Why do some carports and lean-tos have panels half-way up?

[strantor]

I'm building a lean-to onto the side of my workshop (metal building) and looking at pictures on the internet for ideas. I notice a trend of walls on the sides of carports that start at the roof and go only half way down, and a trend of enclosed roof gables on lean-tos as well as carports, where the "attic" space beyond is a free span, so that the gable alone limits the height of what can fit under the roof where otherwise the roof could accommodate a taller vehicle. I'm wondering what the reasons are for this. Here are some pictures to illustrate (sections circled in red):


I have some of my own ideas but they don't fully explain what I'm seeing.
1. The closed gable of a carport gives some support against side winds. But not much support, and not all carports have them. And if that's the only reason, then why do some lean-tos have them as well?
2. The half-wall on a carport gives some support against winds front-to-back and allows the car door to open wider than the carport. But some of the half-walls come down further than a car door, and wind bracing could be done cheaper and easier with diagonal tight cables.
3. Aesthetically some people might find enclosed gables more pleasing. But at the cost of a few feet of unusable height?

Obviously there's something I'm missing. What is it?

 

[4570Man]

I suppose some people don’t care about the extra height and find if visually appealing. I imagine it would add a little bit of structural integrity. I’ve always assumed the half sides help considerably with blocking direct sunlight and blocking rain while minimizing cost and wind profile.

 

[747driver]

Many people like the half sides for rv/motorhome storage. Keeps the direct sun and rain off the vehicles. These buildings are lightweight in the materials they use so you have to put added bracing in on the ends to tie it all together. Otherwise they would rack in various directions. They have their purpose for those who want an inexpensive cover for various things. You see more of these in the south where snow and ice is not a factor.

 

[k0ua]

I suppose some people don’t care about the extra height and find if visually appealing. I imagine it would add a little bit of structural integrity. I’ve always assumed the half sides help considerably with blocking direct sunlight and blocking rain while minimizing cost and wind profile.

That's what I always thought.

 

[oosik]

Yes - blocking sunlight and added structural integrity.

 

[TractorGuy]

I agree the partially enclosed areas better protect from direct sunlight. If you want to keep your stuff clean go fully enclosed. Partially enclosed areas allow dirt, dust, and pollen to get under them and everything will be just as dirty as it would if left outside. Probably more so since the rain doesn't ever rinse it off.

 

[RickB]

Yes - blocking sunlight and added structural integrity.

With open space at the bottom of the sides to facilitate ventilation and reduce sweating.

 

[reb]

I agree the partially enclosed areas better protect from direct sunlight. If you want to keep your stuff clean go fully enclosed. Partially enclosed areas allow dirt, dust, and pollen to get under them and everything will be just as dirty as it would if left outside. Probably more so since the rain doesn't ever rinse it off.

I learned that with a 3 sided metal building for a carport. Dirt and weeds congregate there.

 

[mwayne]

Here in my area there are tax implications, unless the walls go all the way to the ground the building can be considered temporary and not taxed. Or so I've been told by a real estate agent.

 

[GregbkH]

I have a 24 x 24 three sided pole shed with the walls ending about 2 feet from the ground. I also have a large brown vinyl tarp that runs across the front (door opening) that I can close in the winter. I ran a cable and attached the tarp to it with large key rings, like a giant shower curtain. This building is my tractor and implement shed.

As some have mentioned, the walls keep the sun and the elements out while allowing the wind to circulate air through the building keeping it free from condensation. The building is in a wooded area and the wind also blows the leaves out of the building. Sometimes a little help from a leaf blower is helpful.