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"When to Hold, When to Fold"

See the October 2004 issue Sunshine Artist  for the full story on canopy systems.

     When severe weather poses a threat at an art festival, artists are caught in a dilemma.  On one hand they fear damage to their display, on the other the wrath of disappointed customers or angry promoters who may not have given them permission to close up their booth or take down their canopy. Current show policies generally require exhibitors to remain open regardless of weather conditions, unless advised by show personnel to breakdown early. It remains a subjective judgment call on the part of promoters as well as artists. There seems to be no objective guidelines for determining “when to hold or when to fold”. In response to readership concerns over the hazardous effects of severe weather on artists’ display systems, Sunshine Artist conducted an in-depth survey of canopy systems. The responses provide both artists and promoters with specifications on the construction and design of popular canopy systems including scientific calculations on wind force pressures along with manufacturer advisories. After reading this article you will have objective data with which to evaluate your display system and assist you in making a still subjective, but more informed decision, on when to hold or when to fold. You may also learn a few tips on how to insure a more secure setup.

     Identical surveys were sent to the six major U.S. manufacturers of portable canopy display systems for artists. We wish to thank all of the manufacturers for taking time during their busiest season to reply. Listed alphabetically they are:

Creative Energies, INC.

1607 N. Magnolia Ave.

Ocala FL 34475-9106

Toll-Free #: 800-351-8889 Phone #: 352-351-8889  FAX #: 352-351-5847

Light-Dome canopy:   www.lightdomecanopies.com 

Flourish Company
3640 Highway 23
St. Paul, AR 72760

Phone: 800-296-0049 FAX: 479-677-3380

E-mail: info@flourish.com

Trimline and Archtop canopy: www.flourish.com/

International E-Z UP, INC.

1601 Iowa Avenue
Riverside, California 92507 USA

Sales: 800-45-SHADE (800-457-4233) Tel: 909-781-0843 Fax: 909-781-0586
E-mail: info@ezup.com

EZ-Up canopies: www.ezup.com/products.htm

KD Kanopy, Inc.

3755 W. 69th Place

Westminster, CO 80030

Phone: (303) 650-1310   Fax: (303) 650-5093

E-mail: askme@KDKanopy.com 

KD Canopies:  http://www.kdkanopy.com/ourproducts.htm

New Venture Products

14115 63^rd Way North

Clearwater FL 33760

1-800-771-7469

E-mail: showoff@newvp.com

Showoff canopy: 

Newton Display products, Inc.

Craft Hut canopy: www.crafthut.com

     Survey responses are grouped into three areas: construction, wind-force technologies, and manufacturer recommendations. The questions are listed first followed by responses.

Part 1, Construction: What type of canopy system do you provide? What materials is your system constructed of?  Is there a unique quality to the materials such as shape, size, thickness (gauge of material) that gives it added strength? How are the connections between parts made? Corners seem to be a critical connection in a canopy system. How are your framework corner components secured? Are there any reinforcing flanges or other factors affecting the structural strength of your corner connections? How is the canopy top secured to the frame? How are the side panels attached to the top and to the legs of the frame?

Light-Dome: We provide is a telescoping aluminum frame. No plastic pipe. There are no loose pins to connect the poles. The connections are done with snap buttons. Our corner frame piece is reinforced with another piece of aluminum when it is bent during fabrication. The top is secured to the frame by a strap with a snap on it in each corner under the horizontal pole. The curtains are attached by an S-hook in each corner and straps with snaps along the horizontal pole.

Trimline: We use galvanized steel poles exclusively. We have seen that in severe weather the strength of steel means better resistance to wind and far less damage to canopy components. Our horizontal poles are two-piece and snap together, two 5-ft sections making a 10-ft pole. Our legs are three-piece, the center member being a height-adjuster sleeve that permits infinite adjustment between seven and eight feet for set-up on uneven terrain. Joints are welded steel. Poles attach to joints with snap-button; the connections on legs are supported by additional thumbscrews that render the legs completely rigid. We use 1” Schedule 40 PVC poles for rafter, with a steel rafter support pole. These poles are not pre-curved so that they stow flat for transport. The canopy roof attaches to the top of the frame with woven polyester straps with side-release buckles. These straps are intended to hold the top to the frame and not to stretch or tension the top.

EZ-UP: We manufacture high strength steel and lightweight aluminum instant shelters with fillet welded (metal to metal connections), bolts and locking cap nuts (part to part connections), and quick release pins (removable accessories). Metal to metal corners are fillet welded and reinforced with additional metal where necessary. Plastic and metal corners use high strength plastic, with plastic parts engineered for maximum strength. Tops and sides are secured with Velcro on some models and with Velcro and bolts for tops and Velcro and zippers for sides on other models.

KD: Our canopy is a one-piece scissor bar action unit; we are the inventors of the original pop up canopy and hold over 35 patents. Our frame is 16-gauge aluminum connected with special Dynidiom fittings to ensure easy glide and no binding.  The Dynidiom caps, which are a fiberglass, reinforced hard resin, allow the canopy to glide easier, where other units use nuts and bolts, which can and will bind. Aluminum makes our unit lighter, stronger and rust resistant.  Allan head screws on the Dynidiom caps allow the end user to be able to replace all the separate parts with one Allan head wrench. 

Showoff: We provide a telescoping high grade 6061-T6 alloy aluminum frames with welded connections. Corners are an aluminum component casting-the strongest component in our framework. The canopy top is secured with quick release buckles. Side panels attach with YKK marine type zippers.

Craft Hut: The Craft Hut consists of 1-3/8” plated steel pipe. The corners are made from a special strength DOM or “drawn over mandrel” steel pipe. The corners are welded. The roof rafters are made of schedule 40 PVC. Frame assembly is held together with ¼” steel lock pins. The legs, which have steel plates on the bottom are telescoping and also held to the frame with lock pins. The roof is secured to the frame by using hook and loop fasteners. The curtains zip to the roof and each other using #10 marine grade zipper, and the design prevents any pooling of water on the roof.

Part II Wind force technologies: What is the average total weight of your 10x10 foot canopy system with top and four drop down side tarps to totally enclose the display (but not including any attached weights)? What features involving the above components do you feel help make your system more wind resistant? Other than the usual replacement of the canopy tops and side panels, what 2 parts of your system have artists most often had to replace over the years? What design or material modifications have you made to improve the structural integrity of your canopy? Have you ever conducted engineering studies of the effects of wind upon your canopy system or its components? Is it your experience that canopy problems are due to canopy component failure or to improper setup in high winds without sufficient weights to adequately secure the canopy structure?

Can you recommend any structural reinforcements or setup procedures for exhibitors to make your system more secure in the wind? When your canopy is secured with weights, where and how do you recommend the weights be attached? Do you provide weights or attaching materials? What is the recommended total weight of securing all four legs?

Light-Dome: The total weight is 75-80 pounds. Fifteen years ago we tested our product at an airport with winds up to 65 MPH to determine what changes to make before it was marketed. We increased the diameter of the tubing, the gage of metal, and tensile strength. Canopy problems are due to inadequate staking or weighting most of the time. If the show has a lot of rain the ground will become wet and even the stakes won’t hold. Weights need to be at least 38 pounds [each], should be never be hung by a strap and left suspended, but should rest on the foot of the canopy and be secured by a strap that does not stretch. Do not use rope; use a strap with a quick release buckle. In high winds exhibitors should stake down from the foot of the canopy as well as from the corner. By having a tie-down strap from the corner secures the top part of the canopy. A round top such as the Light-Dome will fare better in high winds as apposed to one with a flat top like our Finale.

Trimline: Total weight of our system is 127 pounds. On the question of the weight of steel frame vs. aluminum, we feel that although aluminum is lighter, it is less strong and will require more hold down weight. In other words you have to carry the weight one way or another. Our popular option, the Stabilizer Bar Kit, is set of three poles that join the legs adding substantially to stability of the unit. We offer customized sets to fit all major canopy brands. The addition of our Mesh Panel Walls, which are stretched between the legs and form tope pole to bottom stabilizer bar pole-the wind resistance and stability far exceeds other canopies. Our standard Heat/wind vents at each end of the canopy top permit the release of wind pressure that may tend to lift the canopy. No wind studies have been conducted, as meaningful data is difficult to obtain. We rarely replace any components, usually they are the result of a vehicle backing into or running over a canopy or part. We warrant canopies for three years and have had to replace fewer than six canopy parts per year because of part failure. Insufficient weight or tie-down can be critical. We include two tie down screws and four 10” steel spikes with each unit plus offer an optional set of four 40-pound weights, the minimum on hard surfaces.

EZ-UP: Our Express III Value Pack (sold at Sam’s Club) has a carton weight of 65 pounds. We have done extensive testing and engineering studies to improve our designs. EZ-UP Canopies have been professionally tested in a wind tunnel. We have also set up our canopies and those of our competitors on top of a high truck bed and pulled them across the dry lakebed flats at high speeds to the point of destruction. The result has been numerous (patent protected) changes over the past 20 years. These improvements involve design geometry, something others might try to copy but will find hard to get the math right. We employ reinforced trusses and high strength steel. We offer a flexible roof on the Dome II using fiberglass rods that actually flatten out the roof reducing resistance when winds exceed 22 MPH. The roof restores to its original shape when wind speed drops below 22 MPH. It is very important that the shelter be properly anchored with 40-pound weight bags secured to the bottom of each leg. Our convenient weight bag system attaches to the lower part of the leg with lynch pins. Do not tie ropes to the canopy top as it may pull out the threads sewn into the top that are not designed to hold the weights.

KD:  Our Dynidiom fittings allow some movement within the structure, which allows a little more flexibility in the canopy. We do highly suggest that the canopy is either spiked down or has weight bags attached and because we have a welded footplate that accepts spikes or allows the weight bag to rest fully on it, this also helps with wind. Usually people do not read the set up instructions or simply abuse the canopy. We always tell the clients that they must secure the canopy. If they ignore that then with a high enough wind any canopy will take flight.  Our 10x10 weighs 90 pounds and comes with steel spikes. We offer a specialized sandbag that wraps around the leg and secures with commercial grade Velcro. These bags are 30lbs each at $ 49.00 for a set of four. We recommend 120lbs [total for four legs] and have tested that to a 28mph wind. 

Showoff: To improve wind resistance we moved from welded thin wall corners to cast heavy wall corners and use a special strength aluminum alloy. Top arch supports are the parts artists request replacements for. Canopy failure is due to insufficient securing and weather conditions beyond the capability of the canopy. The total weight of our system is 70 pounds. We recommend 60 pounds for securing all four legs. We provide manufactured sand bags with quick release buckles to be strapped on at the leg base. We have seen very few failures when a setup includes the integrated fabric display panels. Panels use the leg and cross bars of the frame in addition to a bottom crossbar. The fabric is then tensioned with quick release buckles on four sides securing the leg system and stabilizing the frame.

Craft Hut: The total weight is about 100 pounds. The heaviest piece is the roof at 15 pounds. The fabric is more wind and rain resistant because it is welded together using RF welders (the same equipment used for pool liners). The roof seam is sewn and sealed using a Queen Light heat sealer. We feel the shape of the roof is a factor in keeping it from blowing away. Many times we have heard from our customers that the Craft Huts were the only booths standing after a storm. Tie down dog leash anchors work well to secure a booth. We do not recommend a specific amount of weight although the weight kits we sell consist of four 18-pound weights (when filled with cement). Obviously the more weight the better. We do supply tie down ropes. They are looped around the corners at the top and the weights are tied to the other end. We do not warrant weather related damage. The most vulnerable parts would be the side rails or upper portion of the leg. Now and then some of the PVC rafters will break.

Part III Manufacturer recommendations: Below is a table of the total wind force at different wind speeds exerted upon an average 10x10 booth. It is a conservative calculation* based on a closed booth with all sides down. If the booth is open on one side, as is normal exhibiting procedure to provide an open door into the booth, the air pressure is much greater. Not only is wind trapped inside the canopy increasing wind force, but also depending on the shape of the canopy, the air pressure above and behind the canopy system is reduced, thus increasing the net force operating upon the canopy system. The open door setup could increase the wind force numbers in this illustration by as much as 50% over the normal shape factor of 1 used in these calculations.

In 1806, Sir Francis Beaufort developed a rating system for accurate recording of wind speed. This system was developed for sailors, but has since been modified for use on land. Compiled by the US National Weather Service.

*[The wind pressure can be approximated by: Pressure = ½ x (density of air) x (wind speed)² x (shape factor). The density of air is about 1.25 kg/m³. The shape factor (drag coefficient) depends on the shape of the body. It has order of magnitude 1 and is dimension less. The wind speed must be expressed in m/s. In that case the pressure has units kg/m/s², i.e. N/m² that is converted to pound force/square foot times 80 square feet to approximate the wind force acting upon one side of an average canopy at given wind speeds shown in miles/hour.]

Granted that at any given wind speed, the exact same canopy system set up on the same block of an art show may experience different wind forces. Understandably a booth protected by a large building or the canopies of other exhibitors will experience less wind force than an exhibitor on the exposed end of a row, or at the end of a wind tunnel between buildings. Not to mention that artists exhibit varying degrees of skill in assembling and securing their displays. But with your canopy system properly set up as per your instructions and with your recommended weights attached, please evaluate the effects of it experiencing the wind forces as per the above table. Given the total calculated wind forces operating upon your canopy system at noted wind speeds, at what wind speed would you recommend dropping all four side panels to enclose the booth and keep wind force with-in the range shown?  (Keep in mind that the calculations are for a closed booth. If a side panel were open to the wind, the wind forces shown would be much higher). Given the total calculated wind forces operating upon your canopy system at noted wind speeds, at what wind speed do you recommend taking the canopy system down completely? What recommendations would you make to artists or promoters in regards to evaluating when to hold or when to fold?

Light-Dome: I believe that promoters should make a decision based on how they have allowed the exhibitors to secure their canopy. More shows will not allow you to stake into the ground or nail. If they are allowed only to use weights and a storm is coming they should allow each exhibitor to make a choice about their canopy without penalty. Take the example of an exhibitor who does not have panels to lock his canopy into to. How long do we suppose the canopies will stand in severe weather and how much damage should the exhibitor allow before taking down? Unfortunately if the exhibitor is still in his booth when the storm hits there is not much you can do but lower your canopy.

Trimline: I have been exhibiting at art and craft shows for 24 years, with venues ranging from Silver Dollar City mall shows to Coconut Grove, Minneapolis Uptown, and Sugarloaf’s Maryland shows. Despite my experience with weather conditions and with artists’ ways of dealing with those conditions, I am still not prepared to offer any guidelines for when to stay and when to pack it up. Each show is different, from location and physical arrangement of exhibitors to professionalism of both exhibitors and promoters. I think the hold or fold decision must be made afresh at each show. Some artists will stay no matter what the weather offers; others will pack up at the first sign of threatening weather. I have been at shows where exhibitors bailed out early because the turnout was poor and the weather forecast gave little promise of improvement, and I have been at shows where every artist stayed open until they finally closed to the sound of tornado sirens. Responsible promoters will put the safety of exhibitors and their displays ahead of their desire to see the show go on. Responsible artists will fulfill their commitment to promoters by staying until, in their judgment, their products and display and personal safety are at risk

EZ-UP: Hold when no potentially windy or rainy weather, fold when there is. If the fairgoers are still walking the show and there is nothing blowing around, an artist will want to stay setup to make sales. That is as long as they feel comfortable and everyone is enjoying the show. But the comfort factor drops when a canopy starts rocking and swaying. If you don’t feel comfortable, then pack it up.

KD:  The canopy should have some movement around 20mph and at 28mph it will start to lift from the ground. At over 40 mph the canopy will lift off the ground and could fly and cause damage. At around 20-25 MPH we recommend dropping all four-side panels to enclose the booth. We suggest between 28 and 30 MPH you take the canopy system down completely. We always suggest that when it gets too bad for you then it is too bad for the canopy, we have tested our units up to 35 mph when anchored down.

Showoff: The difficulty as a manufacturer in recommending when to fold is exactly the fact that artists on the same block will experience different wind forces. We have had praise from artists on how well the Showoff performed in high winds compare to other manufacturers, but have also had failures when a canopy setup adjacent to our suffered no damage. The bottom line is common sense has to prevail. Weight system, spikes, and guide ropes should be a routine setup.

Craft Hut: In about 14 years of producing 9000 Craft Huts, we have had only 6 or 7 that have been completely destroyed by wind. We usually ask customers how strong the wind was. Properly anchored down, it seems anything over 50 MPH will take it down.

CONCLUSION:

Over the past 30years of art shows my wife and I have used several of the canopy systems made by four or five different manufacturers. Some have met their fate at stormy shows, and few have survived. We still use different canopy systems for shows depending on the type of setup and anticipated weather conditions. As the systems take a beating and begin to show their age, the survivors are retired to the back yard to cover the boat or to shade the workshop. They don’t last forever. You need to keep checking the fittings and materials for wear and stress if you intend to continue subjecting them to the forces of nature. As this survey shows, canopy systems are fairly complex tools of the trade, and like all tools you need to know how to use them properly. Think about that Beaufort scale #6 as winds start hitting 25 miles per hour, a few more and it’s called a gale. Review the wind force table and check the wind pressures affecting your system against weight and structural strength of your particular style of setup. At 25MPH you have 200 pounds of force pushing against your canopy, at 32MPH, over 300 pounds of force. All six manufacturers surveyed have done an excellent job of developing different canopy systems for artists. Our readers need to keep in mind however, that even with that great technology, design, and quality construction, no manufacturer can assure artists that any canopy will survive severe weather. After all, these are lightweight display systems engineered for the benefit of mobile artists exhibiting in outdoor festivals. Their portability precludes the strength of brick and mortar stores and by their nature certain limitations apply that all exhibitors (and show promoters) should keep in mind. Ultimately it is going to be your decision as the outdoor exhibitor on when to hold and when to fold. When made responsibly, it is one the show promoter and the public can appreciate and accept.

Sincerely,

Carl Buehler    can be reached at

gems@jewelgallery.net

See the October issue of Sunshine Artist for full "When to Hold, When to Fold" story on these canopy systems.

©1973-2013 All rights reserved The Jewelry Gallery, Lynn and Carl Buehler.  

Info: gems@jewelgallery.net Pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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