ᐅ Installing a Carport on a Prefabricated Timber Frame House?

Hello everyone,

Now that we can finally start planning the carport, I have a basic question and would like to know your opinion…

A brief overview: we have a prefabricated house (prefab house Weiss) with timber frame construction (built in 2014). The carport will likely be made of aluminum, measuring 7 x 3.50 m (23 x 11.5 ft) with an 8mm (0.3 inch) laminated safety glass (VSG) roof.

We would prefer to attach the carport directly to one side of the house, which should be possible structurally due to the wooden beam running along this side of the house. However, the homebuilder recommends a freestanding structure in front of the façade for the following reasons:

- With such constructions, the later connection or choice of fasteners can be problematic, as the fasteners may no longer be able to bear the loads

- Insulation (ETICS / external thermal insulation composite system) would have to be damaged at these points

What do you think about this?

Last year, we had a pergola awning installed directly on the wall. They used spacers/distance sleeves to avoid compressing the insulation. So far, it’s holding up perfectly! : -)

Greetings from the Swabian region!

Hello everyone!

Too bad, no replies yet! I would be happy if someone could add something here ; - )

The structural engineering of a prefabricated house may allow for this, but it is usually never verified through detailed calculations. However, if you have had these calculations performed, then the issue of insulation and the durability of the fixings becomes purely a matter of craftsmanship.

Plan all connections with adequate dimensions, execute them correctly according to best practices, and ensure weather protection through proper design. However, the version "freestanding with a 2mm (0.08 inch) air gap" involves fewer possible errors and is also easier to construct.

Do you know exactly where the beam runs, and does it line up properly with the height of the carport?

I wouldn’t screw it directly to the house. I would even leave a bit more than 2mm (0.08 inches) of clearance—around 5cm (2 inches). Due to wind load, all structures move slightly, and with a very small gap, there’s a risk that the plaster could eventually get damaged.

Neither a carport nor, even more so, your single-family house should shift by several millimeters (inches) due to wind… That would indicate a completely different problem.

trendyandi schrieb:
- Insulation (ETICS) must be damaged at these points

For this reason, our carport is also freestanding on its posts. There is about 3 cm (1.2 inches) of space between the house and the carport... who cares? Not us, no one sees it.