History of Carports

Installing a carport is a simple but extremely useful way to improve your house. An effective storage unit for vehicles and equipment, they used to be a luxury but now are commonplace. How did the carport as we know it come to be? Let’s take a look at the history and benefits of carports.

It might surprise you to learn that the humble carport was a device favored by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The word itself comes from the French “porte-cochere”, or covered portal. Wright is actually the person who coined the term when he incorporated a carport into a home design in 1936. His reason for using a carport instead of a garage? As he put it, “A car is not a horse, and it doesn’t need a barn.” He went on to add, “Cars are built well enough now so that they do not require elaborate shelter.” Using the inexpensive solution of a carport, he effectively protected the cars on his property, inadvertently setting a trend that would still be going strong nearly a century later.

Once carports were introduced, people began to be excited about this innovative design. They started installing carports on their properties, not just to protect their cars from the elements, but also to eliminate clutter from their homes and use their space more efficiently. Carports were a boon because they required fewer resources than it took to build a garage, yet they could serve many different purposes. Demand grew as people realized they could use a carport not only as storage but also as a covered entryway, a cool spot to hang out on a hot day, or even a space for entertaining guests.

Originally, carports had a simple design. They consisted of just a flat roof with pillars. Today, the design has evolved. There are many different types of carports available, and they can even be customized to meet the clients’ specific needs. There are different roof styles, color schemes, and accessories available, as well as options to add additional walls and wind protection. The design process can even include color matching. All of these different options elevate an already useful component of a house to a whole new level of efficacy.

When you’re ready to improve your property by adding a carport to your home, contact the experts at Maclin Security Doors. Family owned and operated, we offer patio covers, carports, replacement windows, security, doors, sunrooms, and much more. Our Memphis-area home improvement professionals work with you from consultation through installation, offering the largest selection of custom designs and factory-direct options, all at prices that sync with your budget. Call 901.377.2456 for a free quote or contact us through our website for more information.

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