Understanding the various materials and terminology used in the marquee industry can be challenging, especially when some suppliers intentionally complicate things for customers. To help clarify, here’s a breakdown of the materials commonly used in marquee construction, listed in order of durability:
1. PE (80-240gsm – grams per square metre)
Polyethylene, or PE, is the material typically used in tarpaulins and groundsheets, which are around 80gsm. While it’s waterproof and functions well, PE can be noisy in windy conditions. It’s important to note that PE should not be considered 100% waterproof, as its seams need to be sewn, which can allow leaks.
2. Poly/PVC (500d)
This is a polyester material coated with PVC, offering a middle ground between PE and true PVC. Unfortunately, some suppliers intentionally confuse “500d” with “500gsm” in their marketing, but these are not the same. The “500d” refers to denier, which is a measurement of thread thickness, not the overall strength or durability of the material. It’s not as heavy-duty as 500gsm PVC, as denier only refers to the thread’s thickness in the woven fabric, not the compactness or strength of the material.
3. PVC (300-650gsm)
PVC is the top choice in marquee manufacturing, with varying thicknesses used throughout the industry. It lasts twice as long as PE or Poly/PVC and can be welded with high-frequency techniques to create a fully watertight structure. However, not all PVC is the same. The strength of PVC depends more on the quality of its core material rather than its weight. For example, a high-quality branded 500gsm PVC can outperform a lower-quality, unbranded 650gsm PVC.
At DIY Marquees, we use Duracoretex™ PVC exclusively, as it has consistently proven to be more durable than other similarly weighted non-branded products.
Key Point: Structural Strength
While the quality of the marquee cover is important, the strength of a marquee depends on more than just the thickness of the material. Structural bracing often offers more durability and stability than a minor increase in roof material thickness. This fact is sometimes overlooked by those who focus solely on marketing rather than marquee construction.
We are always available to provide tailored advice for your event. Feel free to contact us with details such as the event type, available space, guest numbers, and any relevant diagrams or photos, and we will gladly assist you.
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