Do you have a carport? It’s a luxury some don’t have, and while it’s not quite a proper garage, it is still an excellent place to store your car and keep it safe from the elements. A carport protects your vehicle and keeps it free of bird droppings and other dirt and debris. But the carport itself, due to being open on the sides, can become dirty, messy and in need of carport maintenance and cleaning. This helpful article will share how you can maintain and clean your carport, so read on to learn more about this valuable topic.

Sweep Regularly 

A main part of your regular carport maintenance routine should be sweeping. Over time, dirt, dust, debris, and leaf matter will gather in your carport. With a suitable outdoor broom, ensure that you sweep it all out to keep the interior of your carport clean and pristine. You should make this part of your weekly cleaning schedule and pick a certain day and time of the week. Perhaps it’s Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Ensure you stick to this schedule to keep your carport looking its best.

Pressure Wash

Once every six months or so, you should pressure wash the ground surface of your carport. This is because, over time, the concrete or pavers will become stained, dirty and grimy. This is to be expected as you drive over it so often, and it’s outside too. A good quality pressure washer will blast away all that dust, dirt, and grime and restore the surface to its former glory. You can get a decent electric pressure washer from most hardware stores, but a petrol-powered one is stronger and will deliver a better result. Alternatively, you can hire a pressure washer from most machine hire stores, which might be more economical than buying one if you’re only going to use it every six months or so.

Keep the Space Under it Clear

Ideally, you should keep the Space under your carport clear and free of anything except your car. You might have a tendency to use it for storage, such as garden tools or other items. However, a garden shed is a better place for these. The carport should be for your car alone, and storing other things there will make it look cluttered and even present a tripping hazard as you get out of the car.

Inspect the Roof

Every few months, you should inspect the roof of your carport and keep it clean and clear. Make sure that you clean away stuck leaves, blossoms, dirt and other things that will accumulate there over time. If you have a long enough hose, you can use this to spray off all the matter that appears there over time, or if you’re confident in your ability, you can climb on top using a ladder and bring a broom up with you to sweep off everything. Be careful though, because falls from high places are a common household maintenance accident. 

Check for Damage

Part of your carport maintenance schedule should be inspecting your carport for damage. Inspect the metal parts of it for signs of rust, cracks, or other stress indications. It’s also worth inspecting it after a heavy storm or hail fall. Ensure the roof panels and rain gutters aren’t bent or damaged so they let water leak through onto your car. 

While you’re at it, check the floor of your carport for major cracks or pits. You’ll need to patch these before they expand and become worse. 

Make Small Fixes Frequently

Part of keeping your carport in excellent condition is making small repairs as you notice things need a touch-up. For instance, if you notice rust spots during your routine inspections, sand these back lightly to get rid of the cracking and flaking and then wipe the metal clean. You can then spray on some rust-prevention primer from a can and topcoat it with paint to match the rest of the carport.

For minor cracks in the concrete, use a concrete patch filler. Let it dry properly before you park your vehicle on top of it. If you have major chunks or potholes in the concrete, you may need to enlist the services of a professional concrete repair company to fix them. 

When it comes to the roof, seal gaps in the joints and flashing with silicone or rubber sealant to prevent leaks. Ensure that you replace any damaged, ill-fitting or warped roof panels and rain gutters to stop major leaks, too. You can fill small holes with seam tape, but larger holes will need metal patches welded over them to strengthen them and prevent leaks. 

A Carport Cleaning and Maintenance Summary

This helpful article covers how to maintain and clean your carport, so follow the advice to keep it in top condition. If you’re interested in replacing your existing carport, why not work with EasyCarport? With locations in Melbourne and Queensland, and a range of single carports, double carports, horse shelters, and more we’re Australia’s carport specialists. Explore our range today.