This is a collaborative post
Carports are often more affordable than garages. But, like a garage, they require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition.
One of the simplest ways to look after your carport is to keep it clean. A clean carport will last longer, offering protection for your vehicles over a longer period. Moreover, a clean carport will also require fewer repairs over time.
It may seem like an annoying task, but regularly cleaning your carport can help prevent structural issues. Structural issues will cost a lot more to fix than cleaning.
Keep reading to discover which carport problems can be avoided by cleaning and maintaining your carport.
Rust and Corrosion
If you have a metal carport, rust may be a concern. Letting dirt, leaves, and moisture collect on the metal surface creates the perfect environment for rust to form.
If you don’t clean your carport or remove rust, you allow the rust to corrode the metal beams, making your carport structure unstable. Small spots of rust may look harmless, but rust can spread quickly, causing major problems.
Regular cleaning removes moisture-retaining debris that causes or speeds up the rusting process. Afterward, you should wash off dirt and dry the surface of your carport. All you have to do is use a pressure washer and wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Ideally, you should gently scrub stubborn dirt with a brush before you continue pressure washing and drying the carport.
Using a rag, you can add a sealant afterward. This sealant layer will protect your carport from dirt accumulation.
Mold, Mildew, and Algae
A damp, dirty carport is a breeding ground for mildew, algae, and mold. These growths, like rust, can cause significant damage to your carport’s structure. This is especially true for wood carports. Mold and mildew problems are not only ugly to look at, but they will also rot the wood.
Furthermore, thick mold and mildew growths can become a health hazard if the spores become airborne. If algae grow on the carport floor, it will make the surface slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
To prevent these growths, clean your carport regularly after it rains. Check for pooling water and clear it. If pools of water keep forming, your carport may have a drainage problem.
Using a mixture of vinegar and water to clean your carport is a good idea. It will prevent the further growth of mold and mildew.
Pest Infestations
If you leave your carport exposed to the elements without cleaning it, it can attract pests. Leaves, dirt, and other debris provide nesting materials for birds. Standing water attracts mosquitoes. Rodents may chew through exposed wiring and insulation.
You must take action if you notice droppings inside and around your carport. Brush away leaves, twigs, and branches. Inspect the entire carport for signs of infestation or bird nesting. You may need to call the professionals for help if there are rodents or spiders.
Also, seal all visible holes, gaps, and cracks in and around your carport to prevent more pests from getting inside.
Water Damage
Water damage to carports is common in areas with heavy rain or snow. If you live in an area with severe weather, you cannot allow your carport to accumulate debris. If you do, it will prevent rain and melting snow from draining. The stagnant water will cause damage to the carport roof and foundation.
Always clean the gutters and drainage areas to prevent water accumulation. You also want to check that your carport is sloped correctly so water drains away.
Structural Weakening
Heaps of wet leaves, snow, and other debris can place immense pressure on your carport structure. If the weight is not removed, it can lead to warping or sagging, and in extreme cases, the carport may collapse.
This is yet another reason keeping your carport clean is crucial. Clearing the roof of leaves, water, and snow also ensures that drainage systems work properly, moving water away from the carport.
Never neglect cleaning the entire carport, especially the roof, during the fall and winter. Whenever storms happen, check the carport afterward for sagging or warping. Reinforce your carport structure if necessary or if many storms or rain and snow are predicted.
Your Carport Needs Protection
Your carport protects your vehicles, but it also needs your protection. Regular cleaning will eliminate the issues mentioned above and prolong the life of your carport.
Simple steps like washing off dirt and clearing leaves can make a huge difference. Whether your carport is made of metal or wood, regular cleaning will keep it strong and reliable for many years.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post