Condensation in Marquees and Gazebos

Causes & Prevention

Condensation in tents can be caused by several factors. The most common cause is the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the tent. When the air inside the tent is warmer than the air outside, moisture in the air will condense on the cooler surfaces of the tent, such as the walls, ceiling, and windows.

CAUSES OF CONDENSATION IN MARQUEES

The humidity level inside the tent is a major cause of condensation, particularly if you have a marquee or gazebo with sides. When the humidity level is high, moisture in the air is more likely to collect on surfaces. This can be caused by activities such as cooking, and also even activities as innocent as breathing, and sweating inside the tent.

You are far more likely to encounter moisture issues in the tent if it is set up in humid circumstances. For many clients, the visitors inside the tent will be the main source of humidity. Great parties include dancing and loud talks, but there are drawbacks as well. Breathing and perspiration both contribute to the accumulation of moisture within the tent. Condensation will then form when the wet air comes into touch with the chilly walls.

HOW CAN I MINIMISE CONDENSATION IN A MARQUEE?

To minimise condensation in a tent, it is important to ventilate the tent by opening windows and opening the doors to allow the humid air to escape. It is also a good idea to avoid activities that increase humidity inside the tent, such as cooking or boiling water.

If dampness in the tent is not controlled, it may degrade the quality of perishable goods and possibly result in the growth of mould. Mould may usually be removed with warm, soapy water. We advise using an alkaline based PE / PVC cleaner for tougher stains.

In an emergency, you can decide to dry the tent using a dehumidifier with industrial strength. Dehumidifier use is not a long-term solution since the tent is not airtight. However, a dehumidifier can assist in drying out the tent and controlling mould growth.

DOES THE TENT'S MATERIAL AFFECT CONDENSATION IN ANY WAY?

“I recently purchased a new tent, and I've since found leaks. The ceiling is where it is dripping. Is my tent's roof not waterproof? Is it the fault of the manufacturer or the tarpaulin's material?”

Our event industry specialists occasionally get comments like these, especially in the middle of winter when it's chilly, rainy, and the temperature can fluctuate from pleasant to frigid. All our materials, from the PE tarpaulin to the PVC roofs, are completely waterproof, extremely UV-resistant, robust, and of the finest quality. With 25 years of manufacturing experience, Gala Tent can make this statement with confidence.

Whilst condensation is quite often unavoidable, Gala Tent have done our best to take on the battle against tent moisture. For instance, our marquee walls are not entirely sealed. Instead, they let a constant flow of fresh air from the outside through the ridge and eves. Good ventilation is ensured by these walls' inherent ability to breathe.

Each structure benefits from detachable sidewall and gable portions that provide you with especially big apertures for ventilation. Rain and other moisture are diverted away from the tent by this ground side skirt, which wraps around the entire tent structure. The removable window panels every 2 metres always allow for a steady exchange of air between the outside and interior of the tent, which is another significant benefit of purchasing a Gala Tent.

Condensation is the obvious culprit. It can build up on tents, much like it can on commercial units, patio doors or windowpanes. Whether or not the tent product is completely waterproof is unimportant in this situation. Tents are exposed to all types of weather and are outdoors during the day, evening, and night, therefore the development of condensation is a fully typical and natural occurrence. Therefore, if water falls from the poles or gathers within the tent, it is not necessarily a sign that the tent is leaky or of low quality.

It will be challenging to completely stop condensation from accumulating because of this. Even the highest calibre Gala Tents will develop it under many circumstances. But that doesn't mean you should take down your tent. With a few easy actions, condensation can be drastically reduced.

In summary, the point is that condensation is generally unavoidable in most situations, especially when the tent has been used to house large numbers of people, or host a catering event. However, if you take precautions to minimise it by ventilating your marquee well then you will be best place to give your party tent a long and useful lifetime. Also, ensure your covers are fully dry before you pack them away to avoid mould and mildew, and your Gala Tent can last for as long as you need it.

Please not that this article is intended only as advice for owners of marquees and gazebos purchased from Gala Tent. We cannot accept liability for any damage caused by condensation and the elements.

Our team of experts are on-hand to provide help and advice if you have any pre-purchase concerns, so give them a call on 01709 242454 and have a chat now. If you already have a Gala Tent product and are looking for help in cleaning the covers, then you may wish to visit our accompanying article about cleaning marquees and gazebos here.