In the hardware store you can buy carports as kits, which can also be set up by DIY enthusiasts. Flat roofs are offered with different coverings. What you choose depends on your expectations and the costs. It can happen that flat roofs become leaky and then they need to be replaced. You can roughly calculate the costs using this guide.
Roofing of carports
Carports are available with different roofs. The lean-to roof has a lower slope compared to gable roofs. These have the same silhouette as smaller residential buildings; they have a massive, stable construction. Hip roofs are inclined on all sides and are therefore particularly attractive. Finally, the arched roof has an arched shape. This is also very attractive.
A flat roof is particularly often used. It has the lowest slope, which is only intended to ensure that rain can drain off easily. Carport kits usually have a flat roof because it is easy to assemble and does not require much prior knowledge. The kit also includes the required drainage channel for the rainwater. When purchasing the kit, you can choose the roof covering you want.
Reasons for re-roofing
Renovation of the flat roof becomes necessary if, for example, it was damaged in storms or if the roofing material wears out over time. Sometimes flat roofs leak. Errors in the construction of the roof can also be to blame. When replacing the roof, make sure to use high-quality, weather-resistant materials. Sometimes a renovation is desired for purely aesthetic reasons. Then it is enough to renew the outer layer or paint metal in a different color.
Possible materials for the roof
Here you will get an overview of the different materials, processing and the approximate costs you should expect.
Bitumen
The bitumen roof is one of the cheapest and simplest options. It requires formwork all around and is not visible from below. The roof structure is provided with a layer of boards with a tongue and groove connection. The boards should be treated with wood preservative to make them last longer. The roofing felt, which is soaked in bitumen, is nailed onto the wooden boards. To make the roof particularly weather-resistant, a bitumen welding membrane is applied as a finish. This is welded using very powerful gas burners, which is why only experienced craftsmen should carry out the final work. Particular attention must be paid to fire protection.
Prices for the material:
- Roofing felt 4 euros/m²
- Bitumen welding membrane 4 euros/m²
- The gas burner and other consumables may incur additional costs
Bitumen roofs have the advantage of being quiet even when it rains. If the carport is located near bedrooms, this may well be a necessary consideration.
Trapezoid panels
Like corrugated sheets, they are made from polycarbonate or PVC. The panels are very robust and easy to process; they are screwed together. Depending on the material, they can be colored differently or are transparent. PVC is the cheaper option. Polycarbonate is more stable and more expensive. For both variants, it is important to buy weather and UV-resistant panels. If they are firmly installed, they are durable and can withstand bad weather. It is an aesthetic question whether corrugated or trapezoidal panels are preferred; the properties of both types are similar.
Prices:
- PVC trapezoidal panels 8 – 12 euros/m²
- Polycarbonate panels 10 – 25 euros/m² (colored panels are usually more expensive)
Light panels
They are the transparent version of PVC or polycarbonate panels. But there are also acrylic glass panels. The advantage of the transparent variant is that it makes the carport brighter because it lets the light through. Light panels must also be UV and weather resistant if they are to be mounted on the carport. High impact resistance also protects against hail.
Prices:
- PVC light panels from 8 euros/m²
- Polycarbonate light panels from 15 euros/m²
- Acrylic glass light panels from 25 euros/m²
Trapezoid sheet
Sheets are made from different metals, such as aluminum, steel and stainless steel. Depending on the type of metal, they are more or less robust, hail-proof and weather-resistant. Metal is often galvanized and powder coated and is available in many colors. A disadvantage of covering with panels is the expected noise in heavy rain or hail. Metal is particularly loud. But hail and heavy rain can also be heard on plastic panels. Condensation can also form on metal plates.
Prices:
- Trapezoid sheet with 0.4 mm thickness from 8 euros/m²
- the stronger the sheets, the more expensive they are
- prices also depend on the metal used
When covering metal, care should be taken to ensure that the surface is not damaged. Otherwise the raw metal can start to rust. Damaged areas should be treated with a protective metal varnish. Metal roofs are particularly easy to change color. If the roof is not damaged and you just don't like the color anymore, replacing it isn't a big problem.
Greening
Another option for roofing a carport is greenery. Some municipalities even require carports to be greened. Planting on the roof is actually easy to care for. However, greenery becomes a problem if there is damage to the covering. The entire area must then be cleared and re-roofed. This makes this variant the most cost-intensive. Since the work is difficult and should be done professionally, it often makes more sense to hire a company that specializes in it.
Prices:
Green roofs including all necessary materials and plants 100 – 200 euros/m²
Other price tips
If the flat roof was damaged by a storm and it is insured, the insurance will cover the damage. An expert may estimate the amount of damage beforehand. If you don't trust yourself to renovate your flat roof yourself, you can hire a roofer. He will assess the necessary work during a site inspection and prepare a cost estimate. When it comes to roofing, labor costs must also be taken into account in addition to material costs.
