How to Mount a Carport to Siding

Check the wall for electrical wires by inspecting the inside of the wall for electrical outlets and devices. These items let the homeowner know that there are wires in the wall. If the other side of the wall is an unfinished garage wall, then the presence of wires is obvious. Be aware of where the wires are so you do not accidentally drill into them.

Spread construction adhesive on the back of a 2-by-6-foot ledger board. Use a carpenter’s level to keep the board level and press it against the siding of the building at the height of the lower edge of the carport roof. Add enough boards to reach the length of the carport roof.

Search for the wall studs with a handheld stud finder. The carport must mount to the studs, because the siding alone is not strong enough to hold the carport in place. Mark the center of each stud on the ledger board with a pencil. Create a hole in the ledger board at each mark with an electric drill, which is usually every 16 to 24 inches apart.

Place a 5-inch lag bolt into each hole and tighten down with a wrench. Paint the ledger board the same color as the building, if desired. Screw a mounting strip with hooks to the ledger board.

Build the carport according to the manufacturer’s directions. Secure the carport to the supports in the ground. Use all the legs to relieve part of the weight of the carport, so the building is not the sole support on that side of the carport.

Attach the hooks from the mounting strip under the edge of the carport roof. To protect the joining area between the carport roof and siding, caulk the seam between the structures. Leave out the caulking if the carport is to remain temporary or portable.