How long will a carport or canopy last?

When buying a carport or canopy, longevity plays a big role. Which material should you choose? Wood and aluminium each have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability and maintenance. Moreover, more and more people choose to install solar panels on their canopy, which also have a certain lifespan. So it is important to look not only at the initial cost, but also at how long your investment will last. In this blog, we explain these aspects.

Lifespan of wooden canopy

A wooden canopy is often cheaper than an aluminium one, but generally does not last as long. On average, a wooden canopy has a lifespan of about 25 years. However, this strongly depends on the type of wood and maintenance. 

The European standard EN-350:2016 classifies wood species based on their natural resistance to fungi and insects. This standard classifies wood species into five classes:

1. Class 1: Very durable (25+ years)
2. Class 2: Durable (15 to 25 years)
3. Class 3: moderately durable (10 to 15 years)
4. Class 4: Low durability (5 to 10 years)
5. Class 5: Not durable (less than five years)

Douglas wood, for example, falls into class 3. This means it will last 10 to 15 years untreated. Above ground, it will last longer. Indeed, with the right care, a Douglas canopy has a lifespan of 25 years or more.

Sustainability is an important consideration for us. For our products, we therefore use Red Class Wood, a type of wood similar to Douglas fir. It is made of certified softwood that is very durable thanks to a special treatment. Red Class Wood has the same favourable properties as Douglas fir and is impregnated under high pressure for extra protection. This treatment ensures that the wood has a long lifespan. This makes it an ideal material for canopies and carports.

Lifetime aluminium roofing

The biggest advantage of an aluminium canopy is its longevity. The average lifespan of an aluminium canopy is over 30 years. In addition, the maintenance of an aluminium canopy is minimal. Aluminium does not attract fungus or vermin and does not rust. A simple rinse with water or wipe with a cloth is often enough to keep it clean.

Solar panels on the canopy

More and more people are deciding to install solar panels on their canopy or carport. Besides the lifespan of the canopy, the lifespan of the solar panels should also be taken into account. Solar panels last 25 to 30 years on average. During this period, they gradually lose efficiency, but most panels still produce about 80% of their original capacity after 25 years. Besides canopy maintenance, it will sometimes be necessary to clean the solar panels. You can periodically hire someone for this, Basically, an annual cleaning of your solar panels is sufficient.

At Shift to Solar, you can buy both wooden and aluminium shelters ordering. Or a solar carport for the car. Our experts will be happy to help you make the right choice for your situation. Contact us today to discuss your options!