Regular
Rounded eaves, panels run side to side.
Lowest cost
Boxed eave
A-frame with house-style eaves, panels side to side.
Middle
Vertical
A-frame, panels run from the peak down to the eave.
Highest cost
Regular
The classic rounded carport roof. Panels run horizontally, from front to back along the length. It's the least expensive option and works well in mild climates with little snow.
Choose it for: budget carports and covers in the South and Southwest, shorter buildings, places with light snow.
Boxed eave
An A-frame roof with a squared-off eave, so it looks like a house roof. Panels still run horizontally. Some manufacturers list it as "A-frame horizontal". It costs more than regular and less than vertical, because it doesn't need the extra roof framing that vertical panels use.
Choose it for: garages next to a house, HOA areas, moderate weather.
Vertical
An A-frame roof with panels running from the peak down to the eave. Rain, snow and debris slide straight off instead of sitting in the panel ribs. Extra roof framing (hat channels) holds the panels, which adds strength and cost.
Choose it for: snow, heavy rain, high wind, buildings longer than about 30 to 35 ft, and anything enclosed you want to last.
Weather and price at a glance
| Regular | Boxed eave | Vertical | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheds snow and rain | Fair | Fair | Best |
| Wind | Good | Good | Best |
| Looks | Classic carport | House-style | House-style |
| Price | Lowest | Middle | Typically 10 to 20% more than regular |
Price difference: Metal America's FAQ says vertical "typically costs 10-20% more" (source). Exact difference depends on size and is on your quote.
Our rule of thumb
- Open carport, mild climate: regular.
- Garage near the house, mild climate: boxed eave.
- Snow, long building, or enclosed and meant to last: vertical.