Definition
Structural tenting is the physical process of covering an entire building with large, heavy tarpaulins so it can be sealed off from the outside air. It's the containment step that makes whole-structure fumigation possible on a house: for a fumigant gas to work, it has to stay at a consistent, effective concentration throughout every part of the structure for a set period of time, and that's only possible if the building is sealed tightly enough to keep the gas from escaping.
Tenting and fumigation are closely related but distinct terms — fumigation refers to the gas treatment itself, while structural tenting refers specifically to the tarping and sealing process that surrounds it.
- Crews cover the entire roofline and walls of the structure with tarps, securing and sealing every edge and seam so no gas can escape
- Warning signs and seals are placed at entrances, and the property is confirmed clear of people, pets, and plants before the gas is introduced
- Once the required exposure period is complete, the tarps are removed and the structure is ventilated to clear out the gas
- A clearance test is performed with monitoring equipment to confirm gas levels are safe before anyone is allowed back inside
Because tenting takes real time, coordination, and specialized equipment, it's typically scheduled a few days in advance and homeowners are given a checklist for what to remove, seal, or prepare before the crew arrives.