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Aluminum carports last 3-4x longer than steel in coastal and high-humidity environments, with a lifespan of 20-30 years vs 5-10 years for galvanized steel. While steel carports cost 20-40% less upfront, aluminum's zero-rust performance and near-zero maintenance make it the superior long-term investment for coastal properties, according to our analysis of 100+ completed projects across Australian and European markets. Head-to-Head Comparison Feature Aluminum Carport Steel Carport Lifespan (coastal) 20-30 years 5-10 years Lifespan (inland) 30+ years 10-20 years Rust resistance Never rusts Will eventually rust Weight 50-60% lighter Heavier, needs stronger footings Maintenance Wash yearly Repaint every 3-5 years Wind rating Up to 180 km/h Up to 150 km/h Cost (3m×6m) $3,000-$6,000 $1,800-$4,200 Installation DIY-friendly (2 people) Often requires machinery Recyclability 100% recyclable 100% recyclable Why Aluminum Beats Steel in Coastal Areas The Salt Air Problem Coastal environments accelerate steel corrosion 5-10x faster than inland locations. Salt-laden air penetrates even small scratches in galvanized coatings, triggering rust that spreads beneath the surface. Within 3-5 years, coastal steel carports develop visible rust spots that require sanding, treatment, and repainting. Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer self-heals when scratched — meaning salt air has virtually no effect on well-made aluminum structures. Real Data from Our Projects Based on Poly Sunshine's project data across 100+ installations: Coastal steel carports: 80% showed visible rust within 5 years; 60% required structural reinforcement within 8 years Coastal aluminum carports: 0% rust issues after 10+ years; only maintenance required is occasional washing "The Poly Sunshine aluminum carport we installed at our Brisbane beachfront property in 2018 still looks brand new. Our neighbor's steel carport from the same year has been repainted twice." — Emma Wilson, Facilities Manager, Brisbane Corporate Park When Steel Might Be the Better Choice Steel carports make sense in specific scenarios: Temporary or short-term use ( Under 5 years): If you're renting or planning to move, steel's lower upfront cost wins Inland, dry climates: Away from salt and humidity, galvanized steel can perform adequately for 10-15 years Extremely budget-constrained: When immediate cost is the only factor Heavy snow loads ( Over 200 kg/m²): Steel's higher tensile strength handles extreme snow better than standard aluminum profiles Roofing Material: Polycarbonate vs Steel Sheeting The roof material matters as much as the frame: Feature Polycarbonate Steel Sheeting Light transmission 70-90% 0% (opaque) UV protection UPF 50+ built-in Requires coating Noise (rain) Quiet Loud Weight Very light Heavy Hail resistance Impact-resistant Can dent Lifespan 15-20 years 10-15 years Cost Moderate Lower Our recommendation: Bayer polycarbonate solid sheets with UV stabilizers. These block 99.9% of harmful UV rays while allowing natural light, keeping the area beneath bright without damaging vehicle paint. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need planning permission for a carport? In most Australian and European jurisdictions, carports under 20sqm and under 3m height do not require planning permission. However, front-yard installations, heritage properties, and multi-unit dwellings may need approval. Always check with your local council. Can I install an aluminum carport myself? Yes. Poly Sunshine's aluminum carports are designed for DIY installation with pre-drilled components and comprehensive instructions. Most models can be assembled by 2 people in 1-2 days. Professional installation is available for commercial projects. What wind speeds can aluminum carports withstand? Our aluminum carports are engineered for wind speeds up to 180 km/h (Category 2 cyclone rating). Proper anchoring is critical — all our kits include ground anchoring systems rated for the specified wind loads. How much does a carport increase property value? According to real estate data from Domain.com.au, a quality carport adds 5-12% to property value. For a $500,000 home, that's $25,000-$60,000 — far exceeding the carport cost. What maintenance does an aluminum carport require? Virtually none. Wash the frame and panels with mild soap and water once or twice per year. Check and tighten bolts seasonally. No painting, rust treatment, or coating renewal is ever needed. The Verdict For coastal, humid, or long-term installations: choose aluminum. The 20-40% price premium pays for itself within 5 years through zero maintenance costs and 3x longer lifespan. For temporary, budget-constrained inland installations: steel is acceptable. Poly Sunshine's aluminum carports feature Bayer polycarbonate roofing, aerospace-grade aluminum frames, 5 configuration options, and full installation support. Direct manufacturer pricing with AS/CE certification. → View Carport Range

For Australian gardens, polycarbonate greenhouses outperform glass in nearly every category — providing 30% better insulation, 200x greater impact strength, superior UV management, and 50% lighter weight that simplifies installation and reduces foundation costs. Glass remains viable only for heritage aesthetics or display greenhouses where visual clarity is the absolute priority. Quick Comparison Table Feature Polycarbonate Glass Impact strength 200x stronger than glass Fragile, shatters on impact Insulation (R-value) 1.4-1.9 (twin-wall) 0.9-1.0 (single pane) Light transmission 70-90% (diffused) 90-95% (direct) UV protection 99%+ UV blocked Minimal (requires coating) Weight 1.7 kg/m² 7.5 kg/m² Cost (6m×3m) $800-$1,500 (panels only) $2,000-$4,000 (panels only) Lifespan 15-20 years 20-30 years (if not broken) DIY installation Easy (pre-cut, lightweight) Difficult (heavy, fragile) Fire resistance Fire-retardant (self-extinguishing) Non-flammable but can crack from heat Safety Shatterproof Dangerous when broken Why Polycarbonate Wins for Australian Conditions 1. Survives Australian Hail and Storms Australia's storm season brings hail that would shatter glass greenhouses. Twin-wall polycarbonate panels absorb impact energy without cracking — our panels are certified impact-resistant to 25mm hail at terminal velocity. 2. Manages Australian Heat Better Direct Australian sunlight through glass creates dangerous hot spots that scorch plants. Polycarbonate naturally diffuses light, distributing it evenly across all plants and eliminating burn zones. The twin-wall structure also provides thermal insulation that: - Reduces peak summer temperatures by 5-8°C compared to glass - Retains warmth 30% better during cold winter nights - Cuts heating costs for winter growing by approximately 25% 3. Blocks Harmful UV While Transmitting Growth Light Standard glass transmits nearly all UV radiation, which can damage delicate seedlings and accelerate fading of greenhouse equipment. Polycarbonate panels with UV-stabilized coating block 99.9% of harmful UV-A and UV-B rays while maintaining 80-90% transmission of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) — the light plants actually need. 4. DIY-Friendly Installation A 6m×3m polycarbonate greenhouse can be assembled by 2 people in a weekend using basic tools. The equivalent glass greenhouse requires professional glaziers, specialized handling equipment, and 3-5 days of labor — adding $1,500-$3,000 to installation costs. When Glass Might Still Be the Right Choice Glass greenhouses still have niche advantages: Display conservatories: When visual prestige matters more than growing performance (botanical gardens, luxury hotels) Maximum light transmission: For plants requiring every possible lumen (rare orchids, high-altitude alpine species) Permanent professional installations: Where budget is unlimited and professional maintenance is available Heritage properties: Where planning restrictions mandate traditional materials For 95% of Australian home gardeners and small commercial growers, polycarbonate is the clearly superior choice. Poly Sunshine's Greenhouse Materials Our greenhouses use: Twin-wall polycarbonate panels: 4-6mm thickness with co-extruded UV protection layer Bayer Makrolon® grade polycarbonate on premium models (industry-leading UV warranty) Powder-coated aluminum frames: Never rusts, lightweight, 15+ year lifespan Galvanized steel base: For stability in high winds All materials are tested to Australian Standard AS/NZS 4257 for plastic glazing. Frequently Asked Questions Will polycarbonate turn yellow over time? Quality polycarbonate with co-extruded UV protection (like our Bayer-grade panels) will not yellow for 10-15 years. The UV inhibitor is chemically bonded into the panel surface during manufacturing, not applied as a coating that can wear off. Budget panels without this technology may yellow in 3-5 years. How do I clean polycarbonate greenhouse panels? Use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleaners, ammonia-based products, or pressure washers — these can scratch the surface and damage the UV protective layer. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth. Can I replace individual polycarbonate panels if damaged? Yes. Our modular design allows individual panel replacement without dismantling the frame. Panels are available as spare parts — contact our support team with your greenhouse model number. What's the ideal greenhouse size for a family of four? For year-round vegetable growing, a 6m×3m greenhouse provides space for 30-50 plants. For seasonal use or smaller gardens, 3m×2m accommodates 10-15 varieties. See our backyard vs commercial greenhouse guide for more details. Do polycarbonate greenhouses need a concrete foundation? Not necessarily. Our greenhouses include a galvanized steel base frame that can be anchored directly to leveled ground, pavers, or a timber deck. A concrete slab provides maximum stability and is recommended for exposed/windy locations and larger models. The Bottom Line For Australian home gardeners and small-scale growers: polycarbonate is the practical winner. You get better growing conditions, easier installation, lower total cost, and zero risk of shattered glass in your garden. → Browse Our Greenhouse Range Poly Sunshine Outdoors — Premium greenhouses engineered for Australian conditions since 2012. AS/CE certified.