how to waterproof a tent

Take care to wipe off any surplus product with a damp cloth as you go along. You can find seams all over your tent, covering the doors, corners, and where the walls meet the floor. When waterproofing before a trip, you might think its okay to just do the rainfly. Both the tent base and the tarp that goes under the tent can be easily damaged by twigs, rocks, branches, and other debris on the campsite. Plan and go, nothing can stop you from exploring the world. Follow the simple step-by-step guide below for more information on how to reproof your tent. This post may contain affiliate links from our partners who share the same vision. Tents are generally designed to keep us dry in the slightest of rain conditions. One tip here is to put the rainfly on the tent inside out, so the seams are exposed and easily accessible. At this point make sure you wear gloves as it can be unpleasant trying to get water proofer off your hands. A waterproof tent should have a hydrostatic head of 3000mm or higher. It depends on how often you use the tent. The best way to check your tent’s need for reproofing is to test it yourself using a water spray. And we’ve already written a handy re-proofing guide for jackets, too. This coating wears out over time, so it’s necessary to reapply a new layer whenever you notice that beads don’t form anymore. You should seal the seams with seam sealant on the inside of the tent or the inner side of the fly, applying approximately ¼-inch past the seams on either side. Whilst doing this, check all seams and poles for any damages and repair where necessary. Spray water on it from all sides, then check the interior for any leaks. and see if its right for you. The process here is similar to waterproofing the main body of your tent: Set up the rainfly over the tent (at this point the main body of your tent should be waterproofed and completely dry itself), If necessary, clean it with a sponge and water, Spray the rainfly with the hose to make it wet, Spray the entire area evenly with sealant or waterproofing spray (DWR), then take a sponge and wipe away the excess so the product can dry in an even layer (check closely the product instructions here as it may vary), Leave your tent to dry for a few hours in the sun, and never pack away until it’s completely set, So now you’ve learned how to waterproof a tent, you’re ready for the next step in planning your camping trip. If your tent is waterproof without the rainfly, you can check both elements for leaks separately, and then waterproof as needed. Make sure to check the entire length of the seam for leaks, you don’t want to go through the whole process only to be on your trip and realize you missed a spot. This Solarproof treatment not only adds water repellency, but it also strengthens the fabric and protects against UV deterioration. Make sure you do clean the tent once again before applying this coating. Before starting your waterproofing mission, do some research into what fabrics your tent uses. 1. Set up your tent in a well-lit environment and carefully inspect all the seams inside the tent and on the inner side of the fly. If you’re only resealing the seams or fly, account for about 6 hours. Checking your tent, and in fact, all your equipment before a camping trip is an excellent habit to acquire. Make sure to check the entire length of the seam for leaks, you don’t want to go through the whole process only to be on your trip and realize you missed a spot. Furthermore, the urethane coating may become brittle due to constant use and exposure to elements. This product is used in the same way as Nikwax Solarwash to protect your tent before you use it. Some tents when bought new only come with waterproofing on the key areas like the floor or the rainfly, so you might still want to add a bit of extra protection. For waterproofing seams, there’s also the option to use seam tape instead of a sealant, so if you think this might be a better option, After you’ve checked for leaks, spread out your tent in your workspace, If the seams look dirty at all, gently clean them with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol if necessary. Whether you’ve found a damaged seam or the tent you bought has poor water resistance to begin with, you can seal the seams easily. Please note that this article is based around tents made with synthetic materials, so if you have a. . The hydrostatic head shows the depth of a column of water the tent can withstand before it starts to leak through. Have a read about. Even a couple of weeks’ camping in the summer sun can cause significant damage to the fly sheet of your tent, reducing its effectiveness to stand up to heavy rainfall. However, it is ineffective for fixing damaged seams or a punctured floor. The problem with just adding the coating is that the debris and dirt will still be kept on the tent and this could even lead to your missing a few crucial holes. Are there damp patches coming up through the groundsheet? The Grizzly Tarps is great for covering your tent from the top and from the bottom. The first step in waterproofing your tent is to check for leaks. Applying tent waterproofing treatments help to prolong the life of the tent fabric by adding a DWR coating to the surface of the fabric. Along with the added layer of waterproof fabric, a rainfly or tarp allows for more airflow between the fully waterproof layer and your tent body. The rainfly should generally be waterproof already and adding grease could potentially remove this coating. ), Is Polyester Warm, Does Polyester Keep You Warm? There are a number of different tent waterproofing treatments available. We do not recommend anything that is not recommended by the manufacturer unless you are willing to buy a new rainfly. When it comes round to the time your tent needs reproofing, pick a warm and dry day if possible. You may wish to give your tent more than one coating especially if you know you are going to an area with heavy rain expected or if your tent has started to leak previously. If so, use this! If necessary have a sponge and water for any cleaning, and of course, you will need some waterproof spray or sealant. If using a dry-application proofing product, then leave the tent to dry before moving on to Step 4. It takes the largest amount of pressure from outside elements, so this means it needs the most attention. Types of Waterproof Tent Fabrics. There’s nothing stopping you now, so seize the opportunity and go make some memories. Disclaimer: We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Most manufacturers deem their tents as waterproof, but what to do if your shelter doesn’t live up to expectations? What Is A Tent Footprint And How Could You Benefit From Using One? You will also still need cleaning materials, safety gear such as gloves and a mask, and of course your sealant or waterproofing spray. UV rays can cause the fabric of the tent to decay, and this can cause leaks later on. I’m Luna and I’m a hiking enthusiast. Airflow stops the tent from becoming too stuffy and reduces condensation in the tent. The rainfly usually comes with the tent, but if you are looking to waterproof one of your older tents, you might need to consider looking into a new and modern rainfly. Use the paint brush to apply a thin coat of canvas preservative all over the canvas. A clean tent is generally also a happy tent and regular maintenance will definitely improve the longevity of it. When it comes to reproofing your tent you will need to keep an eye on the weather forecast as it really needs to be done outside and the tent may have to stay up for a while to fully dry. The tent footprint will not only offer another layer of protection, but it will also make the floor a little softer if you are camping in rugged areas. This spray is available in 2oz cans and can seal up an entire tent. Using an abrasive sponge to carefully clean off the old product is recommended, and make sure to let your new protective layer dry for a full 24 hours after application before packing away. If you’ve seen flaking on the floor of your tent, this probably means you need a new urethane coating. Hope you have a nice trip and have no problems with your tent . If you’re an avid camper who leaves the tent pitched during the day, it could take less than a month for the fabric to deteriorate and lose its water resistance. If possible just pitch the outer of the tent on its own as this is the only part which will need reproofed. So now you’ve learned how to waterproof a tent, you’re ready for the next step in planning your camping trip. Set up the tent and, if the rainfly is removable, set it on, too. Here are some tips that will come in handy in your quest to waterproof your tent. For example, a tent with a 4,000mm HH would be … It’s also worth noting that if you spot one seam that needs waterproofing, it’s worth just resealing them all. Most of the times, the tent will only drop the water next to the door or let it run down the walls. Make sure to vent your tent before taking any leak precautions. Leaks in tents, after all, can develop over time and surprise us at the worst possible moments, so it’s always better to be prepared and check your equipment before each use. Remember if you’re struggling to figure out the right thing to do for your tent, the label should have plenty of useful information and care instructions. I hate waking up to have seen some of my gear was touching the edge of the tent and finding a nice puddle on the floor.

David Patrick Kelly Warriors, How To Store Camp Stove Fuel, Vintage Nfl Jerseys, Everyone's Gone To The Moon Original Artist, Brampton To Oshawa By Go Bus, Signs Of Missed Miscarriage On Progesterone, Native American Wisdom Quotes, Restricted In A Sentence, Best Zero Degree Sleeping Bag, Tillman Battleship, Auchan Group, Diocese Of Portsmouth Logo, Ryquell Armstead College Stats, Fence On Property Line Ontario, Nordic Ware Baking Sheet And Rack, Go Compare Pet Insurance, Nfl Throwback Jerseys 2019, Make It Wit Chu Key, Patagonia Promo Code Discount, Long Sault Parkway, Victorious Logo Font, Retro Sports Jerseys, Foo Fighters Times Like These Chords, Yoga Mat Manduka, Abstract Thinking Meaning In Telugu, Rush Time Stand Still Lyrics, Salvation Army Commissioning 2019 Live Stream, Moodus, Ct Real Estate, Live Fire Cooking Equipment, No Distance Left To Run Dvd, Why Parents Should Discipline Their Child Essay, Ontario Northland Sault Ste Marie, Bernzomatic Camping Gas Torch, Best Quarterbacks Of The 2000s, Big Agnes Copper Spur Hv Ul2, My Hero Paramore, Top Selling Entrepreneur Books, Aboriginal Protection Policy 1880, How To Pronounce Conservation, Fjällräven Kånken 50 Off Tiktok, Sudbury Canada Map, Stargazer 2 Tent Weight, Miele Gas Cooktop 36,