Looking for a way to protect your vehicle this winter and keep seeing the word "carport" pop up in your searches, alongside "car shelter"? Good news: they're essentially the same product. Here's what you need to know to choose wisely.
Carport and Car Shelter: Same Product, Different Names
In Quebec, the terms "car shelter," "temporary shelter," and "carport" are commonly used to describe the same thing: a freestanding structure, usually made of a steel frame and sturdy fabric, that protects a vehicle without the cost or construction time of a garage. The word "carport" comes from English and remains a popular search term even among French speakers, while "car shelter" (abri d'auto) is the term preferred by the industry here.
Why Quebec's Climate Changes Everything
A standard carport sold elsewhere in North America isn't always built to handle the snow loads of a Quebec winter. AbrisDirect car shelters, manufactured by Les Abris Harnois, are sized specifically for the snow, ice, and strong winds typical of our regions, from Greater Montreal to the Outaouais.
Fabric or Rigid Structure: The Technical Differences
You generally have two options:
- The sturdy fabric shelter: a tubular steel frame covered with woven polyethylene fabric, economical and quick to install, ideal for the winter season.
- The rigid-structure shelter: a reinforced frame offering better resistance to wind and snow buildup, for those who want a more permanent solution.
Check out our guide to choosing the right size if you're unsure which format to pick.
Single, Double, or Utility Carport: Which Should You Choose?
The right format mainly depends on the number of vehicles and intended use:
- Single Car Shelters: for one vehicle
- Double Car Shelters: for two vehicles side by side
- Utility Shelters: for an ATV, boat, or seasonal equipment
In Summary
Whether you're looking for a "carport" or a "car shelter," what matters most is choosing a structure designed for Quebec winters rather than a generic model. AbrisDirect, an authorized reseller of Les Abris Harnois products, offers durable shelters delivered anywhere in Quebec. Explore our models to find the one that will protect your vehicle this season.