Leaky Tent

[FLATHEAD1]

I have a canvas extented pyramid style tent with centre pole.

It leaks at the seams that form the intersection between the roof and the walls. This is also where the frame is sewn into the roof.

I followed all the instructions when I purchased it new. ie repeated wetting and drying. It did not appear to leak after that using the hose.

It is now abour 8 months old. This is the 3rd use and probably the first time it has been in contiuous but light to medium rain.

It leaked all around the frame. I tried rubbing wax on it but it had no effect.

What can I do to prevent this in future? Is there any products that can seal this seam?

Thanks
FLATHEAD1

[Gorilla_in_Manila]

Flathead,
Mate I'm assuming it is a southern cross canvas 1 pole. Olds have one also.
It's a common problem with that design due to the tension on the stitching.
The old man was recommended a pressure pack spray on stuff that soaks into the canvas and stitching and tightens it up. Don't know the brand name sorry; I'll try to remember to ask him next time I talk to him.
Here's the Southern Cross website and contact details;
http://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au/contact.html
Might be best to email or call them and ask for a recommended product.

Having said that, a tarp over the top will keep the leaks out better than any treatment. ;)

Cheers
Jeff

[FLATHEAD1]

Thanks Jeff

Mine is an "Oz Trail" cheaper Chinese made tent. Got onto the supplier and they recommended the same. Paint the seams with a waterproofer.

I will give that a go.

We did throw a tarp over it so we could get some sleep that night.

Cheers
FH1

[Rowdy_2002]

Gday Flathead
I have a canvas tent and when I got it I did the water trick with it and as well as that used a waterproofing agent on all the seams and so far after a few years still have not had any leaks. The tarp fly is really the go however for peace of mind. I have found that the tarp fly not only stops any rain but helps keep the tent cooler in the summer. It ends up quite hot to touch and yet the tent under it is cool. So you get two advantages to having the tarp over the tent...... 8)

[Gorilla_in_Manila]

Flathead,
Just got a txt back from the old man, "Aquaseal" was the paint on stuff recommended to him. (Sorry, thought it was spray pack for some reason.)
Cheers
Jeff

[FLATHEAD1]

Thanks for the reply guys. Will try and source "Aquaseal".

I like the tarp idea but only concern that it may get blown off in a storm. Heat is generally not a problem in the Vic High Country. 6 degress at midday on top of Mount Useful yesterday.

Will let you know how I go.

Cheers
FH1

[Derek Bullock]

Website for Aquaseal.

http://www.aquaseal.com/seamseal.html


Derek

[FLATHEAD1]

Ended up getting a product called "Dry-Seal". It's like lanolin.

Brushed it on both sides of the seams when dry. Seams as if it will do the trick. Will let you know of the outcome.

Cheers
FH1

[FLATHEAD1]

The "dry-seal" has dried and is a shiny waxy look. This does not worry me however.

I gave the tent a good hosing down and it is dry as a bone.

We will have to wait and see how it performs over time however.

Cheers
FH1

[FLATHEAD1]

Went camping on the weekend so it rained.

The "dry-sealed" worked.

The tent is now dry and cosy.

Cheers
FH1