How to Avoid Buying a Junky Metal Carport
“The art of buying” is where you look not to spend more than something is worth. The hard part is knowing what something is worth! I will show you one important thing to look for, and if it doesn’t have it, keep walking.
Unfortunately, what you see isn’t always what you get. Metal carports of lower quality can be made to look similar to high-quality carports to untrained eyes. Those few dollars you save could cost you the entire metal carport and the vehicle under it. It simply isn’t worth the risk.
One of the advantages of metal carports over those built from wood is its predictability. Wood naturally has many variations in quality. Metals are far more consistent, but not all metal carport constructions are built with a high standard of quality and consistencies.
So, you have two choices: One, you could learn a lot about the metal carport industries, or you could look to see if the company is AISC Certified. I recommend the latter.
Below I will introduce you to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). If you are in the market for a metal carport and you want to know you are getting the level of quality you are told, then you want the company to be AISC Certified.
What is AISC?
American Institute of Steel Construction is a not-for-profit organization that been around since 1921. This organization sets the standard that everyone should follow in steel construction; however, not everyone does. Half of the companies nationwide are not AISC certified.
An interesting thought is that the Department of Transportation only allows bridges to be built by AISC Certified fabricators. This is required in every state. You wouldn’t want to drive across a bridge that isn’t AISC Certified, so don’t park your car under a carport that is not AISC Certified.
AISC leads the steel industry by setting the specification and code development. Their website explains their involvement in everything from research and education to standardization and certification.
What is AISC Certified and
how does it affect your metal carport?
The AISC certifications ensure that contractors have the personnel, knowledge, equipment, experience, procedures and capability to produce quality work. Having an AISC certification improves consistency of operations and demonstrates commitment to quality, setting partner contractors apart from the competition. – I.M.A.C.T.
Credit: I.M.P.A.C.T.
This means companies that are certified have consistently high-quality steel and fabrication. The AISC is the most highly recognized and regarded certification nationwide. You can rest assured knowing that you are receiving quality steel construction when a company is AISC Certified.
This is why you want to make sure your metal carport is made from a AISC Certified company. Discovery Buildings are AISC Certified so you know you are getting a quality metal carport.
Prevention vs. Correction
When a company is AISC certified it isn’t focused on trying to fix problems as much as they are trying to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In other words, they want to prevent a structure from collapsing, not trying to figure out how to continue to produce poor quality buildings and fix the problems when they come up.
AISC has created standards that are intended to prevent problems. This benefits consumers like yourself who wants a metal carport, without the issues of inferior steel or designs.
AISC Certifications is a Rigorous Process
When a company applies for the AISC certification, they will undergo a rigorous process that requires about 6 months to complete. Companies that have completed the AISC certification are subject to on-going audits. The evaluation is intense and that is why only half of the companies are AISC certified. Below is the American Institute of Steel Construction summary of the process:
These evaluations require a comprehensive administrative review, a documentation audit, and an on-site audit of the firm’s quality management system… During the on-site audit, a company’s day-to-day operations are compared with the documented procedures from its quality management system, and a general list of core quality-criteria is shown below for both fabricators and erectors. The program requires the company to be accountable for all facets of its organization, from management responsibility to employee training to material purchasing and handling to project specific erection plans. – AISC
Credit: AISC
The fact that the process is rigorous should give you peace of mind because you know you are getting the quality you are paying for.
Discovery Buildings Builds AISC Certified Metal Carports
A metal carport should provide the necessary shelter to keep your vehicle safe. It needs to be durable enough to withstand high winds. With an AISC certified metal carport, you will know what your carport is rated, because of the level of consistency the American Institute of Steel Construction requires. With a non-ASIC-certified metal carport, you can only hope that it will withstand the mph winds their company claims.
I invite you to visit our 3D Builder for metal carports, so you can start creating some ideas. Just click on the button below. If you have questions, you can go to our contact page where you will be put in touch with our experience and helpful reps. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
