On its own, a gazebo canopy cannot just tear, but there are factors/agents that weaken the canopy leading to tears. In this article, I am going to give you the agents/factors that weaken the canopy and how to prevent them. On average a good gazebo canopy should stay for almost 10-15 years without tearing.
You should note that only the fabric canopies of gazebos can be torn. But the permanent ones are made of materials like metal and wood which do not tear.
There are three main agents that weaken a gazebo canopy, these are; wind, rain, and sun. We can say that the first step in preventing a tear on a gazebo canopy is weatherproofing the canopy.
- The rain
We need water to live but it is the main agent that weakens a gazebo canopy. The gazebo canopy absorbs water which in turn weakens the cohesive bonds of the fabric.
Solution
Consider using water resistant sprays on the gazebo canopy. Many manufacturers make canopies that are already waterproof, but over time the resistance reduces. This is why you should apply the waterproofing sprays at least twice in a year. Doing so will reduce the water/moisture that reaches the fabric and it will remain strong for many years.
You are advised to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you apply the water proof spray. Because some canopies are made with fabric that does not allow excessive waterproof spray. Also read the instructions on the spray can to know the best way to apply it.
Another solution is to always attend to your tent when it is raining to avoid water from pooling on the canopy. Water is heavy and when it pools on the canopy it can easily tear it.
Leakages are the main causes of water pooling especially on the corners where the canvas tends to be light/loose.
Use the hula hoops to pull up the areas that are loose so that the water does not pool when it rains. Hula hoops are placed between the gazebo frame and the canopy and they eliminate any slack that is available on the canopy hence no water pooling.
Another solution is that you can use a hair dryer to dry up the canopy if the sun does not come out for a few days. This solution sounds funny, but it can help you to maintain the gazebo canopy dry. Better use some electricity to dry up the canopy rather than buying a new one.
- The sun
The sun comes out each and every day. It is the main weakening agent of a gazebo canopy which in turn leads to a tear. The first sign of a weakening gazebo canopy is that it starts to fade.
Solution
Here also apply sun-resistant sprays. Just like waterproofing, here also many manufacturers incorporate sun-resistance while making the gazebo canopies, but it also wears off over time. So applying sun resistant sprays will reduce the impact of strong sun radiations on the canopy fabric.
In this case, read the manufacturer’s instructions to know the exact amount of spray that should be applied on the gazebo canopy. Also read the instructions on the spray can to know how to apply it.
Another solution is that you can erect your gazebo under tall trees so that it can be under a shade. Tall trees will provide enough shade to elongate your gazebo life. There is only one problem with this solution is that when it rains, your gazebo canopy will not dry up quickly.
- Wind
A strong gust of wind can easily tear off a gazebo canopy. This is why most gazebo owners take instant measures to ensure the gazebo is firmly anchored on the ground. The only solution is to firmly secure your gazebo from the wind.
Solution
Ways to Secure/Protect a Gazebo from Wind
- Gazebo weights
This is the best solution because weights can be used on any surface (be it grass or concrete).
There are several types of gazebo weights. They can be those made from cast iron, sandbags and water bags.
Most home owners recommend to use weights that weigh 25kg per gazebo leg; that is 100kgs in total if you have four gazebo legs.
Water bags and sand bags are clipped on the gazebo legs but the cast iron weights are slid over the legs.
- Pegs and ropes
Pegs and ropes are mainly used on grass surfaces. Firstly, nail the stakes into the grass ground two meters away from the gazebo (it is best if you nail parallel with the four gazebo corners). Then take ropes and tie on the stakes securing it to the crossbars of the gazebo found on the inner roof. Doing so your gazebo will be very safe from a strong wind.
- Threaded rods
Threaded rods are used when you want your gazebo to stay permanent or semi-permanent. Each leg is welded with a threaded rod which is secured on the ground and bolted tightly. The length of the rods depend on the type of soil/ground. For loose or soft soil, use long rods.
- Anchoring kits
Anchoring kits work the same way as the pegs and ropes. But these ones are more secure because the pegs are corkscrewed in the ground making them stronger and they cannot dislodge easily.
- Ratchet tie-down straps
These are straps with a high breaking point which means even if the weather is harsh with strong winds, they will still secure the gazebo. You must have a heavy object installed in the ground where the metal hooks will be attached.Â
Other Ways of Protecting the Gazebo from Tearing
- Storage
Gazebos are mainly used during the hot and warm seasons. You are advised to store the gazebo frame plus its canopy indoors during cold seasons. Doing so will ensure the canopy fabric stays strong for many years hence no tearing.
You must clean and dry the canopy before storage to avoid mold and mildew developing which in turn weakens the canopy. Keep rodents like rats away from the storage area to prevent them from tearing the canopy.
- Use recommended cleaning detergents and tools
While cleaning the canopy, use detergents that do not have high concentration of acids. Acids corrode the fabric, making it weak hence it cannot withstand any small force applied on it. Also, use soft cleaning brushes and scrub gently to avoid tearing of the canopy.
On other hand when cleaning, the canopy is removed from the gazebo frame. Here you are advised to spread the canopy on a soft ground without any sharp stones or metals that can tear it.
- Take care of the frame
The frame is what holds a gazebo in place. If it is a metallic frame, clean and paint it regularly to prevent rust. Rust can corrode the canopy fabric making it weak. Also, inspect the metallic frame and sand off/grind off any sharp corners. When it comes to a wooden frame, just clean it and nail down any sharp nails or screws.
Conclusion
Putting aside the above protection tips, always inspect your canopy for small rips or holes and repair them when they are still small. If a strong wind passes through the small hole it will automatically grow big hence more cost and time to repair it. A stitch in time saves nine.