Are you an up-and-coming professional music producer? Got a teenage future rock star in the house? Or is Dad aching to relive his own garage band glory days? Whether for professional use or just for fun, you can turn your enclosed metal carport, metal garage or metal building into a working music studio with a few simple soundproofing tricks.

If you’re a frazzled parent who just wants the noise kids call “music” these days to go away, you’ll want to make sure that the enclosed carport, garage or utility building where your teen and his friends will practice is soundproofed from the inside, so you can enjoy your home and garden in peace. If your carport, garage or building is being outfitted as a recording studio you want to keep exterior noises from entering your recording space. It’s important to know which soundproofing method does what. Here’s a quick rundown:

•    Sound Isolation creates a sound barrier between your recording space and any adjacent areas. This typically is achieved by using heavy materials to block exterior noise from coming into your studio.

•    Sound Absorption materials improve sound quality by reducing or controlling echo and reverberation.

•    Sound Diffusion materials distribute sound evenly throughout your space and prevent dead spots, allowing for proper mixing of your recordings.

A top sound controlling method with multiple non-noise related benefits is insulating your metal carport, metal garage or metal building. Fiberglass, foam board and reflective insulation all have noise reducing capabilities, particularly if several layers are installed. Cover your insulation with a sound absorbent drywall product like QuietRock, a drywall/fiber-cement sandwich with a sound-absorbing layer of visco-elastic polymer. If your structure has any small gaps, holes or cracks, seal them with foam board insulation, which can be sprayed either across the entire wall or used to fill in gaps where other insulation types can’t cover.

Cover the walls and windows of your enclosed steel carport, steel garage or steel building with heavy soundproofing blankets, made of insulation with a quilted cover. These are the same blankets you often see in furniture moving trucks and on freight elevators and they can absorb up to 60 percent of the noise in any room. Walls and ceilings of your carport also can be covered with acoustic panels or studio foam – that’s the egg carton-like pieces that you often see in images of recording studios and radio station broadcast rooms.

Floors and doors also are a consideration. Carpet the floor of your carport, garage or utility building, adding a sound-reducing carpet underlayment beneath it. This will help reduce the sound of footsteps and falling objects. Add an acoustic panel to your carport’s metal door, or invest in a soundproofing or sound isolation kit for your metal door or garage door.

If you own or are planning to add an enclosed carport, garage or metal building to your property, consider the benefits of adding insulation. If you plan to use your structure as a workshop, art studio, office, play or recreation room you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable and energy efficient. Quality insulation is a great way to ensure comfort and efficiency – and it may even put a few dollars in your pocket.

In an effort to encourage energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive construction and retrofitting of new and existing structures, the Federal government, many states and municipalities, manufacturers and utility companies are offering a plethora of rebates and tax incentives. These incentives apply to both residential and commercial builders and owners who install or upgrade insulation and purchase energy-efficient appliances. A great source to find out what’s offered in your area is the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association’s Simply Insulate website.

Insulation of your enclosed metal garage, metal carport or metal storage building offers many benefits:

• Reduced heat flow and costs for heating during the winter and cooling during the summer;
• Reduced consumption of fossil fuels which means less pollutant gas emitted;
• Condensation control, which helps to avoid harmful mold buildup and corrosion of metals;
• Noise control.

Three main types of insulation are best for metal or steel garages, carports and buildings: Fiberglass, foam board and reflective insulation (more on each of these in our upcoming blogs). Made from extremely fine fibers of glass, as its name suggests, fiberglass slows down the flow of heat into your house during the summer or out of your house during the winter. Foam board is sprayed onto walls, roofs and foundations, and can be used in crevices and small areas where other types of installation won’t fit. Reflective insulation makes use of foil to resist heat transfer and act as a moisture-resistant barrier against air infiltration.

Our next few blogs will go deeper into each of these types of insulation. Take a look, then call Carport Empire at 1-800-985-7676 if you have any further questions about the type of insulation that’s best for your enclosed carport, garage or metal building.

Many homeowners simply use carports and garages to shield their automobiles and other equipment from the rain, snow and sunshine. But others outfit their enclosed garages, carports and metal storage buildings as offices, workshops, artist studios, recreation rooms or one of a million other uses. If that’s the case for you, you’ll definitely need to have your Carport Empire structure wired for electricity.

While many of our clients and readers may be do-it-yourselfers, we recommend leaving dangerous tasks like electrical wiring to the professionals. However, thinking through and planning your electrical needs will help your electrician determine exactly what you need. Preplanning can avoid over-wiring of your structure, saving you thousands of dollars. And, it will assure that you don’t end up with an under-wired structure that lacks the electrical capacity you need. Retrofitting your structure for added electrical needs could end up costing you even more.

In planning your electrical needs for your enclosed carport, garage or metal building, think through how you will use your structure and identify all of the ways you’ll need power. There are four main categories to consider: lighting, heating, appliances and tools. Make a list of each of the items you’ll use on a regular basis that require power. Check the informational panels or stickers on appliances and other items (or the boxes in which they were purchased) for recommended or required voltage and talk it all over with your electrician. This is important because heavy electrical uses may require installation of multiple circuits of varying voltages and all must be handled according to building and electrical codes and regulations.

For example, several lighting fixtures and receptacles can share the same circuit. If you’re using your enclosed garage, carport or metal storage building for simple storage and minimal work or recreation activity, a 20-amp circuit with 120-volt receptacles may offer plenty of power. However, if you plan to spend many hours in your structure, using it as a workshop or office, for instance, you may need 240-volt capacity or dedicated circuits for larger heaters, appliances such as washing machines and clothes dryers, and some power tools. Many heavier-duty tools and devices such as electrical saws, compressors and any device with a motor larger than ¾ HP work more efficiently and last longer when run on 240 volts rather than 120. And many tools are designed to run on 240, especially automotive tools.

Putting some forethought into your electrical needs will assure that you enjoy maximum power for minimum costs based on your unique usage of your enclosed carport, garage or metal storage building. For more help, including advice on planning for electricity before laying the concrete slab for your new structure or retrofitting your existing structure for wiring, contact Carport Empire at 1-800-985-7678.

Want to spruce up your enclosed carport, garage or metal building? Adding flooring is a great way to not only give your structure an upgraded look, but add value to your home and protect your floor from mud, oil, paint and auto fluids (depending on the type of flooring you choose).Your Carport Empire enclosed carport, garage or metal building will be installed on a smooth concrete slab. This affords you a solid foundation for your new structure but it’s not exactly an upscale look – yet! Concrete pigment, polish, epoxy or paint can transform a plain slab into a beautiful new floor at a surprisingly affordable cost.

If you’re just now preparing for your new enclosed carport, garage or storage building and haven’t yet poured your concrete slab, you can have a beautiful floor right from the get-go with a little forethought and planning. Ask your concrete slab installer to add a concrete pigment in your color choice to the concrete mix. Concrete pigments are finely ground colored particles that add color to a wet concrete mix. The idea isn’t new – pulverized minerals and charcoal were used in ancient cave paintings that remain vivid for thousands of years. Today, both natural and synthesized pigments are processed with modern techniques that allow for more intense coloring. Pigments come in every imaginable color and many providers can create custom colors that perfectly fit your unique style.

Another option for a gorgeous enclosed carport, garage or metal building floor is concrete polishing. Similar to sanding wood, concrete polishing employs heavy-duty polishing machines that use diamond abrasives in metallic and resin matrixes to gradually grind down the top surface of your concrete floor to remove minor pits, blemishes and stains to produce a stunning shine and smoothness. A final run with a commercial polishing compound will leave a high-gloss, dirt-resistant finish. Polishing of a pigmented concrete slab will create a beautiful floor that your neighbors and guests will envy.

Carport and garage floor epoxy affords you a showroom-like floor that resists typical wear-and tear factors such as automotive fluid stains, hot tire marks and paint stains. It beads water and wipes up as easily as your kitchen counter. It’s available in a range of colors and gloss levels, and can be installed by flooring professionals or by using a do-it-yourself epoxy kit. These kits are available at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s or via a multitude of specialty flooring providers. Installing epoxy flooring involves cleaning and etching your concrete slab to remove any dirt, dust or residue. Then, you’ll mix the epoxy paint and epoxy hardener and use a paint roller to cover the entire floor with one or two coats. While the epoxy is still wet, you’ll sprinkle color chips, using more chips for deeper coloring. Give the paint 12-24 hours (longer if you’re in a humid climate) to dry, then roll on a mixture of epoxy hardener and clear topcoat. (Look for more on installing epoxy flooring in our next blog).

If you’re on a tight budget, a few coats of a 100% latex paint in your choice of colors is a less expensive option. You’ll want to prepare your carport, garage or metal building floor with a concrete bonding primer (available at your local hardware store) first, and you’ll likely need to tou

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.

If you have valuables you need to store outside of your home, there are reasons aplenty to choose a steel storage building by Carport Empire. Growing up, I remember a small, wooden storage shed that stored my parents’ paperwork and sometimes doubled as my playhouse. I also remember seeing that wooden shed come down, weakened by the Florida sun, rain and one nasty termite infestation. These are just a few of the reasons that steel makes more sense for storage buildings of any size.

Unlike wooden sheds, steel storage buildings are resistant to damage by exposure to the sun and rain. Carport Empire’s certified steel storage buildings also are engineered to withstand heavy snow loads for our cold-weather clients, and winds of 110 mph, 130 mph and 150 mph – an important consideration if you live in areas that are prone to tornadoes and hurricanes (in fact, steel homes are popular choices in many of these areas). Steel storage buildings also are safer in high wind and earthquake-prone areas, because steel sways while other materials like brick or concrete crumbles.

 With a steel storage building, you’ll also avoid costly damages by termites and other wood boring bugs and critters. Carport Empire’s steel storage buildings and other structures, including automobile and motorhome carports, covers and enclosed garages, are built completely wood-free. And steel is less susceptible to fire damage too. So, whether you’re storing important paperwork and family records, Grandma’s antique armoire or your favorite fishing rods, a steel storage building makes the best choice for protection.

Whether you have a personal travel bus or a fleet of sleek, shining corporate tour buses, these vehicles represent a major financial investment. Protect that investment with a high quality bus canopy, bus cover or bus garage. Parking your bus under a steel bus canopy or bus cover or inside a bus garage from Carport Empire protects it from the affects of the sun, wind, snow and rain, preventing  extensive damage to the rubber and fiberglass components of your vehicle. And, it can help keep your bus’ or motorhome’s interior cooler during the hot summer months by shielding it from the sun.

In choosing the right bus canopy, bus cover or bus garage, be sure to specify your vehicle’s length and height. Don’t forget to calculate clearance of air conditioner units and other items mounted on the roof of your bus. Carport Empire offers open bus canopies and bus covers with widths from 12 feet up to 40 feet. The length of your bus canopy, bus cover or enclosed bus garage is unlimited and can be customized for single port, double port and triple port bus canopies, covers and enclosed garages.

For the best possible protection, your bus canopy, cover or garage can be certified, which means they’re engineered to withstand heavy snow loads and wind speeds of 110 mph, 130 mph and 150 mph. Certification also ensures that your bus cover, canopy or garage will meet any city, county and state regulations specific to your area. Carport Empire operates in all 48 contiguous states and our professional installers know exactly what to look for in local permitting requirements to guarantee that you will be in compliance.

It sounds simple and affordable: buy a do-it-yourself canopy kit, garage kit or steel or metal building kit and skip the extra costs of a professional installation. After all, the kits come with all the easy-to-read instructions and diagrams. How hard can it be, right? Perhaps the actual assembly of a canopy kit, garage kit or steel or metal building kit is easy enough. But there are multiple factors that must be taken into consideration and handled correctly and safely before you grab your hammer and nails.

A top priority is ensuring that the space you select for your canopy, garage or steel or metal building is a safe distance from any underground wire, gas lines or utility lines and that the ground where the unit will be placed has been completely leveled. Also, some cities, counties and states require that structures be certified, which means they meet specified engineering codes. This certification assures that your canopy, garage or steel or metal building can withstand wind and snow loads and comes only with professional installation.

Carport Empire’s installation professionals know what to look for and how to make sure your canopy, garage or steel or metal building meets building codes and permitting requirements in your area – and installation is no extra charge. We do ask that you ascertain the locations of underground wire, gas lines and utility lines prior to our beginning work at your property. If you’re unable to level the site ground, Carport Empire can dig the base rail into the ground for an extra cost.

With professional installation offered at no extra cost, why hassle with the DIY canopy kits, garage kits or steel or metal building kits and risk the high costs of mistakes? For instance, a building that fails to meet or exceed building codes can be ordered demolished, and hitting an underground wire or gas line can be dangerous. Forget the hassles and call a Carport Empire today at 1-800-985-7678. 

If you’re the owner of a company of any size, commercial carports can have multiple uses for your business. Open carports can give your employees a shady place to park their vehicles or to enjoy an alfresco lunch. Large, open commercial carports also can be used to cover your fleet of corporate vehicles or equipment including tractor trailers and machinery, protecting them from the rain.

Carports can be enclosed using large, rollup doors. Carport Empire offers this customization with doors up to 16-feet wide and 14-feet high. Enclosed commercial carports are great for workshops, warehouses, industrial offices and staging areas for employees to meet, pick up supplies or drop off deliveries. Commercial carports also can be used to hide unsightly items, including trash bins and dumpsters, and equipment awaiting repair.

Commercial carports can be engineered for certification required by city, county and state regulations. They can be snow load rated and wind speed rated, with engineering plans that withstand 110 mph, 130 mph and 150 mph wind loads to assure the best protection for your business’s equipment and supplies.