Open Carport vs Enclosed Metal Carport: What's The Difference, And Which One Do You Need?

You know you need a carport. You've figured out the size, roughed out a spot on your property, maybe even started looking at roof styles. But then you hit the open carport vs enclosed metal carport question and stall out. It's a legitimate fork in the road, and the wrong choice costs you either money you didn't need to spend or protection you realize you needed after the first hard winter.

We build both. Here's exactly how they differ, what each one is built to do, and how to figure out which one fits your situation.

Key highlights

• An open metal carport has a steel roof and frame with no side walls. An enclosed carport adds steel panels on the sides and ends, plus a door or roll-up entry.
• Open carports cost less upfront and go up faster. They're a solid choice for covered parking in mild or dry climates.
• Enclosed carports protect against wind-driven rain, dust, theft, and temperature swings. They're closer in function to a garage than a covered parking spot.
• Partially enclosed carports let you close off two or three sides and leave one open. A lot of buyers land here because it balances airflow with protection.
• Both open and enclosed carports come in vertical roof, horizontal roof, and A-frame styles from Engineered Metal Buildings.
• Permit requirements often differ between the two. Enclosed structures are more likely to trigger a local permit check. Your county building department has the final word.
• Ready to choose? Call us at 208-572-1441 or design your building at engineeredmetalbuildings.com.

Need help choosing the right carport setup? Explore our custom metal carports or call 208-572-1441 to talk through open, partially enclosed, and fully enclosed options.

What makes a carport "open" vs "enclosed"?

Open carports: a roof, a frame, and nothing blocking the sides

An open metal carport is exactly what it sounds like. You've got a steel roof supported by vertical legs. Nothing on the sides. Nothing on the ends. Wind, air, and light pass through freely.

That's a feature, not a flaw, depending on what you're parking under it. Open carports let moisture evaporate, prevent heat buildup in warmer months, and give you easy pull-through access from any direction. They're widely used for cars, trucks, farm equipment, utility trailers, and boat storage in areas where the main threat is sun and rain from above, not wind-driven weather from the sides.

Our metal carports start with this open configuration and go up from there.

Enclosed carports: steel panels, walls, and a real entry point

An enclosed metal carport has the same roof and frame as an open carport, with steel panels covering the sides and at least one endwall with a door or roll-up opening.

Some enclosed carports are fully closed on all four sides. Others are closed on three sides with one end left fully open for drive-through access. The walls are the same 14-gauge steel used in the frame, so you're not just adding a visual barrier. You're adding an actual weather barrier.

Functionally, a fully enclosed carport starts to look a lot like a metal garage. The practical difference is mainly the entry setup and interior height, though we can build enclosed carports with garage doors, walk-in doors, and windows if you need them.

Want to compare real layouts? Start with an open carport category, then compare enclosed options like the 20x20x7 Closed Carport before you finalize your design.

The real-world difference in protection

A roof overhead keeps hail off your hood and sun off your interior. That covers most of what people want from a carport in a calm climate.

But weather doesn't always come straight down. A Texas thunderstorm rolls in sideways. A Colorado wind event blows road grit under an open structure for six hours straight. A Florida afternoon storm dumps 3 inches in 45 minutes and half of it goes horizontal. Open carports handle vertical weather well. Enclosed carports handle everything else.

There's also the security angle. An open carport doesn't do much to discourage someone from walking up to your vehicle at 2 a.m. A locked enclosed carport at least slows that down. Tools, riding mowers, ATVs, and anything else that lives under the roof are much better protected behind a wall than exposed on all sides.

Temperature is another thing buyers don't always think about until it's too late. In direct southern sun, a car parked under an open carport still heats up significantly because radiant heat comes off the ground and surrounding surfaces. An enclosed carport with proper ventilation cuts that down. Same story in cold climates: side walls block wind chill from sitting on your engine block overnight.

Building for rough weather? Review EMB’s snow and wind load guidance before choosing between open sides, partial enclosure, or a fully enclosed carport.

When an open carport makes sense for your property

Go open when your primary goal is shade and rain coverage, and your climate cooperates.

Farmers pulling combines and tractors in and out of a covered spot all day long don't want to deal with doors. Open carports give you that fast, unrestricted access. Pull in from any direction, leave from any direction. Wide-span open carports work well for two or three pieces of equipment parked side by side.

Open carports also make sense when you're covering an RV seasonally and airflow matters. Moisture that gets trapped under a tight enclosure can work against you if you're not ventilating properly. An open structure around an RV lets it breathe while keeping UV and rain off the roof.

Budget is a real factor too. Open carports contain less material, which means lower cost. If you're covering a second vehicle or a utility trailer and you don't need security, an open carport is hard to beat on a dollar-per-square-foot basis.

Covering an RV, camper, or trailer? Compare RV carports or design your own RV cover with the 3D Building Estimator.

When an enclosed metal carport is the better choice

You need an enclosed carport when you're storing anything valuable enough to lock up, anything sensitive to weather, or anything that benefits from climate separation.

Classic cars and collector vehicles belong in enclosed structures. So do boats during off-season storage, motorcycles in states with hard winters, and work trucks loaded with equipment. Anything you'd feel uncomfortable leaving open on your property for a week should be behind walls.

If you're in a coastal area, the Great Plains, or anywhere with serious windstorm exposure, enclosed carports are worth the extra investment. Wind-driven rain isn't slowed down by an open frame. And once debris starts moving at 60 mph, open sides aren't doing anything to protect what's parked inside.

Contractors and small business owners often use enclosed carports as a combined parking and storage solution. Lock the roll-up door on the end, and you've got a secure workspace that doesn't require the full footprint of a commercial building. We build those in widths up to 40 feet and custom lengths. Call 208-572-1441 if you need something sized for commercial use.

Worth checking: your homeowner's insurance policy may rate vehicles differently based on storage type. Some carriers offer better rates for fully enclosed vs open carport storage. Your agent can confirm what applies to your coverage.

Need enclosed storage instead of basic cover? Compare enclosed carport layouts with our metal garages, or call 208-572-1441 for help choosing the right structure.

Open vs enclosed metal carport: side-by-side comparison

Feature	Open carport	Enclosed carport
Side walls	None	Steel panels on 2, 3, or all 4 sides
Entry/exit access	Open from all directions	Through door or roll-up opening on one or both ends
Weather protection	Overhead only (sun, rain, hail)	Overhead and side-wind driven rain, dust, debris
Security	Minimal	Lockable; restricts access to contents
Upfront cost	Lower	Higher (more steel material, door hardware)
Airflow	Unrestricted	Depends on ventilation design; can trap heat without vents
Permit likelihood	Lower in many jurisdictions	Higher; enclosed structures often trigger permit review
Best use	Daily-use vehicles, farm equipment, open storage	Valuable vehicles, seasonal storage, secure workspace

Ready to price both options? Use the 3D Building Estimator to test size, roof style, colors, doors, windows, and enclosure options before requesting your quote.

What about partially enclosed carports?

A lot of buyers end up here. Close off the back and both sides, leave the front open. Or close three sides and put a roll-up on the fourth. You get most of the weather protection of a fully enclosed structure with easier access than a traditional garage.

We build these regularly. A common setup is a carport with the two long sidewalls closed and both short ends left open for drive-through. This works well for long farm sheds, equipment storage, and RV covers where you need a clear front-to-back path without full enclosure on every side.

You can also do a combo unit: an enclosed section attached to an open lean-to on one side. The enclosed half holds your vehicles or valuables, the open lean-to gives you covered work space alongside it. That kind of layout solves a lot of problems at once.

If you're not sure what configuration actually fits your property and how you plan to use it, call 208-572-1441. We talk through these setups constantly and can help you decide before you commit to a design.

Need a mix of storage and open workspace? Browse ready-made metal building models or ask our team about a combo carport layout.

Ready to design your carport?

Build it your way at engineeredmetalbuildings.com or call 208-572-1441 for help choosing the right setup for your property.

Design before you buy. Use EMB’s 3D Building Estimator to customize your carport size, roof style, colors, doors, windows, and enclosure options online.

Want monthly payment options? Review EMB financing, check Rent-To-Own metal buildings, or call 208-572-1441 for help with your carport quote.

The bottom line on open vs enclosed

Open carports are built for easy access and basic overhead coverage. Enclosed carports are built for real security and all-weather protection. Most buyers who answer honestly about what they're parking and where they live end up knowing which one they need pretty quickly.

If you're still on the fence, a partially enclosed setup with two or three closed sides often splits the difference cleanly. And if you're in a high-wind or severe weather region, don't underestimate what adding walls does for the long-term condition of what you're protecting.

Design your carport at engineeredmetalbuildings.com or call 208-572-1441. We'll help you size it, configure it, and get it installed on your property.

Get your carport sized and quoted today. Start with our metal carports, compare enclosed options in the shop, or design your own building with the 3D Building Estimator.

People often toss around the word "gauge" when discussing metal buildings, but few stop to consider what it really means. For steel, its gauge is a system of determining how thick it is. The smaller the number, the thicker the material.

What Is Gauge?

Most metal buildings utilize 14-gauge steel for their framing. It’s light, sturdy, and can hold its own in most scenarios. However, some environments with higher wind speeds and snowfall demand thicker 12-gauge framing to carry the load and pass local building requirements.

And while you might not notice much of a difference in performance at first, that beefier framing makes it a lot harder for nature to bend or twist your structure out of shape.

Key Highlights

• 12-gauge = thicker and stronger
• 14-gauge = good for most small to mid-size builds
• Lower gauge = better wind and snow performance
• 12-gauge holds shape longer under stress
• Often comes with a better warranty
• Price bump is small compared to the upgrade in strength

Steel Gauge Chart

Gauge	Inches	Millimeters
8	0.164 in	4.17 mm
10	0.135 in	3.43 mm
12	0.105 in	2.67 mm
14	0.075 in	1.90 mm
16	0.060 in	1.52 mm
18	0.048 in	1.21 mm
20	0.036 in	0.91 mm
22	0.030 in	0.76 mm
24	0.024 in	0.61 mm
26	0.018 in	0.46 mm
28	0.015 in	0.38 mm
30	0.012 in	0.30 mm

How Gauge Impacts Loads

Thicker framing doesn’t just sound tougher. It is tougher. Heavier steel stands up better to snow buildup, hard gusts, and the added stress from longer spans.

Engineers run the numbers for wind and snow loads based on ASCE 7 standards. Using this system, buildings can be rated for anywhere from 115 to 170 mph winds and 20–60 psf snow loads.

The local requirements for wind and snow loads depend on location, open exposure, and roof pitch. For example, a building sitting on a hill or near the coast deals with more pressure than one behind trees.

Upgrading to 12-Gauge Framing

At what point should you consider upgrading?

• High Wind Speeds

If your metal building will sit in an area with high wind speed calculations, you may need to upgrade to thicker framing to prevent swaying or failure.

• Heavy Snow Regions:

If you expect to see your fair share of deep snows this winter, upgrading your framing thickness is a smart move.

• Longer, Bigger Buildings:

Longer spans put more stress on the frame of your pre-engineered metal building.

• Certification Needs

Higher wind or snow ratings often call for thicker 12-gauge.

• Lower Maintenance:

Thicker steel can last longer and require fewer repairs over the course of its life.

Cost and Warranty Changes with Framing Upgrades

You can expect a small price increase when you upgrade from 14-gauge to 12-gauge framing. You pay for thicker steel, heavier anchors, and reinforced braces to match it. Usually, you’re looking at around 10–15% more on the framing side.

However, that extra spend often gets you a longer rust-through warranty, sometimes 25 years instead of 20. The thicker galvanizing takes longer to wear down, especially in damp or coastal areas.

So, while the up-front cost stings a little, you’re getting fewer repairs, less movement, and a frame that won’t quit early. In the long run, it’s usually worth every bit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Framing Gauges for Metal Buildings

Do you have questions about framing gauge, and which thickness is best for you? Below, we’ve answered some of the questions we see on this subject the most:

Is 12-GA stronger than 14-GA?

Answer: Yeah. It’s thicker, heavier, and stiffer under load.

What’s the real thickness difference?

Answer: 12-ga steel is about 0.1046 inches thick, while 14-ga runs around 0.0747 in.

Does 12-GA automatically mean better wind or snow ratings?

Answer: Not by itself. The full design, including anchors, trusses, and layout, plays a role. But thicker framing helps you hit higher numbers.

Does the 20-year rust warranty only cover 12-GA?

Answer: Usually, the heavier gauge gets longer coverage. Some 14-ga options still offer 20 years, but 12-ga often goes a few years beyond that.

A 40 mph wind shouldn’t feel like it’s about to peel your carport off the ground. But for a lot of people, that’s exactly what happens. You hear the metal creaking, you see the frame wobble a little, and suddenly you’re wondering if the whole thing is about to end up in your neighbor’s yard.

The good news is this: most carports that sway in the wind are not failing structurally. In most cases, the issue traces back to weak anchoring, poor site prep, missing bracing, or a combination of all three. The frame itself usually isn’t the real problem.

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s actually happening when a carport starts moving around in high winds, and what you can do to tighten things up before the next storm rolls through.

Need a stronger setup before the next storm? Explore our custom metal carports built for your size, roof style, and local weather needs.

Quick takeaways

• Slight flex in a steel carport is normal
• Excessive rocking usually points to anchoring or bracing issues
• Gravel and soft soil are the most common trouble spots
• Vertical roof carports generally perform better in windy regions
• Cross bracing helps prevent side-to-side “racking” movement
• Concrete slabs provide the most stable foundation overall
• If the frame has permanently leaned or twisted, replacement may be the safer option

Want to price a more stable carport layout? Use the 3D estimator to compare roof style, size, colors, and building options online, or call 208-572-1441.

Why Metal Carports Move in The Wind

A lot of buyers assume steel structures are supposed to stay completely rigid no matter what. But that’s not really how they’re designed.

Steel buildings are engineered with controlled flex built into them. When wind pushes against the side of the structure, the frame absorbs part of that pressure by bending slightly and then returning to position once the gust passes. A little movement is expected.

What you do not want to see is:

• The legs shifting at the ground
• The roof rocking side to side
• A lean that slowly gets worse
• Anchors pulling loose after storms

That’s when you move from “normal flex” into stability problems.

In Most Cases, The Anchors Are the Real Issue

Everything looks fine at first. Then months later a strong storm hits and the base starts creeping just enough to loosen things up. Sometimes the anchors do not fully pull out. They only move an inch or two. But that small amount of movement is enough to let the frame rack under pressure. Once the feet start shifting, the whole structure becomes noticeably less stable.

Soil conditions matter more than most people realize too. Wet ground, sandy fill dirt, loose gravel, or areas with a high water table can all reduce anchor holding strength pretty quickly.

Before you install or replace a carport, check the ground first. Review our site preparation guide for drainage, access, foundation, and pad-readiness basics.

The Different Anchor Types and Where They Work Best

Not every anchor works well in every surface. Matching the anchor system to the site conditions matters more than people think.

Auger anchors for soil

Auger anchors twist into the ground like giant screws. These are common for grass, dirt, and clay-based sites.

They typically hold well in compact clay because the soil grips tightly around the anchor threads. Softer sandy soil is another story. In those conditions, longer augers or concrete footings usually work better.

If your carport is installed on loose dirt with short anchors, that’s probably the first thing worth checking.

Concrete anchors

Concrete is still the most stable foundation option for a metal carport. When anchor bolts are embedded correctly into a cured slab, the frame has far less opportunity to shift laterally during wind events. That stability makes a major difference during sustained gusts.

One mistake people make, though, is pouring the slab before they have the engineered plans. Then the anchor bolt layout ends up not matching the building columns. Fixing that afterward gets expensive fast.

Rebar Anchors for Gravel Pads

A gravel pad can work fine if it’s compacted properly.

The problem is some gravel sites aren’t properly compacted enough before installation. The rebar pins go through loose stone and never really gain strong resistance underneath.

That’s why two carports on gravel can behave completely differently in the wind. One site was prepared correctly. The other wasn’t.

Want a larger vertical-roof carport example? View this 30x40x12 Vertical Roof Carport for a wide carport layout with vertical roofing, delivery, and installation included.

Bracing Matters Just as Much as Anchoring

Anchors keep the base from moving. Bracing keeps the frame from twisting. You need both. A carport with strong anchors but little diagonal bracing can still sway quite a bit during heavy wind. On the flip side, a heavily braced structure with poor anchors can still shift across the pad.

What Cross Bracing Actually Does

Cross bracing creates triangular support patterns inside the frame. That matters because rectangles can deform under pressure pretty easily. Triangles resist movement far better. That same principle is used in bridges, towers, and large commercial steel structures.

A lot of standard carports ship with fairly minimal bracing because manufacturers are trying to keep pricing low. In low-wind regions that may not cause issues. In places that regularly see strong gusts, additional bracing can make a huge difference.

Can You Add Bracing Later?

Usually, yes. Retrofitting diagonal bracing onto an existing carport is common, especially after owners realize how much movement they’re getting during storms.

The process often includes:

• Diagonal cable or steel rod bracing
• Added knee braces near frame joints
• Tightening loose hardware
• Replacing bent base plates or worn fasteners

If the structure has been swaying for years, inspect the bottom connections carefully before adding anything new. Sometimes repeated movement damages the base plates themselves.

Seeing damage after installation? Use our guide on metal building installation problems to understand what to document and who to contact before making changes.

Ground Conditions Make a Bigger Difference Than People Think

Let’s explore where different surfaces tend to perform best:

Ground Type	Best Anchor Option	Main Concern
Concrete slab	Anchor bolts / J-bolts	Bolt placement must match frame
Compacted clay	Auger anchors	Can loosen after saturation
Sandy soil	Deep augers or footings	Weak holding strength
Gravel pad	Rebar pins	Requires heavy compaction
Loose fill dirt	Concrete footings	Ground shifts over time
High water table	Footings with drainage prep	Wet soil loses grip

Roof style also affects wind performance

Not all roof styles handle wind the same way. Vertical roof carports generally perform better because the panels allow wind and rain to move off the structure more efficiently. Regular roofs and boxed-eave roofs can create more uplift pressure in sustained wind conditions.

If you live in an area that regularly sees heavy storms or open-field wind exposure, vertical roof systems are usually worth the upgrade.

Still comparing roof styles? Read our metal building roof styles guide to compare regular, A-frame, horizontal, and vertical roofs before choosing your carport.

Need a tall vertical-roof option? View this 30x45x14 A-Frame Vertical Carport if you need more height, width, and coverage for equipment, farm storage, or commercial use.

Understanding Wind Ratings

A wind rating is not just a marketing number. It comes from engineering calculations based on:

• Building dimensions
• Roof style
• Frame design
• Local code requirements
• Expected regional wind speeds

That certification matters because a structure designed for 90 mph conditions is a completely different animal from one engineered for 130 mph exposure.

A lot of older or uncertified carports were never designed for the wind zones they ended up in.

Before you replace or upgrade, check your local requirements. Review EMB’s Snow and Wind Loads page, then use the ASCE Hazard Tool as a location-based reference for hazard data.

Trying to understand why stronger ratings can change price? Read how building codes and snow loads affect metal building prices before comparing quotes.

When Repairs Are No Longer Enough

Some carports can absolutely be stabilized. Others are already too compromised.

If you notice:

• Bent columns
• Cracked base plates
• Twisted framing
• Permanent leaning
• Roof panels separating
• Anchors repeatedly failing

then the frame may already be structurally weakened.

At that point, adding extra anchors sometimes only delays a larger problem. A properly engineered replacement may end up being the safer long-term solution.

Still not sure if your carport needs repair or replacement? Call 208-572-1441 and talk through your site, wind exposure, roof style, and upgrade options with EMB.

Bottom Line

If your metal carport sways during storms, don’t automatically assume the entire structure is defective. More often than not, the issue comes down to anchoring, bracing, site prep, or all three working against each other.

The biggest improvements usually come from:

• Securing the frame properly to the ground
• Upgrading weak anchors
• Adding diagonal bracing
• Correcting poor soil or gravel conditions

And if the frame itself has already bent or permanently shifted, replacing it with a properly engineered structure may save you more trouble in the long run.

Ready to build something more stable? Design your metal carport online, compare options in 3D, or call 208-572-1441 to get help sizing a wind-ready structure for your property.