gazebo open or closed for high wind
Kristina Davis

Concern over the gazebo’s stability in strong winds is a natural and understandable reaction, and that is why people ask, “gazebo open or closed for high wind?”

So much depends on how these structures are made.  When composed of vinyl and mesh, they can easily become airborne with the appropriate gust of wind.

But, if the weather forecast indicates high winds, should you leave your gazebo out in the open?

The truth is that it depends on the material and how strong the winds are, but you will be better off leaving the gazebo open for high winds. 

Gazebo Open or Closed for High Wind?

gazebo beside the beach

While the gazebo’s sides are ideal for providing privacy or shade, they can end up making your pop-up gazebo more vulnerable to gusts of wind.

It means it is a good idea to open the side walls when the wind begins to get stronger so that they do not get caught.

Keep in mind that your gazebo may slide across the ground if its side walls work like sails on a sailboat.

Up to 30 mph winds will not damage gazebos. Obviously, a hurricane would be too strong for a pop-up gazebo to withstand. 

So, if the wind speed increases beyond this point, you should take steps to secure your gazebo or remove it entirely.  

Fact: Due to their pitched roofs, most gazebos are usually safe in high winds, unless you are talking about hurricanes. 

Is it Necessary to Remove the Sides of Marquee in Strong Winds?

gazebo with sides

A marquee, on the other hand, has far better protection from wind when its sides are on.

Leaving the sides of a marquee off supposedly “lets the wind pass through,” but this is not true. When a marquee’s sides are removed, it becomes much more vulnerable to wind than when they are left on.

A marquee’s ceiling rises as the wind blows over it and acquires speed as it enters.

To avoid this, just position the marquee so that its sides face against the wind and secure the marquee to the ground.

Some who advocate for removing the sides in high winds argue that the aforementioned problem can be mitigated by opening up the marquee’s opposite side to the wind.

And again, that is not always the case. 

The Safety Profile of Gazebos

gazebos that can handle wind

You can get fantastic shelter from the sun and rain under a gazebo. They are also common sights at sporting events and other outdoor gatherings.

Yet, gazebos are not entirely safe from strong winds. So, how fast of a breeze can you expect a gazebo to withstand?

Most commercially available gazebos have a wind rating of 30 mph, and that is just the average. Many factors go into determining the maximum wind speed your gazebo can handle.

Some of these factors include:

  • The type of gazebo
  • The quality of materials used
  • The durability of the gazebo

It is best to take down the gazebo if the wind speed increases to 30 miles per hour.

Fact: Using pop-up gazebos is better, especially at sporting events and during camping trips, as they work great because of their portability and ease of assembly. 

How Do You Secure Gazebos in High Winds?

gazebos with pool

Adding a gazebo to your backyard is a great idea because it can serve as a place of refuge from the sun and rain and as a focal point for social gatherings.

Inconveniently, a gazebo can quickly become a potential danger when subjected to high winds.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your gazebo stays put in the event of strong winds.

So, let’s get over several tried-and-true methods for keeping your gazebo safe during high winds. 

Pick a Sturdy Design

a sturdy gazebo

You should think about the gazebo’s build quality and style before you buy one.

The gazebo’s durability is directly proportional to the high standard of its construction materials.

You can get them in different materials, including:

  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Composite materials

But, not all of these materials can withstand the elements and are insect- and rot-proof.

Speaking of designs, you should pay attention to how strong the foundation is. Strong pillars, beams, and joints that are properly fastened together constitute the foundation of a well-built gazebo.

If the foundation is strong, your gazebo is quite likely to withstand high winds. 

Make Use of Weighted Plates

gazebo with plates

When it comes to stabilizing your gazebo during strong winds, gazebo weights are your best bet because they work on any surface (grass or concrete).

These plates, filled with sand or water, are set around the gazebo’s legs for extra weight and support.

Using these plates is a good idea for all structures, but gazebos not permanently erect benefit greatly from having weighted base plates. That is mainly because you readily remove or relocate those plates as needed. 

Use Anchor Stakes

gazebo with anchor stakes

You can also use anchor stakes to keep your gazebo in place during high winds.

In order to secure a gazebo to the ground, metal stakes go into the ground and then ropes or cords are tied to the stakes and the gazebo’s frame.

A sturdy rope or thick cord can be used to secure gazebos through the pegs. You have to secure each of the gazebo’s four corner crossbars to make it work.

You can make it withstand high winds even better by doubling up on the ropes and pegs at each corner and adding an extra four of each.

Usually, they deliver great results, but the downside is that they are not always the easiest to employ on concrete or paved surfaces. 

Utilize Cinder Blocks or Sandbags

using cinder blocks on gazebo

Any heavy objects can help secure your gazebo in bad weather. And a good idea is to use something like sandbags or cinder blocks.

When placed strategically, these blocks can help keep a gazebo from being blown away by wind.

Do not forget to spread the sandbags or cinder blocks out equally around the gazebo’s foundation! This solution works well on both grass and concrete floors

Try Polypropylene Straps

If you are worried about your gazebo blowing away in the wind, you can get a good solution using polypropylene straps, also called ratchet tie-down straps.

The straps in question have a breaking point of 1500 pounds, meaning that it would take some serious wind to blow your gazebo away.

Some of these straps come with the rattle feature, which means you can tighten the straps to a great degree.

This prevents even the slightest amount of slack that could cause the gazebo to tremble. 

Fact: Using polypropylene straps is a great idea but steel rings set into a concrete surface would be needed for the metal hooks on racket straps to be fully functional. 

Go with Wind Curtains

gazebo with wind curtains

In order to keep the blustery air outside of your gazebo, you need to install wind curtains.

These drapes are anchored to the gazebo’s structure and constructed from durable materials. They are operable as needed, adding a degree of security in storms with heavy winds. 

Pick a Place Carefully

Putting your gazebo in a sheltered area might also assist in keeping it safe from strong winds.

Choose somewhere that is somewhat surrounded by buildings, trees, or other obstacles. If you do this, your gazebo will be less likely to be damaged by gusty winds. 

Take it Down

gazebo roof

When not sure, it is better to play it safe. Taking the safe route by storing your gazebo during a severe weather forecast is the responsible thing to do.

This is especially important if you live in an area prone to natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events.

If you are unable to disassemble the construction, then you must take extra precautions to protect it from the elements by using one of the ways described above.

Fact: Even when high winds do not move gazebos, they can still damage their roof, which is why proper inspection is important after a storm. 

Takeaway

Gazebo open or closed for high wind can be a confusing question to answer. But, it is better to open it to lower the pressure of air. At the same time, you need to take other steps to help keep your gazebo secure during strong winds.

Thankfully, you can do a lot, from using pegs and ropes to installing wind curtains and using cinder blocks.

But, if not sure, it is always better to take it down and wait for the weather to get better.