A Question about a Gazebo?

My two cents – take it down.

It doesn’t take a whole lot of wind to lift a 10’x10’ gazebo. Even if you have the legs anchored, there are other stress points, and the canvas itself can rip.

I have seen them destroyed in 15 minutes of high wind.

It’s best if you can take it down and put it someplace dry. Not only can they get damaged or fly around, but they can get dirty and worn out the more they are out in the elements.

I agree with @elbandiorso and @Zaku. In addition to their input, consider the time and cost that might be involved in any damages that occur. For example, should the wind bow strongly enough to pull out one stake, there is the possibility of bending one of the poles beyond repair. It isn’t always easy, if possible, to obtain replacement parts.

I’m in the “take it down” camp. As you noted, it is a temporary structure, not designed for use during storms – or over prolonged sun exposure, either, I would presume. So, on the “risk” side, you’ll get wet and uncomfortable if you have to dismantle it during wet weather – but if you don’t take it down it could very well blow into your house, a neighbor’s house, or even into traffic if winds kick up. Another risk from the prolonged sun exposure is that the canvas will wear out, fade and weaken much faster for every day that it’s left outside – even in clement weather. And the rewards are pretty minor: you’ll save a few minutes of disassembly and reassembly time (for the next time you want to use it), and not have to find a place to secure it outdoors or simply store it indoors, and stay dry during this first (required) disassembly.

The risk-reward is skewed very heavily to “risk” in this evaluation. I would recommend taking it down and storing it indoors.

I am lazy. I set up a few of “this kind” when I host parties here. At night I just unclip the top and bring it inside. I leave the legs nailed down overnight. It is very easy to reattach the top.

If it is one piece then I am wit everyone above and say take it down. A stiff breeze would be a disaster.

It should be alright overnight as light winds are forecast but as others have said I wouldn’t take a risk by leaving it up any longer.

Update please. Down or up??

@flutherother We took it down. I guess I’m so neurotic. There was not one breeze of the wind, not a bit, not a breath! Oh well, if I had left it, it would have been the opposite.

@Stinley I had asked here because I tried to Google it and really there was no definitive answer as to the best course of action. Except to say that pop-up (which is not bolted down) is supposed to be more or less a temporary system.

I took it down. However, it was sopping wet, so I would have been better to leave it. it was the stillest night this year! Of course, if I had left it, it would have picked up right? That is my luck.

I do have quite a protected garden, so possibly it would have been Okay. I don’t think I will take that chance, though.