Whatever outdoor activity it may be that calls for setting up a tent rental, you want to be sure the tent is installed and anchored correctly. Below is a guide to help you with this.
When it comes to renting a tent, you are in for big surprises. Why? Because there is so much you can do with a tent rental.
From throwing the most magnificent weddings and birthday parties to storing important goods and protecting your construction project. Tent rentals can offer you so many opportunities. Whether for business or personal use.
There is just one catch, though. If you want to get the most enjoyment and use out of your tent rental, you will want to make sure that it is installed and anchored properly.
Let’s take a look at the tents and how the proper installation and anchoring should take place.
The Importance of Stability
First of all, if you are renting a tent, then you are looking for a structure for cover – no matter what is going underneath the tent. However, if not installed properly, the structure can cause damage to anything and everything underneath.
For instance, tents are designed to allow water and other debris to hit the roof and then slide off. Pooling water or debris can increase the weight on top of the tent, and cause it to cave in. If installed properly, this should never be an issue.
Unfortunately, for those tents that are not installed with the proper tension, the weight of water or debris can cause the tent to buckle in.
Another tent-gone-wrong situation is if it is not properly anchored. What happens? The wind can sweep underneath the tent. If there is nothing keeping it properly grounded, the wind is enough to lift the tent off the ground.
And, strong winds? Your tent can become a flying torpedo.
You do not want to jeopardize the safety of those in and around your tent. Therefore, it is incredibly important that you take the time to ensure your tent is properly installed and anchored.
And, as promised, here’s how to do it.
Multiple Ways to Anchor
Anchoring a tent means that you are giving the tent stability. From the top to the bottom, a properly anchored tent can continue to provide the necessary cover you need without jeopardizing the safety or stability of the structure.
Just as there is no one way to do many things in life, there is no one way to anchor a tent rental. Believe it or not, certain tents – including clearspan tents – can be installed on multiple surfaces.
For instance, you can use grassy areas, dirt-filled areas, cement, and more. For this reason alone, there are multiple ways to anchor a tent.
When it comes to the two most popular ways of securing and anchoring your tent, they are:
- Staking or otherwise grounding the tent by securing to the ground.
- Using structural objects or methods of anchoring the tent without having to attach it to the ground.
The method you will use to anchor your tent is going to likely be determined by the type of tent you choose and where you choose to install it.
The Most Common Method of Anchoring
Of the two most popular methods for securing and anchoring an event tent rental, perhaps staking is the most common. It is what most people know and is simple enough to follow through on. Well, as long as you know what you are doing.
Remember, an improperly anchored tent can be lifted up by wind gusts so it is important to follow proper procedures.
Pay attention to these key tips:
- The deeper you stake, the stronger the hold. This is important to remember. If you want a sturdy tent, go deep.
- Wet soil means less holding power.
- Installing stakes at an angle is not ideal. Stakes should be inserted vertically for the greatest hold. Be sure that the stake is entirely in the ground.
There are certain guidelines that should be followed when it comes to the guy line angle. This requires you to take into consideration the size and design of the tent, the current weather conditions, the ground conditions and more.
It is best to speak to a professional for optimal staking performance.
Various Other Anchoring Methods
Although staking may be the most common type of anchoring, there are still other very effective methods to choose from.
For instance, using water barrels. The guy lines are attached to the water barrels – and the weight of these barrels is to anchor the tent.
Unfortunately, the higher the guy lines are, the weaker the hold. So, when the guy lines are attached to a water barrel, say 3ft above ground, the hold is weaker – and more water barrels are required.
Another option is concrete weights. In a similar method as the water barrels, concrete weights may be used as anchors for the guy lines.
However, they are determined to be a much better option for security purposes than the water barrels when seeking to anchor an event tent.
Anchoring Compensates for Weight
You need to determine that the stability and anchoring of the tent will not be compromised based on outside pressures.
There are two types – shear load and uplift load.
- Shear load – also known as lateral load – refers to horizontal pressure. Any weight that pushes along the sides of the tent. This is crucial for tents that have sidewalls.
- Uplift load – the pressure that finds its way under the tent, desiring to lift the tent up off the ground.
Tents installed outdoors are left to any and all outdoor weather conditions. In addition, tents being used at construction sites or blast sites, are also left vulnerable to other types of pressure-causing conditions.
To ensure that your tent is properly secured, it is imperative that you measure – and test, when applicable – the weight of the outside forces against the strength of the hold you have on the tent.
Will the tent stand up to the pressure?
Conclusion
Tent rentals are wonderful additions to all sorts of outdoor protection needs. They are easy and quick to install. However, safety and security are of the highest importance. Take the time to make sure your tent is properly installed before you put it to use.
