Pop up canopy tents are popular shelters that provide shade and protection from inclement weather. They are incredible marketing assets for promoting your brand or business at outdoor events. The sizes usually range from as large as 20×20 to smaller 10×10 and 8×8 canopy tents.
However, like most things in life, custom pop up tents aren’t perfect. They are prone to problems like a bent frame and ripped fabric. Annoying, isn’t it? Harsh weather, improper use or fastening, or mishap during transport or event are some common causes of damage to the canopy tents. Most of the time, it is possible to fix your tent problems without much effort.
Common problems of pop up canopy tents (with solutions!)
Here are four pain points when using pop up tent canopies with troubleshooting tips to deal with those problems.
Problem#1 Strong winds blow the tent away
A lot goes into planning your special events. Don’t let the weather spoil your event plans. It is frustrating to see your tent getting blown away and having to chase it down. Nobody wants to face a situation like this!
Always choose professional-grade custom pop up tents from reputed tent manufacturers over cheap canopy tents that are mass-manufactured. When the wind is ‘too strong’, know when it is time to discontinue using the tent.
Solution: Add more canopy weights or tension straps
It is important to properly secure and weigh down your tent to keep it from blowing away. You can use the following options to prevent your pop up canopy tent from taking flight:
- Heavyweight footplates
- Sandbags (preferably made of PVC)
- Water barrels (bulkier than footplates)
- Tent stakes (suitable only for soft surfaces like grass)
- Tension (tie-down) straps
Problem#2 Tent frame breaks or bends easily
All your efforts might be in vain if your tent frame breaks or bends on your event day. And the sad part is a lot of people have to face this problem when it gets too breezy or the weather plays a foul game.
Always go for a heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame with high strength-to-weight ratio than other materials like regular aluminum, steel, or plastic. The canopy legs should have a hexagonal or octagonal profile and a diameter of 2 inches or more for maximum stability. If you want a tent frame that stands strong in harsh weather, choose one using reinforced aluminum connectors and oversized truss bars. Look for professional-grade pop up tents that come with a heavy-duty steel footplate for maximum support and durability.
Solution: Fix the bent tent frame
You can save the day by quickly fixing a bent tent frame using:
- Hammer – if only bent, use a little elbow grease and a hammer;
- Steel braces – if damaged/broken, use a drill with some nuts and bolts;
- Narrow plumping pipes – just slide inside the frame for a quick fix!
Problem#3 Water pooling causes soggy canopy roof
Have you ever seen puddles of water forming on the canopy roof when there is heavy rain? This is another common reason a tent frame collapses! A situation like this occurs when the canopy fabric does not fit tightly on the tent frame. A nice, tight-fitted canopy never allows for pooling.
Pooled water can also lead to sagging fabric and leaking canopy, which can ruin your plans for the day. You can also remove the water towards the edges by pushing it from underneath the canopy. Make sure you don’t use a pointed stick while doing this, or it may puncture the roof fabric.
Solution: Choose tents with rain resistance
The primary solution is to use waterproof pop up canopy tents or look for water-resistant tents that come with a tightly-knit canopy fabric to reduce the risk of pooling.
Another way is to prep your pop up canopy right for rain protection. Apply seam sealer to a clean water-repellent canopy fabric and let it dry completely. It will allow water to bead up and roll off without ever allowing it to form water pools. Make sure the seams of your canopy top are well-secured at all times.
Problem#4 Improper storage and transport
Some tents are just too big and heavy (steel frame!). A bigger tent size is relatively not easy to set up or store. Bigger tents need decent-sized vehicles that can carry them— without damaging the tent frame and fabric.
Sometimes, the tent roof is not taken off in a hurry after the event, and the structure is moved back and forth hastily.
Solution: Pack and transport properly
The best option is to choose a tent manufacturer that provides a heavy-duty carry bag with wheels to facilitate easy transportation. However, always take out the components carefully to prevent damage to your custom printed canopy tent.
Additionally, look for more portable, lighter-weight tents that you can install in no time. Check that the pop up canopy tent has no room to slip and fall over during storage and transport. Pack and store the tent canopy when not in use.
Pro tip: To prevent mold, ensure the fabric is completely dry when packing.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to outdoor use, the correct application of your canopy tent is the be-all and end-all to avoid these problems. We strongly recommend that our customers secure and anchor the tent and follow all the instructions provided. Consider all aspects of your custom printed canopy tents before making your purchase decision.