Extreme durability: Why the carport is not just a canopy
The hidden dangers of standard carports
Remember that storm last year? The one that left broken branches and broken roofs? My neighbor Paul then lost his carport - the structure simply could not withstand the force of the wind. And his two year old car? Damaged by falling roofing elements. “If I knew it could end like this, I would never have bought the cheapest option,” he admitted during one of our conversations at the fence.
Paul's story is not isolated. Standard carports, especially those in the lower price range, hide a number of risks that only reveal themselves in extreme conditions. And those, as we know, have not been lacking in recent years.
“In the last five years, the number of reports of damaged carports has increased by more than 40%," says Marek Kowalski, an insurance expert with 15 years of experience. “Most often this happens in the winter or during violent storms. Unfortunately, the owners of such structures are usually not aware that their standard insurance may not cover the damage caused by a defective roof structure.
What specifically can happen? The list of common problems is long:
- The sagging of the roof under the weight of snow - Even a dozen centimeter layer of wet snow can weigh more than 100 kg/m², which for weaker structures is a load exceeding their strength. Effect? Deformation of the structure, and in extreme cases - complete collapse.
- Ejection from the foundation during strong winds - Too shallow or improperly made foundations is a recipe for disaster. During a gale, the carport can act as a sail, and the pulling forces can literally pull the mounts out of the ground.
- Twisting the structure - Uneven load (for example, snow sliding on one side) or gusts of wind from the side can cause the entire structure to twist, which leads to permanent deformations.
- Degradation of connections - Over time, under the influence of changing weather conditions, even initially solid screw connections can loosen, which dramatically reduces the stability of the entire structure.
Interestingly, this problem is exacerbated with climate change. “We are currently designing structures taking into account more and more extreme conditions,” explains Andrzej Wiśniewski, PhD, a specialist in the field of building structures. “What was once considered a '100-year storm' now happens every few years. The standards of a decade ago simply do not meet today's challenges.”
It is also worth remembering that a carport is not just a structure - it is protection for your car, often the second most expensive purchase in life (after the house). When it fails, the consequences can be costly: from paint damage to dents to more serious damage caused by falling structural elements.
Kasia from Krakow was painfully convinced of this: “I bought a cheap carport, because it seemed to me that this simple roof could not break. After two years, the winter of the century came - first I heard disturbing crackles, and then the whole structure collapsed on my car. Repairing the car cost me more than it would have cost to buy a decent carport from the beginning.”
The hidden dangers of standard carports are not just a matter of comfort - they are real financial and safety risks. In the next section, we will look at how Carport Premium Electrotile solves these problems with a revolutionary approach to construction.
The revolutionary design of the Premium Carport
When Electrotile's team of engineers set out to design the Carport Premium, they asked themselves one key question: “How do you create a design that will survive even the harshest weather conditions while remaining sleek and functional?” The answer required a complete rethinking of the traditional approach to carport design.
“We started by analyzing typical failures of standard structures,” explains Tomasz Nowak, chief designer at Electrotile. “Instead of simply reinforcing existing solutions, we decided to create a completely new system for the distribution of forces and loads.”
A key element of the revolution turned out to be the rearward movement of the main structural pillars instead of the standard placement of them at the edges. This seemingly simple solution has brought unexpected benefits.
“This location of the poles not only increases the comfort when getting into the car, but also fundamentally changes the dynamics of the forces acting on the structure,” explains Maria Kowalska, PhD, a specialist in structural loads. “The horizontal forces that, with standard layouts, cause the front pillars to be pulled out of the foundations, are evenly distributed on the rear supports in the Premium Carport. It's a bit like a cantilever bridge — a structure known for its exceptional strength.”
What specifically distinguishes the design of the Premium Carport?
Materials of the highest quality
Unlike standard carports, which often use aluminum with the minimum required thickness, the Carport Premium is built from high quality structural steel certified to withstand extreme loads. Each element is protected by a multi-layer anti-corrosion coating, which provides protection even in aggressive environments (for example, in coastal regions).
“The choice of materials was key,” emphasizes Nowak. “We were not looking for compromises. We used steel with the characteristics typically used in industrial construction, where the strength requirements are much higher than in typical home constructions.”
Computer simulations and endurance tests
Every element of Carport Premium has undergone a series of rigorous tests, both virtual and real. Using advanced Finite Element Simulation (MES), Electrotile engineers tested how the structure would behave under different loads.
“We tested the structure for snow loads of up to 350 kg/m², while construction standards require resistance of about 120 kg/m²,” explains Kowalska. “We also simulated wind gusts in excess of 160 km/h, which corresponds to the strongest hurricanes recorded in Europe.”
Interestingly, the actual tests confirmed and even surpassed the simulation results. The prototype Carport Premium was tested in a specialized laboratory, where extreme weather conditions were simulated.
Innovative Load Acquisition System
The exceptional stability of the Carport Premium is not only due to the high-quality materials, but also to the well-thought-out system of load taking and distribution.
“Standard carports usually have a simple frame structure, where each joint must independently withstand the forces acting on it,” explains Nowak. “In our solution, we used a load distribution system that makes the whole structure work as a single organism.”
This system uses specially designed structural nodes that dissipate forces over a larger area instead of concentrating them at individual points. This solution is taken from the technologies used in the construction of bridges and high-rise buildings.
Foundations rethought
Even the best ground structure will be unstable without proper foundations. Therefore, Electrotile engineers have developed an anchoring system that far exceeds standard solutions.
“A typical carport has foundations that reach 40-60 cm deep into the ground,” explains Kowalska. “Our anchors reach up to 120 cm, and their special shape further increases stability. It's a bit like with trees — those with deep, extended roots resist the wind the best.”
In addition, the Carport Premium anchoring system is designed to accommodate different types of ground - from clay to sandy. Each installation is preceded by a soil analysis, and anchors are selected individually for the conditions in a particular location.
The result is a design that not only looks elegant, but above all ensures safety even in the most extreme weather conditions. How does this translate into daily benefits for users? About this in the third part of our article.
Peace of mind in all conditions
Imagine sitting comfortably in an armchair during an extremely strong storm. The wind is raging outside the window, the crackling of broken branches is heard, and the forecast foreshadows hail. Most carport owners in such a situation nervously peer out the window, wondering if their structure and the car parked under it will survive the night unscathed. Meanwhile, you can sip your tea with peace of mind knowing that your Carport Premium Electrotile is designed just for these circumstances.
“This feeling of peace is priceless,” admits Marek Jankowski, one of the first users of Carport Premium in Poland. “During the last storm, when the neighbors in panic moved cars to the garage or to the street, I didn't even think about my car. And the next day, it turned out that their cheaper carports had actually suffered damage.”
The benefits of Carport Premium's exceptional durability go far beyond a restful night's sleep during a storm. Let's take a closer look at them:
Long-term financial savings
“Paradoxically, choosing a more expensive but more durable solution is one of the best financial decisions I have made,” says Jan Kowalski, an entrepreneur from Krakow. “My previous, cheaper carport required repairs practically every season, and in the end I had to replace it anyway after only four years.”
The analysis of the total cost of ownership (TCO) confirms these observations. Taking into account:
- Initial cost of construction
- Expenses for repairs and maintenance
- Potential costs of repairing car damage
- Expected service life
Carport Premium turns out to be a more economical choice already in 7-10 years. Moreover, while standard designs typically require complete replacement after 8-12 years, Carport Premium is designed for decades of service life.
“It's like with good shoes,” explains financial expert Anna Witkowska. “You can buy cheap ones that will wear out after one season, or invest in decent ones that will last for years. In the long run, the second option always comes out cheaper.”
Elimination of disturbing noises and vibrations
Owners of standard carports are well aware of this sound - the disturbing creak and creaking of the structure during strong winds or heavy snowfalls. These noises are not just acoustic discomfort - they are a signal that the structure is working at the limit of its strength.
“Before installing Carport Premium, I practically did not sleep during windy nights,” admits Piotr Mazur from Gdańsk. “The constant crackling and groaning of metal made me get up every now and then to see if the structure was still standing. Now, even during the most windy storms, the carport stands unshaken, without making any disturbing sounds.”
This stability is not just a matter of psychological comfort. The absence of vibration and stress translates into a longer life of the entire structure and a lower risk of microcracks, which over time can lead to more serious damage.
Increased property value
“When I put the house up for sale, the real estate agent particularly emphasized the added value of Carport Premium,” says Tomasz Szymański from Poznań. “Potential buyers were impressed not only by the aesthetics, but also by the solidity of the structure. This was one of the elements that made it possible to obtain a price that was 5% higher than the initial valuation.”
Real estate experts confirm that high-quality, durable elements of landscape architecture, such as carports or pergolas, can significantly increase the attractiveness and value of the entire property. In the case of Carport Premium, an additional advantage is its aesthetics and adaptation to modern architectural trends.
Protection of parked vehicles in all conditions
The most tangible benefit of the Carport Premium's exceptional durability is, of course, maximum protection for the vehicle parked underneath.
“When hail passed in our area, cars parked outside suffered serious damage to the paintwork,” recalls Magdalena Witkowska from Wrocław. “My neighbor, who had a standard carport, also had to repair the car - the structure simply could not withstand the thrust of hail mixed with a strong wind. Meanwhile, my car under the Carport Premium did not suffer the slightest damage.”
This protection not only helps to avoid repair costs, but also to preserve the value of the vehicle. Cars regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions lose value faster due to micro-damage to paintwork, accelerated corrosion or degradation of plastic elements under the influence of UV.
Mental comfort that cannot be overestimated
Summarizing all the listed benefits, we come to a value that is not easily measured - a sense of security and peace of mind.
“Before buying Carport Premium, any forecast of strong wind or heavy snowfall was associated with stress,” admits Karolina Jabłońska, interior designer from Warsaw. “Now it's the past. I know my investment is safe and I don't have to worry about the car or potential repairs. It is a comfort whose value cannot be overestimated.”
The exceptional durability of the Carport Premium is not only a technical parameter - it is a real advantage that translates into the everyday life of its users. This is a restful sleep during a storm, it is the absence of the need to clear snow of the structure for fear of its collapse, it is the certainty that your car is safe no matter what happens outside the window.
In a world where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, such certainty is worth its weight in gold.
