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How to Fix that Worn Out Carport Cover

How to Fix that Worn Out Carport Cover
Philipp König, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

If your carport cover has started to wear out, it’s not going to provide your car with as much protection as you want. The weather can also damage your carport, leaving it in need of repairs. If your vehicle is now at risk of being damaged due to a worn carport cover, you need to access the damage and determine whether you should attempt repairs or if it’s time for a replacement.

Look for a Repair Kit

There are numerous repair kits on the market that include patch material and other supplies that you can use to repair your carport cover. You do need to research these kits and the type of carport you have to make certain you get the right product. You will also want to make certain you have all of the tools you need on hand, including safety tools. The car will need to be moved out from under the carport and anything else you store in that area.

Remove the Roofing

Carports are not meant to hold a lot of weight, especially not in the middle where there are no vertical supports. Climbing on top of a carport is not like climbing on a roof, and it’s not safe to do so. This means you will likely need to remove the roof of the carport before you can repair it. You may need some help in getting it off. To remove the roof, you will need to detach the screws that hold it in place. Once you’ve done so, you can repair it using the materials in your kit. This often involves cutting a piece of the patch material to cover the space and attaching it according to the directions. 

If your carport has a cloth roof, repairing it typically involves using a special tap or a heated sealant to meld the patch into the material. You may need to drill holes in the roof for a metal carport to bolt the patch securely in place. 

Clean the Carport and Repair 

While you have the roof off of your carport, take the time to clean the connectors and other parts. This will help extend their lifespan and prevent further damage. Also, check over the entire space to make certain nothing else is damaged. Worn bolts, frayed cords, and other items showing any sign of wear or damage need to be replaced. 

Buy a Replacement Cover

While you may be able to repair minor damage, if your carport cover is old or if you’re dealing with multiple holes and other damage, it’s time to consider simply buying a replacement car cover. This may be the most economical solution for both money and the amount of work you need to do. If you’ve already patched and repaired the carport several times over the years, it may have reached the end of its life. A new cover may also improve the aesthetics of your carport, which is also a nice benefit. 

Featured Philipp König, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons