The Difference Between A Fiesta And A Canopy Tent.

A canopy tent is a broad term for any type of steel frame portable structure that is assembled using galvanized fitting connectors. There are many different designs that are available for purchase and can range in sizes, pole diameter as well as, the type of cover included with the tent.

The pole diameter is selected based on the size of the structure. The larger the canopy tent, the larger the diameter of the pole. Canopy tent top cover fabrics can range from poly, shade mesh and canvas to specially treated fire retardant fabrics. The Fiesta Tent falls in the party canopy category and although it is still part of the canopy tent family, it is constructed using brighter more festive colors. Moreover, the Fiesta Tent is comprised of fire retardant polyester oxford nylon material. The fabric is not only strong but is also compliant under NFPA-701, CPAI-84 and California Title 19 fire retardant specifications and standards.

Also in the category of party canopies is the Carnival Tent, which includes the same fabric cover and the Fiesta Tent. Although the Fiesta and Carnival Tent share the same fire retardant cover and festive color options, the frame shape is what truly separates these two portable structures. The Fiesta Tent is comprised of a peaked roof design also known as the A Frame. The Carnival design is much different and contains a center crown fitting with all corner and side tubing leading to the center. This design feature give the Carnival Tent a unique look and allows for more square footage.

When shopping for a canopy tent base your purchase off the purpose of the tent. Canopy tents range in uses and are available as portable garages, car canopies, party tents, tarp shelters and more. The application in which the structure will be used is important in your decision and should be well thought out before a decision is made.

For canopy questions please call us at 877-811-3911 or visit the website www.canopiesandtarps.com

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Ball Bungee Lengths For Canopies And Tarps

The ball bungee tie has become the most widely used fastening accessory for outdoor canopies. Several different lengths are available for purchase but choosing the correct length for your application can be confusing. Generally, The ball bungee ties come in 6”, 9”, 11” and 13” lengths. The most commonly used and universal size is the 9”. If you are unsure about what size is best for your needs it is always best to go with a longer length rather than a shorter length like the 6”. The longer ball bungees can be wrapped around the pole as many times as necessary until the desired tightness has been achieved.

In addition to length, the ball bungee is also available in different quality grades. Often referred to as Premium and Economy, the ball bungee is offered at different prices according to the country of origin. The economic canopy ball tie is usually manufactured in China and has a shorter life expectancy than that of the premium. Known for better quality elastic rubber products, premium ball bungee ties are manufactured in Indonesia and have the ability to resist sun degradation for a longer period of time.

Ball bungees are sold in a variety of bag quantities. Determining how many ball ties are needed for your tarp cover can be broken down into a simple formula. Most tarps have grommets spacing every 18”. For example, the formula to determine the amount of ball bungees for a 10’ x 10’ cover would look like the following (10 + 10 x 2 / 1.5 = 26 ball ties). It is better to buy a bag that contains more than you need so that you have replacements available when needed. Ball bungee ties should be changed as loss in elasticity is discovered.

For more information on ball bungees please visit our website CanopiesAndTarps.com

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The Mesh Count And Thickness Of A Tarp Defined.

Throughout the manufacturing process, tarps undergo different processes including lamination, heat sealing and grommet installation. However, before the manufacturing process begins a few things must be determined. For example, what will be the tarps thickness, size and mesh count? Both the thickness and mesh count of the tarp cover determines if the end product is heavy-duty or a lighter grade utility tarp. Generally, tarps are made of several woven mesh layers that are finished off with outer polyethylene sheet layers. The most common questions by consumers looking for tarps are what does the thickness mean? And what is the difference between mesh counts?


A tarps thickness is measured in mils. The larger the number; the thicker and heavier duty the tarp will be. Most heavy-duty tarps have a 12-mil thickness while the lighter utility tarps are around 4-6 mils in thickness. There are even some complete canopy sets that include a 23 mil cover for regions with heavy snow fall. Directly related to the thickness of a tarp is the weight in ounces. Again, the heavier-duty the tarp; the more the tarp will weigh in ounces per square yard. A typical heavy-duty tarp will be around 6-8 ounce per square yard.


The mesh fabric specifies threads per square inch in both a horizontal and vertical orientation. The tighter the weave; the more durable the tarp will be. The industry standard for heavy-duty tarps is a mesh count of 12 x 12 or 12 x 14. Super heavy-duty tarps can be found with a mesh count of 14 x 14 and are generally used for commercial purposes like covering hay. When looking to purchase a heavy-duty tarp for home or business look for tarpaulins with a minimum mesh count of 12 x 12.


Aside from the thickness and mesh count, a tarp cover should be UV protected, waterproof have grommet spacing every 18 inches as well as be both mildew and rot resistant. Although there are many different varieties available, the key characteristics of a heavy-duty tarp should be consistent with the above-mentioned specifications. A tarp cover’s particular color will not have an effect on the overall quality or durability of the fabric. Although some of the lighter colors allow light translucency as compared to the Silver Tarp variety, which has a sun-blocking black scrim layer for total shade, the quality will remain as long as the two varieties share the same specifications.

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Spacing Of Grommets In Tarps

There are many different tarps available for purchase online. Tarp covers can range from the lighter grade to medium and heavy-duty. There are also several different varieties of fabrics available including poly, mesh, vinyl and canvas. Despite the grade and fabric composition, every tarp will be constructed as a finished product with grommets. The grommet spacing can be different from one manufacturer to another.

Generally, grommet spacing on tarps will either be every 36”, 18” or 12” around the perimeter of the cover. Lighter grade utility tarps will commonly come with grommet spacing every 36”. This is due to the fact that utility grade tarps are not used as canopy covers and are made for temporary use and minimal securing. However, heavier grade tarps are made specifically for canopy use and long-term coverage needs. The grommet spacing for these tarps must be closer together to achieve the desired strength and stability.

Heavy-duty tarps usually have grommet spacing that is every 18”. Grommets help distribute the tension evenly along the edge of the tarp. The more grommets and closer spacing a tarp has the better the load distribution will be and the longer the tarp will last under severe conditions. 12” grommet spacing on tarps is rare and will usually only be found on the mesh shade tarp variety. Since mesh tarps are commonly used as privacy fabric on fencing, the 12” spacing is required for a secure fit on fence lines.

For more information on tarps please visit our website at http://www.canopiesandtarps.com/

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Choosing a High Quality Camping Tent.

There are so many camping tents on the market today that choosing the correct model and quality can seem like a daunting task. There are some specific characteristics to look for when shopping for a camping tent. The best price is not always the best choice and it is best to research the different products before making a purchase.

The quality of the different materials is essential to the longevity of the camping tent. As you shop for a camping tent be sure to research the three main components, which form the shape and provide the shelter. These three components include the fabric, zippers and the poles. The quality of the materials should be the primary factor in your decision and the price secondary.

Fabrics:
Camping tent material is manufactured by a coating process and is measured in millimeters. The measurement in millimeters refers to the height of a column of water that a fabric will support without seeping through. A good quality camping tent should use a coating between 1200mm to 800mm on the rain flys and a coating of 800mm to 600mm on the tent body. The coating should be thicker on the rain fly because the force generated by a storm has a greater impact on this area of exposure.

Zippers:

A good quality zipper is essential to a camping tent. Failure of the zipper will render the tent virtually useless. Look for zippers that are made of nickel-plated material and that are larger in design. Zippers with a curvature are a much better design than those that are straight. Straight zippers add stress and can tear; pinch and fail much sooner than a curved design. The Twin Track system is more widely used today and is the preferred zipper for quality camping tents. The Twin Track system has two functioning zippers on the camping tent.

Poles:
The poles used for a good quality camping tent should be no less than 19mm thick and made of steel or aluminum. The poles should be cable corded together instead of chain corded. The cable-corded design greatly reduces the likelihood of breakage. Aluminum poles structures are ideal in the sense that they are lighter and stronger than fiberglass poles.

In addition to the components that make up a high quality camping tent, the tent design is another important feature to consider throughout the decision process. There are several styles available and include everything from smaller backpacking tents to larger family tents like that of the dome style shelters. Decide on the space that you will need to utilize based on the number of sleepers. The larger family tents like that of the dome and cabin-style tents contain models with built in room dividers. These room dividers are perfect for additional privacy as well as a dry place to store wet gear and supplies.

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Preparing For The 2010 Hurricane Season

This year’s hurricane season is predicted to be the most active since the record breaking 2005 season. Every agency from Weather Services International to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are predicting that six to nine major hurricanes will make landfall. This is in part due to warmer water temperatures. Although the predictions are still premature, there is a much higher probability of above average activity if there is an immediate transition from El Nino to La Nina. An article from, ( Daily Finance ) discusses the potential financial devastation that this hurricane season could bring.

Despite the yearly predictions, it is always best to prepare for the hurricane season before any storms occur with essential hurricane supplies. Some of the necessary essentials include materials such as wood shutters, plywood, water, tarps and plenty of food. In addition to supplies, having a dependable evacuation plan is extremely important. In the event that a hurricane is forecasted for your area, pay close attention to broadcasts and obey all requests and warnings issued by your local government.

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Hay Tarps Reduce Storage Space

In the farming industry having alternative storage options is greatly beneficial. Barns, sheds and portable structures are normally used to house valuable equipment and supplies. Ideally, these facilities would be ideal for hay bale storage but with limited space, some low cost solutions can reduce the need for additional and high cost building structures. One of the most popular alternatives for effective hay storage is through the use of hay tarps.

Designed for year round weather, hay tarps can be used to safely cover hay bales, keeping this valuable resource dry from moisture and protected from the harsh effects UV. These specialty tarps are manufactured using high-density polyethylene materials and come retrofitted with heavy-duty aluminum grommets every eighteen inches around the perimeter. Each hay tarp includes rope-reinforced edges, which evenly distribute pressure along the grommets and aid in the prevention of tears.

For further protection, hay tarps are manufactured using three layers of laminated, silver reflective poly. The inner ply is comprised of a UV blocking black scrim layer and is responsible for providing an impenetrable membrane for superb protection. The top and bottom layers of the hay tarp are coated with a waterproof silver laminate. This silver consistency reflects and diverts a large percentage of the suns UV rays and will reduce humidity and heat.

Over the years the hay tarp has helped farmers free up important storage space by allowing hay bales to remain outside. Furthermore, the hay tarp has had an economic impact by reducing damage to outdoor hay bales. Polyethylene is a material that is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot. These characteristics make the hay tarp a crucial asset in the protection of outdoor hay bales. The wide variety of available sizes makes the hay tarp extremely versatile, as well as beneficial to the farming industry.

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