Carport Wall Enclosure With New Windows & Vinyl Siding
This carport wall enclosure project involved framing new exterior walls, installing two energy-efficient windows, preparing a 16-foot garage door opening, and finishing the new construction with weather protection and vinyl siding selected to closely match the existing home.
Building New Walls Inside an Existing Carport
Enclosing portions of an existing carport requires more than simply adding siding. The new walls need to work with the original structure while providing properly framed openings for windows and other planned components.
For this project, existing vinyl siding was removed from portions of the front and rear of the carport storage area. New framed wall sections were then constructed at the rear, along the side of the carport, and at both front corners.
The rear wall was designed around two new windows, while the front framing established the opening needed to accommodate a standard-fit 16-foot garage door.
Framing the Carport Wall for Two New Windows
One of the main parts of the carport wall enclosure was closing the rear opening while preserving natural light. Rather than constructing a completely solid wall, the framing was designed around two new 36-inch by 48-inch windows.
The new openings were framed as part of the wall construction so the windows, sheathing and exterior weather protection could be coordinated as one assembly.
Two TectView AC single-hung windows were installed. Each window measures 36 inches by 48 inches and features Cardinal Low-E 366 glass with argon gas, half screens and Almond-colored frames.
The Low-E glass package was selected as part of the window system while the Almond exterior finish coordinates with the warm neutral tones of the existing exterior.
Natural Light Without Leaving the Wall Open
Incorporating windows during the framing stage allows an enclosed carport wall to retain daylight and exterior visibility while creating a defined exterior wall assembly.
Framing for a Standard-Fit 16-Foot Garage Door
New framing was also constructed along the side of the carport and at both front corners. These sections establish the opening needed to accommodate a standard-fit 16-foot garage door.
Creating the required opening during the wall-framing stage allows the dimensions and surrounding wall sections to be planned before the exterior finishes are installed.
What Goes Behind the New Vinyl Siding?
The new exterior sections were built as a layered wall assembly. Vinyl siding was not installed directly over the framing.
Wall Framing
New framing created the rear wall, side sections and front corner walls while establishing the required window and garage door openings.
OSB Sheathing
OSB sheathing was installed over the new framed exterior sections to form a solid wall surface behind the weather-resistant layer and siding.
House Wrap
House wrap was installed over the exterior sheathing before the new vinyl siding was applied.
Vinyl Siding
The finished wall assembly received Savannah Wicker 4-inch clapboard vinyl siding selected as the closest available match to the existing home.
Matching New Vinyl Siding to an Existing Home
Matching siding on an existing house requires more than choosing a similar beige or neutral color. The siding profile, exposure, texture and existing weathering all affect how the new material looks beside the original exterior.
For this project, Savannah Wicker in a 4-inch clapboard profile was selected as the closest match to the home's existing vinyl siding.
Matching both the siding profile and the color family helps the newly framed wall sections blend more naturally with the existing exterior instead of looking like a separate addition.
Low-E 366 Glass and Argon-Filled Windows
Both new windows use Cardinal Low-E 366 glass with argon gas. The units are single-hung windows with half screens and Almond-colored frames.
Because the windows were planned before the new rear wall was completed, the framing, sheathing and weather-resistant layers could be built around the actual window openings.
This differs from a typical whole-home replacement window project. Here, the windows were integrated into newly constructed carport walls as part of the overall enclosure work.
From Open Carport Areas to Finished Exterior Walls
New Framed Walls
Previously open portions of the carport were converted into structurally framed exterior wall sections.
Two New Windows
The rear wall incorporates two 36-inch by 48-inch single-hung windows instead of becoming a completely solid wall.
Garage Door Opening
The front framing establishes the space required for a standard-fit 16-foot garage door.
Matched Exterior Finish
Savannah Wicker clapboard siding was chosen to coordinate the new walls with the home's existing vinyl exterior.
Work Completed on This Carport Wall Enclosure
Carport Wall Enclosure Questions
Can an existing carport be enclosed with framed walls?
Depending on the existing structure and project design, open portions of a carport can be framed to create new exterior walls. Window, door and garage door openings should be incorporated into the framing plan.
Can windows be installed in a newly framed carport wall?
Yes. For this project, two 36-inch by 48-inch single-hung windows were incorporated directly into the new rear wall framing.
What was installed behind the vinyl siding?
The new exterior wall sections received OSB sheathing and house wrap before the vinyl siding was installed.
Can new vinyl siding match existing siding?
An exact match is not always available, especially when the original siding has been installed for many years. For this project, Savannah Wicker 4-inch clapboard was selected as the closest match to the existing exterior.
Was the 16-foot garage door installed during this project?
No. The new framing was constructed to accommodate a standard-fit 16-foot garage door. The garage door itself was not included in the documented scope.
What windows were installed in the new carport wall?
Two 36-inch by 48-inch TectView AC single-hung windows were installed with Cardinal Low-E 366 glass, argon gas, half screens and Almond-colored frames.
Planning a Carport Wall Enclosure or Exterior Renovation?
Southern Home Improvement Center provides exterior remodeling services throughout Southeast Louisiana. If your project involves framing an existing carport, adding windows, matching siding or coordinating several exterior improvements, contact our team to discuss the project and request an estimate.
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