Carport connection to external

[TruGrit]

Been a fan of this site for a while, but this is my first post. It's time for my turn. I'm building a 30 x 50 garage that is detached, but will be connected in a sense back to the existing house by covered carport / breezeway. This area will be big enough to pull vehicles under, etc.

Here's a shot of the drawing.

Has anyone built or dealt with this concept before? If so, can you please share your experiences, thoughts, etc.

I'm thinking about not tying the carport roof into the existing house and garage, but building a flat roof stand-alone option. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pattenp]

I like the tied in look. I do not like flat roofs, period. The biggest thing with flat roofs is they are prone to leaks and are just a pain to keep clean if you have trees.

 

[nmk_61802]

I like the tied in look. I do not like flat roofs, period. The biggest thing with flat roofs is they are prone to leaks and are just a pain to keep clean if you have trees.

This, plus if you live in snow country, it will probably cost more to build it flat rather than with sloped.

 

[Stuart in MN]

A couple things to consider: if you go with an attached roof, the garage will need to have the same foundation as the house - in other words, if the house has a basement with footings and foundation walls, the garage can't be on a floating slab as it could move up and down with freeze/thaw cycles (this depends on your location, which you should mention.) The other thing is it will change your garage from a detached structure to an attached garage, which may or may not affect your construction project, depending on local regulations.

 

[TruGrit]

Thanks for the details.

I'm in middle TN, so no snow to worry about.

 

[TruGrit]

I've been looking at several different options online. My garage wall height is going to be taller than my existing house wall height. I'm no architect, but I believe that effects how/where the roof would tie (if I connect them).

As for a stand-alone carport - something like this:

Thoughts?

 

[TruGrit]

bump

 

[lynnbilodeau]

The tied in look is about 10 times classier.

It isn't that difficult attaching to the roof on the existing. I would just add a couple braces or two in the attic space just to be safe.

As for the difference in overall height, I don't think it matters a bit. Are the bottom edges of the two roofs at the same height? If so, piece of cake. If not, draw it up several ways (starting with the breezeway roof being the same height as the highest of the two).

If it just gets too awkward, then look at detached alternatives. Either way, if it were me, I would make it match the other structures as much as possible. If you ever go to sell the place (or your widow has to sell it) it will sell much easier being more integrated.

 

[thickhead]

Since your area doesn't get snow, the flat roof carport is a good option too.
If well done with nice exposed beams it could look great.