4 Easy Ways On How To Waterproof A Tent

You may wonder how to waterproof a tent. Don’t be as you can do it yourself. It’s as easy as 3 steps, which you will learn later on.

If you’re using a tent to store things,  to handle an event outdoors, or to serve as a carport, you would understand the struggle, especially when it rains.  This gear is supposedly water-repellent but, it wears out as time passes by. If this happens, it will undoubtedly leak when it rains, and the insides will be flooded.

How To Waterproof A Tent

The best way to keep your tent waterproof is by taking good care of it. With waterproofing, it will break down the dirt and oil that is seeping on the fabric. That is why, after usage, wash the tent and dry it afterward before storing it.

In this article, we are going to discuss ways on how to waterproof your tent. By that, you can be safe when there is a sudden rainstorm when camping.

Steps In Waterproofing A Tent

Without further ado, let’s go straight on the steps on how to waterproof a tent.

 

Step #1. Sealing the seams

If you apply a seam sealer, it will help keep the moisture from seeping through the tent. Many tents have steamed in their construction, but the sealant can wear out in a few years of usage. That scenario will surely let the water leak through your shelter.

If you notice your tent leaking, these are what you need:

  • A rag
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Seam sealer – there are many types of seam sealers that are available in the market. You have to be sure that you select the kind that is suitable for your gear. Polyurethane-coated fabrics are typically used due to their durability but it’s still a must to check the label to get the right sealer.

 

Steps in sealing the seams

  1. The first thing that needs to do is to set up your tent in a place where it is bright or has enough sunlight. It is essential so that you can examine and see the seams all around the tent.
  2. Next, seal the seams that are on the fly’s underside and the inner part of your shelter. Put the fly on the inside out form to be comfortable for you to access the seams.
  3. If you notice a seam tape that is starting to come loose, you have to gently remove the peeling part but make sure to leave the entire sections in place.
  4. Prepare the seams by rubbing alcohol and cleaning it with a rag.
  5. Then, apply the new seam sealer on the seams of your tent.
  6. If you see that one seam is failing, you have to put the new seam sealer all over your tent because sooner or later, it is most likely that the others will also fail.
  7. Leave the sealer until it dries up, then your tent is ready to go.

 

Step #2. Refreshing the urethane coating

Urethane coatings are found on the insides of the rainfly and the flooring area of your tent. They are the primary barriers to moisture. If you see some flaking on your rainfly, then that is the sign that you must reapply a new urethane coating.

These are what you need for the reapplication:

  • Sponge with an abrasive side
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Tent sealant – silicone-treated fabric will need a different sealer; that is why you have to look at your tent’s construction before purchasing the adhesive.

 

Steps in applying the urethane coating

  1. First, prepare the rainfly and the floor of your tent. Lay it on the ground. The flaking should be scrubbed off with a sponge and rubbing alcohol.
  2. Apply only a thin coating to the whole rainfly and the flooring, which is in the directions found on the bottle of the sealant.
  3. Let the coating dry for the next 24 hours.
  4. Wash your hand thoroughly after applying the sealant so that you can be safe against flammable chemicals.

 

Step #4. Refreshing the DWR

DWR means durable water repellent. This one is responsible for the rainfly to shed water away to your gear. You have to do this if you notice that rain is seeping into your tent.

These are the things that you need:

  • Spray-on water-repellent
  • A clean, damp cloth
  • Water

 

Applying the waterproof spray

  1. Wash your tent using water and make sure that it is clean. Set it up on the floor for easy access when you are applying the spray. You don’t have to wait for your tent to dry up before you make the application.
  2. The next thing you have to do is apply the waterproof spray evenly all over the rainfly.
  3. Wait for a couple of minutes, then use the damp cloth to wipe away the coating excess.
  4. Finally, let the tent dry before you pack it away for your next camping trip.

 

Conclusion

Even though you are confident about the perfect weather during your big event, it always recommended that you make sure that the tent is waterproofed. What if it suddenly rains? Will you let the rain ruin your event? Of course, not! Better be sure that your shelter has a good waterproofing ability to avoid water to soak.

Now, you know how to waterproof a tent. Good luck on waterproofing your tent, and may you have a great day, dear reader!

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