How To Repair Taped Seams
A tent with leaky seams is no fun, especially among that afternoon downpour. But a tent'due south seams are also its almost vulnerable zone to rogue and insistent water.
To forbid infiltration, tent manufacturers have iii options: seam taping, seam sealing, and creating a strong seam construction itself.
Since you're reading this, you're probably curious most divergence betwixt these solutions. And, whether ane is better than the others. Let's swoop in.
Seam taping—what is it?
Seam tape is but what its proper noun describes. It's a layer of record—technically, a polyurethane film—that is placed nether the seams to block whatsoever water that enters the needle holes from making its way into your tent. The tape acts like dam.
Seam taping can only be washed at the factory considering it requires a special auto, and each type of fabric demands an exact temperature for application. Tent factories are typically certified to utilise seam tape.
Y'all might exist familiar with the seam tape on your waterproof jacket. In tents, the method is like, but the fashion it's integrated is unlike.
On new tents, if done well, the tape is hard to see, so you might non fifty-fifty know information technology's there.
Seam sealing—what is it?
Seam sealing, on the other hand, is like applying a layer of mucilage—or sealant—beyond the seams.
Some tents, such as select tents from MSR, come seam sealed from the manufacturer.
Seam sealing is also something you might do as your tent ages and start to you notice leaks. If the rest of your tent is still in good guild, seam sealing is dandy way maintain it instead of buying a new tent.
You might practice information technology if your new tent didn't come taped or sealed and you desire the actress measure of defense before you head out in particularly foul weather.
When painted on, the sealant seeps into the stitching holes, creating a waterproof barrier.
Is factory seam taping skilful enough?
Start, let's inquire: Have you ever experienced a tent with flaking seams? If so, y'all're non alone. Seam tape works really well in some applications and less so in others.
On heavier-weight tent fabrics—virtually 68 Denier and in a higher place—seam taping is an excellent solution. That's because the record adheres to these fabrics well, holding tight for long-term protection.
But on lightweight tent fabrics, this is less so the instance. On thinner tent fabrics, the tape simply degrades faster. It works great early on, only over time with exposure to wet, heat and humidity, the tape can beginning to breakdown and flake off. This can take several years if you lot have great care of your tent, or it can happen relatively chop-chop if yous don't. Storing your tent damp is the worst culprit. And once the tape goes, your seams are caught. Sometimes seam-sealing offers a remedy, but oftentimes the residual tape interferes and causes a headache.
At MSR, we've always used the highest quality fabrics, waterproof coatings and record formulations. Merely every bit tent fabrics have gotten lighter, we establish that even the all-time seam tape didn't meet our standards for long-term performance. For ten years, we've been researching a solution to this seam record challenge on lightweight tents. Now in 2022, we're excited to expand our new Xtreme Shield waterproof coating which brings with it, precision-stitched, manufacturing plant-sealed seams. This seam construction is far more durable than traditional taped seams, and can be maintained over fourth dimension so that you can ensure your seams stay watertight for the life of your tent.
Should I seam seal my tent?
The easy respond is, if it leaks, yes. Seam sealing will create a waterproof barrier and extend the longevity of your tent. If your seams came taped from the factory, this might exist tricky to practise as any residual tape can disrupt the awarding.
If your seams are stitched and factory-sealed, every bit in the instance of MSR's Hubba series, but over time wear has exposed areas to leaks, seam sealing is much easier to do.
Do you lot seam seal inside or outside of the tent?
Utilize the sealant to the underside/within (or shiny side) of the material.
Best tent seam sealers?
We're gearheads and have tested the array of seam sealants out there. Gear Help'southward remain the best. For the almost bomber i, go with Seam Grip +WP. Y'all tin can apply this in one case and be prepare for many years—we've heard decades. It does require a little endeavor and a longer dry time than others.
For the easiest application that still provides long-lasting operation, utilize the Seam Grip +FC Fast Cure Sealant.
Oftentimes, simply sealing up the sections where you've noticed drops, is sufficient.
Like any slice of loftier-performance equipment, your tent requires some care (use these tips). Merely, a little TLC tin go a long way toward maintaining its quality.
Now, enough tech talk… We call up this technology tin can—and should exist—in tents!
Related Posts:
- Tent Fabrics Function 1: Fabric Specs
- Tent Fabrics Role 2: Waterproof Ratings
- The Ultimate Guide to MSR Tents
How To Repair Taped Seams,
Source: https://www.msrgear.com/blog/tents-101-seam-taping-vs-seam-sealing/
Posted by: mitchellthemot.blogspot.com
0 Response to "How To Repair Taped Seams"
Post a Comment