When your home has no attached or detached garage, the most logical and inexpensive thing you can do to create some form of shelter for your vehicle is to invest in a metal carport. These things go up quickly and give your vehicle a layer of protection from the elements. However, metal carports are far more convenient than most homeowners actually realize. The fact is, these structures are versatile enough that they can be used for all kinds of other purposes on your property. Check out these three handy uses for a metal carport beyond just typical vehicle sheltering:

Store recreational vehicles out of the weather. 

Even if your home does have a garage, it probably is not enough for you to have space for storing recreational vehicles out of the weather. For example, an RV, your motorcycle, a boat, your jet skis, an ATV all need to be placed in a spot where they are kept from the direct sunlight and weather. A carport will give you a quick and easy way to do just that. As an added advantage, you can actually get carports that are higher in stature that are suitable for tall motorhomes and RVs if needed. 

Create a covered patio area without the construction. 

Having an outdoor living space is incredibly advantageous as a homeowner, but not every home has a patio area and if it does, it may not have a roof covering or awning to shield you from the sun or rain. You can actually get some pretty attractive metal carports that can be situated right next to the house and used as a patio awning of sorts. This is convenient because normally, having a patio awning built is a lengthy process that can cost quite the sum of money. 

Give your children a summertime play area in the shade. 

If you live in an area where temperatures in the summer months are pretty high and UV rays are a big concern, allowing your children outdoor time can be a little concerning. With a metal carport, you can create a good-sized play area for your children that will be shielded from the sun. Even just the typical sized carport is large enough to house something like a swing set, sandbox, or a small swimming pool. The carport can be situated right in your backyard and used to offer shade in areas that would otherwise have none. 

Contact a company like Coast to Coast Carports, Inc. for more information and assistance.