Lone Star Portables // Frequently Asked Questions // Metal Models

Q: What materials are used to make the structures?
The majority of components utilized in our frames are made of 2 1/2″ by 2 1/2″ galvanized steel tubing for 14 gauge buildings and 2 1/4″ by 2 1/4″ for 12 gauge buildings. All Sheet metal is 29 ga with a premium 40 year paint. 26ga sheet metal can be ordered for an additional charge.

Q: What are the frame dimensions for my carport / garage?
The exact dimensions of the frame are as follows:
If the carport is a 12’x21′, the frame will be 12′ outside to outside of the frame, and the length will be 20′ end to end.
If an 18’x31′, the width will be 18′ outside to outside, length 30′ end to end and so forth. The extra foot of length comes from the standard 6″ of roof overhang on each end of the structure. Note: Vertical roofs do not overhang on the end!

Q: What sizes are available for carport and garages?
For most of our carports and garages, the standard sizes are listed below. However, if these standard sizes are not suitable for you, please call us and we will try to accommodate your needs!

12×21 12×26 12×31 12×36 12×46 12×41 12×51
12×21 12×26 12×31 12×36 12×41 12×46 12×51
18×21 18×26 18×31 18×36 18×41 18×46 18×51
20×21 20×26 20×31 20×36 20×41 20×46 20×51
22×21 22×26 22×31 22×36 22×41 22×46 22×51
24×21 24×26 24×31 24×36 24×41 24×46 24×51
26×21 26×26 26×31 26×36 26×41 26×46 26×51
28×21 28×26 28×31 28×36 28×41 28×46 28×51
30×21 30×26 30×31 30×36 30×41 30×46 30×51
32×20 32×25 32×30 32×35 32×40 32×45 32×50
34×20 34×25 34×30 34×35 34×40 34×45 34×50
36×20 36×25 36×30 36×35 36×40 36×45 36×50
38×20 38×25 38×30 38×35 38×40 38×45 38×50
40×20 40×25 40×30 40×35 40×40 40×45 40×50
Q: Garage Doors ... What size garage door will fit in my building?
If installing garage door centered on the end (Peak/Gable) the leg height must be 1 ft higher than the garage door. If installing two garage doors on the end , or a single door is requested to be offset to one side, the legs need to be 2 foot taller than the doors. If installing a garage door on the side (eave side) the legs need to be 2 foot taller than the door, there will also be additional fees to install a door on the side (eave side) of the building.

Q: How is my building anchored?
There are three anchoring types. (1). Concrete expansion bolts. (2) Helical mobile home anchor. (3) 30″ Rebar anchor. If the structure is to be mounted to a concrete pad or footing, then traditional Concrete expansion bolts would be used. Our crews will drill a hole into the concrete insert the anchors and tighten the bolt, there is a slight chance the concrete side could break out during this procedure TEXWIN accepts no responsibilities if this happens but the repair is simply using some concrete patch on the side of the slab. We offer a 30 inch rebar anchor that is intended for use when a structure is mounted directly to dirt or gravel surface. On our certified buildings, a Helical mobile home anchor is used at the rate of 1 per 100 sq ft. On non-certified structures, these can be purchased as an optional item. All ground anchors are installed at homeowners direction, if the homeowner isn’t sure about gas, sewer, water or other subterranean risk he should call ahead for a dig test, (811) Texwin accepts no responsibility for unmarked subterranean hazards.

Q: How long does it take from the time I place my order until the time the building is installed?

The majority of our installations are completed in 3-5 weeks! However some areas/ seasons could possibly take up to 5-6 weeks depending on factors such as weather, workload, etc … We can’t install buildings in Rain, threatening weather, high wind or if the mud resulting from rain inhibits our access to the site.

Q: What are the tallest legs that can be anchored?
The tallest legs that can be ordered are 14 feet. Anything taller than 14 feet can be ordered by special approval only ( additional cost) Our installation professionals are equipped with the tools to to handle installations of up to 14 feet. Any Building 26′- 30′ wide or wider with legs taller than 12 feet will require a tele-handler style life on site. Any building over 30 wide will require a lift at any leg height. The cost is usually around 1200.00 for this lift and at the customer’s expense

Q: What preparation should be completed before my building is installed?
Insure that the site designated for product installation is cleared of debris, level and accessible to our installation team. If you prefer not to pour a concrete slab for your metal structure we will gladly install the carport or other metal building on your level property. Please use a string line bubble level or other means to check your site before we arrive to ensure your site is level. In order to provide you with affordable products, with quick installation, the customer is responsible for any local permits, covenant searches, rights of way, set-back restrictions and site preparation. Our Crews must be able to drive to within 50 ft of the site of the structure or additional labor fees will incur to carry material to the location. Keep this in mind please – Hills, Trees, Mud, Houses, Fences and Outbuildings all can be obstacles that impede our delivery to your site. It is illegal and unsafe to install a metal building under overhead power lines, so please make sure none are close to your building site. Neglecting to notify us of these impediments in writing can result in additional charges.

Pads sites are an important aspect in building a Plumb, Square Building that looks great, functions right,(meaning doors work well and overall satisfaction is critical. We can aid you in this matter within an area of about 100 miles circumference from Wills Point Texas. We recommend crushed concrete or caliche being built up about 8″ above grade to create a level pad that water is unlikely to run under or wash out under a concrete pad. If a site is level, building up 8″s above grade in crushed concrete or caliche would cost about $3.00 a sq ft but (rarely, almost never is a site level) so this is just an estimate until one of our contractors has looked at your site. It should be noted that the pad should extend well past the building at least 3′ to each side, front and rear. So the pad site for a 20×30 building should measure 26×36. Estimated crushed concrete pad (26×36) cost $2808.00 or more if your site is un-level. Dirt pads cost about $2.00 a sq ft but the homeowner should quickly address erosion control so the pad does not simply wash away after a hard rain. Erosion control mats or laying grass work well. Erosion control is not texwin carports responsibility! Our goal is provide you with a great building at a great price with the final results being nothing less that a ecstatic customers – a solid foundation is the beginning of that.

Q: Should I consider a vertical roof versus a horizontal roof in my metal building?
Horizontal roofs run parallel to the sides and ridge or front to back of the carport or garage. Water, snow, etc., will drain to the front and back of the building. On a vertical roof, the ridges of the steel panels run from the top of the carport or garage to the sides. This roof configuration displaces water, snow, etc., much more efficiently. Vertical roof is stronger, better and an upgrade (included on 32 wide and larger clear span buildings).

Q: What are the spacing of the frame legs / bows?
As a general rule, the spacing of the frame legs/bows are 4′ or 5′ on center. 26′ wide or wider are all spaced at 4′ centers unless custom sizes have been chosen.

Q: What if I need to change my order or make a revision?
If you have already placed your order and you need to make a change, please contact the person you placed your order from to complete a revision. We are happy to make any adjustments, but please be aware you may receive additional charges. Your ability to make changes may depend on where the manufacturer is in the process of filling the order, and will require a signature for the revised order.

Q: If I am buying for business or purchasing multiple units, can I get a discount?
When purchasing multiple buildings at one time there may be a discount available (4 or more with an average price of $3,500.00 or more).

Q: What is a certified building?
A certified building is built differently than a non certified building at an additional charge. A certified building has been designed by an engineer to have a ratings for wind and snow load. Please note there is no additional warranty on certified buildings.

Concrete Facts
  • Your structures frame size is an outside measurement. Frame size is normally 1′ shorter than call size.
    As examples a 12×26 frame is 12×25, a 20×21 frame is 20×20 and a 24×31 is frame size 24×30 and so on. If you have questions about this please contact us for more information.
  • A concrete pad should be the same size as the frame of the building, not larger because water can seep under the base rail and into the building.
  • All garage type door should have a door recess in the slab 6″ wider than the door and protrude 5-6’s in side the building and approximately 1-2″s deep. ( a 2×6 works well here.) This will not allow water to enter the building under the door. Look at the garage door on most modern homes for example.