph, as well as hold up against heavy snow loads. And the engineering can be tailored to meet specific certification requirements by city, county and state ordinances.

Carport Empire’s installation professionals know all the variables at play when it comes to installing your new carport in a way that assures safety and durability of your investment. Don’t chance damage to your vehicles or your neighbors’ vehicles or other property, and certainly don’t take any chances with the safety of your family and visitors. Let Carport Empire install a high-quality, certified carport or carport garage for you today. Contact us via our convenient online “Contact Carport Empire” form or call us at 888-985-7678 today.

In recent carport news, Bexley Ohio officials are considering installing four carports topped with solar panels in the parking lot of the city’s police station. If approved, the project would be funded by an Ohio state energy program tied to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Among the goals and tasks of the Act is to invest in the domestic renewable energy industry and the weatherizing of 75 percent of federal buildings. Baxley’s solar paneled carport experiment is designed to help the police station conserve energy and save the city nearly $75,000 in energy costs over the next 20 years.

At Carport Empire, we think utilizing carports in ways that help save energy, cut costs and otherwise positively contribute to a community is a great idea. We’re wondering what ideas you may have, too. Have you seen carports being used in some way to facilitate or further a great community initiative? Or do you have any ideas you’d like to suggest?

At Carport Empire, we’ve built thousands of high quality open and enclosed steel carports to serve a range of purposes. Clients use them to house livestock, serve as artist’s studios or crafter’s workshops, even dolled up playhouses for kids and decked out mancaves for dads wanting a place to hang with their buddies on game day.

How do you use your Carport Empire carport? Reply to our blog with your stories and ideas.

Keep your livestock, feed and farm equipment covered with a high-quality pole barn from Carport Empire. Our metal pole barns cost less money and take less time to construct than traditional wood frame barns. And because ours are built with steel, they’re less susceptible to rotting and damage by wood boring pests such termites. Our highly durable steel pole barns stand up to Mother Nature’s perils, including inclement weather and pests.

Our pole barns can be configured for open, enclosed or pass-through construction, depending on your individual needs. Sidewall heights can be range from five feet to 12 feet, with the centerline of our gable roof structure providing approximately three additional fee of clearance in your pole barn’s center section. Enclosures can be accessed via roll-up, garage-style doors or standard walk-in doors. Plate glass windows or framed, open window spaces can be added for sunlight or ventilation. We use a durable 14-gague framing and 29-gague standard roof and side panels to assure the utmost safety for your animals, equipment and supplies. And we offer an array of side panel and trim color options so that you can match your pole barn to your home.

For livestock, our Carport Empire’s enclosed pole barns are great for stalls and keep your animals protected during stormy weather. Consider placing a smaller, open pole barn in your pasture to offer periodic shade from the sun. Got a big family occasion coming up? Our pole barns make great places for picnic tables and barbeque grills for family reunions, birthday parties, wedding receptions and holiday celebrations.

Browse our photo gallery for ideas, then contact Carport Empire at 888-985-7678 today and let us know what you’re looking for in new, custom pole barn.