Waterproof Gazebos

Waterproof Gazebos We think that this picture says it all really!
We get the feeling that the people in this picture who, until a few moments earlier had been enjoying a drink in the open air, wish that the organisers of this event had invested in a few waterproof gazebos.

This lead us to thinking about waterproof gazebos and some of the popular misconceptions surrounding what makes a waterproof gazebo.

There are normally on 2 types of fabric used in the construction of pop up gazebos. The first and cheapest is polyester.
This fabric can be treated in 2 ways to make it resist water. 1 Adding a “Scotchguard” type coating
2 Lining with light PVC.
Both of these methods are reasonably successful – the second being the most popular but unfortunately due to the fact that polyester is a porous fabric and lightweight it is impossible to make it fully waterproof – I guess that is why skin divers don\'t have polyester suits. Eventually if the rain is heavy enough the fabric will become soaked and the water will puddle on the top of your gazebo. This may cause the roof to leak and eventually the weight of the water will rip the top and break the gazebo frame.
Polyester is a good cheap way of making gazebos but this type can only be regarded as showerproof not a truly waterproof gazebo.

A much better material is to make your gazebo roof and walls from PVC.
Although more expensive to produce, PVC is a much stronger and importantly non porous fabric. Make your PVC gazebo roof taught enough and the water cannot gather and as the fabric is non-porous, will run straight off the top on to the ground giving you a fully waterproof gazebo.

So next time you see a polyester gazebo advertised a “A fully waterproof gazebo” - ask them to take out a hose and prove it!!!