Polyethylene canopies - how to protect

[Tim240Z]

I wanted to get another enclosed canopy like this one:
http://www.kingcanopy.com/enclosedcanopy.htm

I have had similar ones before (bought at Costco) and after a couple of years out in the sun the tarps begin to get brittle and tear. Are there any kind of products that can prevent, or at least dratically slow, the decay?

 

[MXtras]

Your biggest enemy is the sun as you know. Over time PE is hardened by the sun and, just like a thin sheet of hardened metal, will fracture. Keeping it out of the sun is one way to preserve it, but even in the shade it will be degraded by naturally occuring atmosheric gases like ozone.

I don't think there's anything you can really do except find an alternative. Have you considered talking to a canopy/awning company? - or possibly even a sail boat sail maker in your area? They may have some insight and options.

Scott

 

[Gregdoo]

303 Spray Protectant is a quality product that helps slow UV deterioration on plastic surfaces. Don't know how often you would need to apply, but it would help. As previous poster stated, for the long term other covering options would last longer.

 

[G M]

Don't expect it to last more then 2 years, and seeing as you are in LA thats would probably cut that time in half. Its not so much the actual tarps that deterioate, its the straps that hold the tarps in place that fall apart.

I had 2 of these tents, same brand too. Last spring one of them blew away and landed in my neighbors yard 2 houses away, it mananged to take out 2 sets of power and phone lines on its way. I actually caught the whole thing on video with a security camera, it was gone in less then a second from the time it lifted off the ground. You have to tie them down real good.

 

[Tim240Z]

Yeah...the last one I had I lag bolted to the driveway. I live right on the coast, so the sun isn't too hot, but the sea air doesn't help, neither does the jet exhaust fall out from the airport.....

 

[MXtras]

I had the 10X20 from the same company, I believe - the logo looks familiar.

My top was melted while it was being stored in a shed that got struck by lightning. I have the sides - never used in the original packaging - and un-touched by the fire if anyone would like replacements - $50 + shipping from VA.

Scott