You’ve got an event planned – a wedding, a corporate function, a milestone birthday. You’re looking at marquees, and let’s be honest, from a distance, many of them look pretty similar: white, spacious, ready to host your perfect day. But beneath that gleaming PVC exterior lies a critical difference that could make or break your event: the number of purlins in the roof.
At DIY Marquees, we often talk about our 5-purlin roof system, and while it might sound like technical jargon, it’s actually the secret to a stronger, safer, and far more reliable marquee.
What Exactly is a Purlin?
Think of a marquee as a skeleton with fabric skin. The purlins are the horizontal “ribs” of that skeleton, running along the length of the roof, connecting the apex to the eaves. They are absolutely crucial for giving the roof its shape, stability, and strength.
The Critical Difference: 3 Purlins vs. 5 Purlins
Many cheaper marquees on the market (you might see them from some big-name sellers) come with just 3 purlins: one at the very top (the ridge) and one on each side at the eaves.
Here’s the problem with that:
- Unsupported Gaps: With only 3 points of contact, there are large sections of the roof fabric that are completely unsupported.
- Water Pooling: When it rains (and let’s face it, this is the UK!), water collects in these unsupported dips, creating heavy puddles that weigh down the frame, strain the fabric, and can even lead to collapse.
- Flapping & Noise: Loose, unsupported fabric in the wind is noisy, distracting, and causes accelerated wear and tear on your marquee.
- Reduced Longevity: The constant stress of water and wind on an inadequately supported roof significantly shortens the lifespan of the marquee.
Now, imagine the DIY Marquees difference:
We incorporate 5 purlins into our roof system. That means two additional horizontal supports running parallel to the ridge and eaves on each side.
The DIY Marquees Advantage: Peace of Mind, Not Just a Tent
This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a fundamental enhancement that brings a host of benefits:
- Drum-Tight Roof, No Sagging: The extra purlins provide superior support across the entire roof canvas. This keeps the PVC fabric taut and prevents it from sagging, ensuring a clean, professional look for your event.
- Instant Water Shedding: Say goodbye to dreaded water pooling! A drum-tight roof naturally sheds rain off the sides immediately, keeping your guests dry and the structure safe, even during a downpour.
- Enhanced Wind Resistance: Our 5-purlin design acts like a triple-braced roof, significantly increasing the structural integrity of the marquee. This reinforced structure is much more rigid, resisting flexing and movement in blustery conditions.
- Superior Durability & Longevity: With the roof fabric constantly supported and less prone to stress from wind and water, your marquee will last longer, looking good and performing reliably for many events to come. This makes it ideal for professional use or frequent hire.
- Safety First: Ultimately, a stronger marquee is a safer marquee. The enhanced stability offered by the 5-purlin system gives you (and your guests) peace of mind, knowing your event is housed in a robust, commercial-grade structure.
Don’t Compromise on the Foundation
When you’re comparing marquees, it’s easy to get caught up in the external appearance or the initial price tag. But just like a house, the strength of a marquee comes from its foundational structure. Our 5-purlin system is a testament to our commitment to quality, durability, and most importantly, your peace of mind.
Don’t let your event get bogged down by an inadequate marquee. Invest in a DIY Marquees structure with our superior 5-purlin roof system, and ensure your celebration goes off without a hitch – come rain or shine.