Thinking of investing in a marquee or have a marquee and wondering about pooling? Then this is the article for you to read, lots of juicy education in this one!
We’ve put together a list highlighting the top 7 reasons why folding marquees pool, so you can use it as a checklist to assist you to prevent any pooling issues.
Folding marquees are susceptible to pooling for a variety of reasons, but a properly designed and installed folding marquee should not be pooling.
Reason 1: The roof is not attached to the frame properly
When you first receive the marquee, your frame and roof will be separate to each other.
The first step when using the marquee will be to install the roof on the frame. It is important that the roof is attached correctly as a poorly fitted roof will not tension nicely when the frame is open, and this will affect the water's ability to run off.
To properly attach the roof to the frame, you need to ensure that the corners are well aligned and the “corner” of the roof sits nicely onto the top connector on the leg.
Attach the roof securely to the frame by using the velcro on the roof and the velcro on the leg.
Reason 2: They are not set up level
Marquees have to be used level.
Even if the ground itself is flat, that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily level, as we have discussed in this article that we’ve previously written.
The marquee must be level so that the pitch of the roof is maintained. The pitch is the angle that the roof is on, and that is what allows the water to run off correctly.
There are adjustments in each level, spaced 10cm apart, that allow you to adjust for uneven ground and actually level the marquee.
Reason 3: The centre winder feature is not adjusted correctly
If your marquee has a wind-up centre pole that has adjustment in it, the first time you use the marquee you will need to set it to the appropriate tension.
After installing the roof on the frame, and attaching the pouch to the centre pole, wind up the pole until it feels firm and taught. There is a spring inside that will absorb movement, but it should be firm, but not too tight.
If the pole has not been wound up from when new, it will not tension the panels of the roof, and then water will be able to pool at the bottom of the panels.
Reason 4: The roof is not cut in a good shape
The shape that a marquee roof is cut plays a vital role in the way the water runs off.
The goal should definitely be to always have the roof cut as aggressively as possible to give the roof a good pitch that water runs off well.
Some of the cheaper solutions in the market have more of a “peak” style cut rather than a “pyramid” style cut. And also look to save on materials by not having such a high centre peak.
This peak cut will make the roof more susceptible to pooling as it leaves little room for any variation from being level.
Reason 5: The legs are not used to compensate for variations in land
Sometimes, especially for the larger sizes (3x6m, 4x8m), there can be quite a lot of variation in ground level between all the legs.
Because the 3x6’s and 4x8’s have six legs, it can be common for the centre legs to be higher / lower than the outside legs.
This situation is one where the adjustments in the legs have to be used to ensure that the marquee is maintained level. If it is not, any peak or valley in the land can cause the roof pitch to be adjusted and this will change the way the water runs off the roof.
Reason 6: Marquees are left unattended
A folding marquee is designed to be a temporary structure that is under supervision at all times.
The reason for this is because you cannot be sure what is happening if you’re not actually supervising the structure. We have had cases of vandalism in the past where people have intentionally tampered with marquees that are set up to cause them to be installed against the guidance of the manufacturer.
The key here is - if you’re not around, you don’t know what has / is happening. Therefore you should at all times use the marquees under supervision.
Reason 7: High wind causes a depression in the roof
If there is heavy rain and strong wind at the same time, there is a possibility that the wind will cause a depression in the roof that will allow water to pool if the wind is constant and not gusty.
Often, if the wind is gusty, it will actually work in the favor of the marquee because the gusting wind will cause the panel to “bounce” which will mean that it will eject any water that is pooling.
But if this situation is combined with a marquee that isn’t level, or a roof that isn’t cut in the correct shape, it can cause pooling.
How We Protect Against Pooling
We have implemented a range of different technological changes to our marquees that prevent pooling.
Although some solutions include extra poles and frame members, this is not required if the following steps are implemented.
1. A Unique Cut Of The Roof
The way we cut our roof is very aggressive and extremely “pyramid” in design.
This gives our roofs the maximum possible roof pitch possible, ensuring that water runs off quickly and easily.
Our roofs are also designed to be very taught and so as the roof sits on the frame, it keeps the panels at the optimum angle for water to run off.
2. A Strong Centre Spring
The spring that’s in the frame needs to have an appropriate amount of power to keep the peak of the marquee at the highest possible position.
This will prevent the panels from creating depressions in wind, and will also ensure that the maximum pitch is maintained at all times.
3. Additional Tie Points On The Roof
We have also developed unique tie points as additional securing points between the roof and the frame.
These add additional strength to the roof in the way it attaches to the frame and again further ensures that the roof maintains all the optimum geometry to allow water to run off properly.
Conclusion
Our Technishelters have seen many years of research and development to ensure that you’ve got the best possible shelter on the market.
When buying a marquee, or setting up you rnarquee these are the helpful tips we recommend;
- Attaching the roof correctly to the frame when you first set it up, take the time to read your marquee manual and learn the best practice procedure
- Set up on level ground, or adjust your legs to ensure the marquee is level
- Adjust and tension the marquee roof pole as required to maintain tension of the roof and frame
- Look for a marquee roof that has an aggressive pitch, to aid in fast and effective water run off
- Adjust the individual leg poles as required
- Don’t leave your marquee unattended, they are a temporary structure that needs supervision
- Monitor the weather for strong wind and rain events as these may place strain on the roof and frame relationship, causing the fabric to stretch.
Got any questions? Our friendly and experienced team are ready to chat!
