Marquee Wind Ratings Explained
How many times do you check the weather forecast before your event? The truth is planning for weather isn’t something that should take place in the days and weeks before your event, it should be built into the entire planning process, with marquee wind ratings being a key part of your planning process.
We are all too familiar with the highly unpredictable UK weather and even in summer, the risks of high winds, storms and torrential rain is a real risk to events. In relation to your marquee provision, planning for severe and adverse weather starts when you specify and design your marquee. As, every marquee solution performs slightly differently in adverse weather conditions this article will explain how our clearspan marquees are one of the most durable and highly rated temporary structures, suitable for events, all year round.
What is a marquee wind rating?
Marquee safety and compliance in bad weather
Firstly, marquee wind ratings will vary depending on the size and type of marquee, however, every commercial marquee should have a wind rating. The wind rating shows the maximum wind speed that the marquee can be exposed to.
How to calculate wind speed for your event
It is the event organisers responsibility to ensure the marquee or temporary structure is adequate for the expected weather conditions. Wind conditions can be measured using an anemometer, a device that measures wind speed. While forecasts provide useful guidance, conditions can vary significantly across different site locations, especially in open fields, coastal areas and exposed showgrounds. Multiple readings at different times of the day should be taken, in similar conditions to what is expected on the show days to build an understanding of the weather conditions you can expect during your event.
Unsure about marquee wind ratings? Plan your event with us
As a leading event marquee hire company, our Project Managers will help you with information on which marquee will provide the best solution for your event. It all starts with a conversation. Get in touch with our marquee experts to discuss your project.
Which is the best marquee for year-round use?
A clearspan marquee provides the best, all round solution for large outdoor events. Our equipment is manufactured by RÖDER, a market leader in temporary event structures, making our event marquees ideal for corporate events, festivals, exhibitions, hospitality structures, education spaces and long-term marquee hire applications throughout the year. In addition, our equipment holds a higher wind rating compared to other types of marquees such as traditional pole and rope marquees, stretch tents and tipis.
The German-engineered aluminium frames are designed for demanding event, industrial and semi-permanent applications. Manufactured to stringent European standards, our marquee frames provide exceptional strength-to-weight performance and long-term durability. The frame is designed as a true clearspan structure, meaning there are no internal poles or obstructive bracing, giving event organisers complete freedom for stage layouts, seating and production. RÖDER systems are engineered to withstand significant environmental loads, with typical wind load resistance of up to 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) when installed with correct anchorage or ballast. It is important to note that this rating will vary depending on your final specification.
Roof and wall coverings are high-grade, flame retardant PVC and tensioned via integrated keder rails for a tight, weatherproof and professional finish. The clearspan system supports a number of additional specification options such as integrated marquee flooring including cassette or ringbeam, glazing panels, solid ABS walls, double doors, linings and where required guttering systems.
Download our event marquee hire guide
Get the best information on event marquees in our quick and easy to read marquee hire guide, weather you’re a seasoned event pro or planning your first event, our marquee hire guide will help you find the best solution for your event:
What is the Beaufort wind scale?
The Beaufort Wind Scale was created by Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805 it’s a standardised system used to describe wind speed based on observed conditions on land or at sea. It is one of the measures event organisers can use instead of just giving a wind speed number in mph or km/h, it provides a practical description of what the wind looks and feels like. It ranges from zero (calm) to twelve or 74+mph (hurricane). While this is a useful tool, we use actual windspeed during planning, installation, live periods and de-rig.
Marquee anchoring methods explained
We use two primary anchoring methods to secure our clearspan marquees safely and securely so they perform correctly in a range of weather conditions. Each methodology is selected based on the ground type and site restrictions. Firstly, pinning, this is the preferred method wherever the ground allows. Steel stakes are driven through the baseplates of the marquee to create a strong and secure anchor. This provides excellent resistance against uplift and lateral forces caused by wind. Pinning is ideal for grass fields, showgrounds, parks, agricultural show sites and open green spaces.
Secondly, ballast blocks can be used to secure the marquee, this is the methodology of choice when pinning isn’t possible, such as hardstanding, car parks, concrete, tarmac, heritage sites that may be subject to restrictions, or locations with underground utilities. We will calculate the correct amount of ballast required to secure the structure. To provide a professional finish, we can also cover the blocks in bespoke branded wraps if required.
Weather protection and quality standards
Field and Lawn are MUTA members which means we operate to the highest industry standards for safety, professionalism and best practice in the UK temporary structures sector. We adhere to MUTA’s “Best Practice Guide,” which provides strict guidelines on design, installation, anchoring, wind management, site safety, staff training and customer care. We are also subject to robust independent audits and maintain fully documented safety procedures.
The main purpose of a marquee is to provide a safe, functional space for your event, while providing protection from the elements. The marquee provides reliable shelter from high winds, driving rain and intense sunlight, allowing events to continue safely and comfortably. It is essential to ensure that the marquee is installed to the specification to achieve a weatherproof shell. Our modern equipment and expert in-house build crews mean our temporary structures are installed to exacting quality standards, every time, without compromise.
How we support you if adverse weather is forecast
It’s in everyone’s best interests to work collaboratively when adverse weather is forecast. Should severe weather occur while your marquee is erected, we will activate a Weather Management Plan. This is prepared by the Project Manager ahead of any marquee installation. It provides a documented procedure for sudden or heavy rainfall, snow and wind. No matter the weather, your dedicated Project Manager and our in-house build crews will support you to respond to any weather situation.
Plan Your Next Marquee Event With an Expert Team
If you’re looking for a marquee that performs better and remains reliable no matter what the weather, get in touch with our team today.
We specialise in supplying high quality event marquees and temporary structures to festivals, shows, and corporate events across the UK. Our expert Project Managers will work with you to design, plan, and deliver the right marquees and temporary structures to support your event, making it safe, professional and seamless.
