In theory, no, snow should not damage a carport. In fact, most carports and portable garages are designed to be sturdy enough, so that, in case of heavy snowfalls, rain, or wind, the structure continues to stand and protect your investments inside. This, of course, only applies when the shelter is maintained and installed properly. As most of the United States has recently experienced heavier-than-average snowfalls, a town in North Carolina saw a few carports collapse from the snow. While the types of carports aren’t mentioned under the linked article, the situation brings up the question, “Are people installing and maintaining their carports properly?”
In a warmer part like North Carolina, snowfall is rarely an issue, and the state is too far northeast to experience the damage done by hurricanes and tornadoes. In a sense, you could say that North Carolina is in an ideal location for owning a carport, as extreme weather rarely becomes an issue. Or, is it? As we see in this particular article, freak weather can come, and, as an owner of any portable outdoor shelter, you should be prepared for it, especially if items are stored inside.
To keep your carport or portable garage in tip-top shape, the first thing to do is to make sure the shelter is installed properly. This includes putting it in the ground and anchoring the shelter by either anchors or with concrete. As soon as the poles are firmly planted into the ground, the only issue left remaining for safety issues is the roof. Whether a polyethylene or galvanized steel roof, all are attached to the rest of the structure, and, periodically, the joints need to be checked. If they’re rusted or weak, then they should be replaced, and portable shelter dealers like Shelters of America and Portable Garage Depot carry replacement parts for such needs.