A canopy is an integral part of every kind of outdoor event, from a 10’x10′ canopy for tailgating to a 40’x100′ canopy for the wedding of the century. However, choosing to place that canopy rental order is more than picking a size and a drop-off time. Ensuring the crew installing your canopy knows how to do so correctly and safely should always be a top priority, as a properly installed canopy could mean the difference between a daydream and a disaster.
The benefits of a properly installed canopy:
A correctly installed canopy is a functional canopy. It provides protection from the pouring rain in the spring, the harsh sun in the summer, the strong winds in the fall, and the bitter cold in the winter. It provides a designated outdoor gathering space that feels intentional and welcoming in a way that loose tables on a lawn could only hope to achieve. It provides an extra dimension of space to decorate and personalize to create the event of your dreams. However, beyond basic function and aesthetic, a correctly installed canopy is providing one more thing behind the scenes that many take for granted: safety. When the frame is locking into place correctly, when the canvas is properly secured, and when the entire canopy is anchored firmly into the ground, these temporary structures gain the integrity to withstand all but the worst weather conditions the seasons throw at them.
The downfalls of an improperly installed canopy:
While an improperly installed canopy may not look very different in the best of circumstances, it can pose significant risks very quickly should the situation go south. An incorrectly installed canvas can catch rainwater and snow instead of allowing it to roll off the side. At best, this can cause leaks that can drip on or drench the items and guests underneath. At worst, this can cause serious pooling issues that add extra weight and strain to the canopy frame. Combine this with an improperly installed frame, and the entire structure becomes at risk of collapse. Incorrect anchoring also poses a significant risk as a canopy can become a giant kite in the event of strong winds. Insufficient amounts of weights or improper staking can allow a canopy to be lifted right off the ground, causing significant damage to people and property alike. The majority of catastrophic canopy failures occur due to improper staking practices.
Our safe tenting guarantee:
At Mullins Special Occasions, the safety of our clients and crew is always our #1 priority. For this reason, our ground crew go through hands-on training through the American Rental Association and TopTec Tent School to receive certifications in safe tenting. We also follow all manufacturers’ best practices for installation, including ONLY securing our canopies with stakes as opposed to the much riskier weighted anchors. In addition, we offer free site inspections on all canopy rentals to ensure there is adequate space and terrain to properly construct and anchor your canopy with all necessary safety precautions. Finally, we are always keeping an eye on the weather and will not hesitate to cancel a canopy order with a full refund should conditions prove too unsafe for construction. The safety of our crew, and of our clients and their guests, is much more important to us than profit.
