FAQ

Party Tents

How long has PortaCanopy been operating?
Our business has been manufacturing marquees since 1986.  We still manufacture but also sub-contract out some  work  to other manufacturers who manufacture to our specifications.

I am tossing up between steel frame and aluminium frame party tent, what would you recommend?
We used to sell steel frame party tents but stopped for the following reasons. They are heavy, prone to rusting and Kg for KG not as strong or as reliable as aluminium framed tents. When we were selling steel framed party tents our heavy duty aluminium framed tents outsold them 50:1. Heavy duty aluminium frames are definitely the way to go.

Which is better Aluminium or Nylon connections.
We have used both aluminium and nylon connections. Aluminium connections are stronger but they are more easily damaged with normal day to day handling. Nylon connections are not easily damaged but most importantly aid in the smooth erection and dismantling of the party tent. Previous customers have shown a clear preference for the nylon style and we have now ceased offering aluminium connections.  Our PortaCanopy party tents will give you many years of trouble use when used in accordance with the instructions.

I can't decide between a PE (polyester) canopy and PVC. What would you recommend?
If your primary need is protection from the sun, then you should choose a PE canopy is a good option because it is about 25% lighter in weight and slightly cheaper. Poly canopies do have a thin PU waterproof coating on the inside but it is easily damaged and for this reason we would not recommend it for waterproof requirements.

PVC canopies have two waterproof layers and are ideal for for both sun and rain protection.  PVC is also recommended where signwriting of membranes is required. Another advantage is that PortaCanopy PVC membranes are Fire retardant which is a statutory requirement for portable structures in some states.

What does the 5 year manufacturing warranty cover?
If within 5 years of the purchase date you discover a defect that occurred during the manufacturing process we will repair or replace defective part at no cost to the purchaser. The cost of returning the part to us and back shall be borne by the purchaser. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, gradual deterioration, fading or damage caused by inappropriate use or consequential loss.

Are Party tents suitable for permanent use?
No! Portacanopies are not engineered structures and for this reason we recommend that they be only used for short term application and not be left unattended outdoors in case of strong winds.

Are Party Tents suitable for use near the sea?
Yes. The frames are anodised aluminium, hardware is marine grade stainless steel which has a high resistance to corrosion.

Why aren't Party Tents available in large sizes?
The short answer is they become too heavy and bulky. We have experimented with 6x6's and 8x8's. They weighed nearly 100 kgs which defeated the purpose of having an easily assembled Party Tent. Also because of the large span a central pole was essential. The same result can be achieved by joining two or more party tents together with a gutter in between.

Are Party Tents suitable for use on windy days?
We have tested them satisfactorily in winds of 30 KPH where they were erected on grass and we were able to securely fasten them down. However we have also seen them blow over in winds of 10KPH where they had not been fastened down. Therefore it depends on the circumstances. 

Can Party Tents be erected outdoors on hard surfaces?
Yes, but you need to take extra precautions. They need to be held down with heavy weights. Either sands bags which we sell, drums filled with water or concrete, or even lead weights.  

Shade Marquees

Are Aerosail shade marquees waterproof?
No, they are permeable made from 90% heavy duty knitted shadecloth with 90% + shade cover.  The extent of shade coverage depended on the colour of the fabric chosen.

Are Aerosail shade marquees suitable for erection on hard surfaces (concrete, bitumen etc)?
Unless purpose designed anchor points have been built into the hard surface the answer is not because they otherwise need large stakes to hold them down.

How portable are Aerosail shade marquees?
Whilst they are not very heavy, the longest piece is 2.5 metres long and there fore you will need a small trailer or car roof racks to transport them.

Do Aerosail shade marquees come in standard sizes?
No, they are custom made in widths of 7.2 metres or 10.8 metres with virtually no limitation on length.

Waterproof Marquees

What sizes are waterproof marquees available in?
These are made to order. As a general rule the length should not exceed the width by a factor of 3 times. Eg if the required length is 10 metres the width should be at least 3.33 metres.

Are waterproof marquees suitable for erection on hard surfaces (concrete, bitumen etc)?
Unless purpose designed anchor points have been built into the hard surface the answer is not because they otherwise need large stakes to hold them down.