waterproofing tent
#1
06-12-06, 08:24 AM
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Toronto
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waterproofing tent
I recently purchased a tent and used it this weekend. It rained continuously overnight and I woke up to puddles around my air mattress. Some of it probably got in from a wall which came in contact with a bag but I also noticed water pooling around the corners and seams.
I once emptied a whole can of waterproofing spray on a small tent with no effect. Is there any other way to seal the seams?
Thanks.
I once emptied a whole can of waterproofing spray on a small tent with no effect. Is there any other way to seal the seams?
Thanks.
#2
06-12-06, 10:20 AM
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They do sell a pretty good seam sealer at outdoor stores like Bass Pro or even at Dicks. Not sure of the name but it works good. Another way water seeps into a tent is from underneath. You should alway put down a ground cover under the tent. We use a sheet of plastic. Cut it to where it fits just under it with none or very little sticking out around the edges.
#3
06-12-06, 10:29 AM
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Sealers
Thanks. I did bring in some tarps and debated whether to put it under or over the tent. I chose the former and made sure it was tucked in. Now I wonder if I should have done the latter as the tent floor is also made of the same material as the tarp. 
Is it normal for tent walls to "weep" and if they don't come in contact with anything the water should flow down and out?
Is it normal for tent walls to "weep" and if they don't come in contact with anything the water should flow down and out?
#5
06-12-06, 10:43 AM
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"Quality" is probably the qualifying word My 2-man tent which I use for 4 days canoe/hiking trips is pricier than the 4-man tent I got for the family and that was dry. I think my choices are to put up a tarp awning or chuck this and get a better one.
My 2-man tent which I use for 4 days canoe/hiking trips is pricier than the 4-man tent I got for the family and that was dry. I think my choices are to put up a tarp awning or chuck this and get a better one.
#6
06-12-06, 12:17 PM
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If your tent does not have a full rain fly that covers all the way to the ground the tent will leak!! A tarp over the tent will fix the problem. The seams on the bottom of the tent are a big problem, seam sealer on the outside and inside seams can help with keeping the moisture out for a while but will have to be reapplied often due to folding the tent up and breaking down the barrier.
#7
06-13-06, 12:47 PM
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Make sense. My better tent does have a fly that covers all the way down while my discount tent went just slightly below the screen line.
I checked around for another tent and I noticed some have Polyethylene flooring, while more expensive ones have polyurethane-coated nylon tafetta. If my hunch is right, the former would be similar to tarps? That's what I have in my tent now.
Walter
I checked around for another tent and I noticed some have Polyethylene flooring, while more expensive ones have polyurethane-coated nylon tafetta. If my hunch is right, the former would be similar to tarps? That's what I have in my tent now.
Walter
