Whenever you buy a gazebo, you would want something that lasts longer to give you the best service. That cannot happen if you end up with canopies that fail after just a few months.
It is possible to get different types of gazebos in the market. They include metal gazebos, canopies, wooden gazebos, and pop up gazebos. Each one would have different durability projections and uses too.
Back to our question; how long does a gazebo or canopy last?
The quick answer is that the canopies and gazebos can last for 1 to 15 years. It depends on the type of gazebo you buy plus its use. Sometimes even the weather elements in your area can easily affect the canopy durability.
Different Types of Gazebos and Canopies Durability Performance
- Pop up gazebos or instant canopies
The instant canopies or pop-up gazebos are loved for their portability and ease of setting up. You will take an average of five minutes to have the gazebos set up and ready for use. Once you are done, you simply disassemble and take them to the next place they are needed.
These gazebos can last for an average of 5 to 6 years. So long as you can use them with care, you should have no problem maintaining them for longer.
However, there are some that can be single use too. So, you should always be careful which one you are buying.
Well, there are not many options that you would say are single-use. The term is used to refer to poor quality models that you just know cannot last long. They tend to tear easily so you are better off saving to buy a better option.
Also, the quality is quite important. If you get a high-quality product, it should last longer than 5 years easily.
Do not worry much about the price as such models are often affordable. You can expect to pay around $50 for the pop-up gazebos.
Once they are set up, they are good at providing adequate shelter from the rain, sun, and other elements.
- Hardtop Gazebos
In case you are in the market for something that can last you for a while, consider hardtop gazebos.
These are designed with durability in mind. That is why they often last 10 years with minimal maintenance. If you can care for it right, 15 years of service should be a breeze.
Manufacturers understand that a gazebo would be outdoors for a while. As such, the frames are mostly powder coated. This will keep the canopy or gazebo rust-free.
As for the roof, it is mostly made of polycarbonate sheets. These sheets are quite tough to withstand the elements outdoors. The gazebo would also have anchor bolts too. They help in securing the whole package to a deck or patio.
Some models can also offer mosquito nets or curtains to help in keeping you safe in case you decide to sit outdoors for a lot longer.
All this durability and accessories does not come cheap. You might have to pay over $1000 to get your hands on one. However, with a little bit of research, you can still get affordable models too.
- Wooden Gazebos
We all know how wood sometimes makes the patio look its best. It would also be nice to include a wooden gazebo to complete the look.
As much as wooden gazebos look nice, what about their durability?
They have the same durability as hard top gazebos. Most people find them lasting an average of 10 to 15 years.
Keep in mind that wood would need more care than the hardtop gazebos.
Try to clean them more often, keep them away from overlying branches, and generally apply sealants to the wood whenever necessary.
The branches and leaves can lead to premature damage whenever they fall onto the gazebo. So, with proper care, you should always find that a wooden gazebo can surprisingly last a very long time.
The timber used in making the wooden gazebo would mostly likely be pre-treated. That is how it is able to withstand the elements for long. Some even come with waterproof coating to keep the wood from absorbing too much water.
How to Make a Gazebo or Canopy Last Longer
The durability of a gazebo is more than just the type. Sometimes it depends on the care of the owner that can make the gazebo or canopy last long.
If you already own a gazebo or canopy, here are some quick tips to help you make it last longer.
- Paint or seal the gazebo’s support beams
Not all manufacturers make high quality beams or even powder coat them. It is why these beams can rust over time.
That is for metal beams, how about wooden beams? It is possible for wooden beams to get mold or easily rot if there is no care at all.
These structures all need the right protection if you hope to keep the gazebo looking good. As such, make sure to apply multiple coats of protection to either the wooden or metal frames.
Metal frames could use paint while the wooden frames could use a waterproof sealant every two years.
- Clear snow accumulation
Winter is no fun for those who love the outdoors. It means you can no longer chill out on your patio. However, it seems people forget about clearing snow that easily accumulates on gazebo roofs.
You should always clear such snow as it puts unnecessary pressure on the canopy roof. It is estimated that snow can weigh up to 15 pounds per square foot. So, if you have an 8 x 10 gazebo, it can easily have to deal with around 600 pounds of snow.
If you make it a habit of clearing the snow from the roof of your gazebo, it should stay strong for longer.
- Check for pests, termites, and bees
One thing you should always keep in mind is that termites, bees, and other pests can easily interfere with the structural integrity of a gazebo. In this case, I am talking about wooden gazebos.
It is best if you can inspect for such infestations more often and get rid of them before they become an issue.
It is easy to find the right pesticides from different stores around you. This ensures that you can deal with the pests efficiently.
- Repair the tears or holes in a gazebo roof
It does not matter whether it is a metal or fabric roof, it is always possible for it to develop holes.
The holes can start small and grow bigger with time. If it is a fabric roof, some people use adhesive tape to cover it up. Well, it needs proper patching so make sure you do it right. Do not leave it to grow big as it affects the offer lifespan of the gazebo.
Metal roofs can be trickier. If you do not have the necessary skills to handle it, it is best to call in a professional handyman to handle the job. If you can repair it in time, you should have a non-leaking gazebo roof too.
Final Thoughts
The way you care for your gazebo can go a long way to determine its durability. As much as the type of gazebo is also important, the care is still vital. The last thing you want is to start replacing your gazebo after only a few months or years. This is something that should last you even for a decade.