When you checked the weather forecast yesterday and confidently thought it was going to be an absolutely nice day. And a sudden storm catches everyone off guard. ‘It’s a waterproof canopy tent, it will be fine on a rainy day’ but things don’t go as planned and the vertical drops of water dripping from the tent grab your attention. You realize that it’s too late to make any further preparations to fix it!OH! It’s destined to cause problems for the guests.
What causes such a blunder? It’s a joke that waterproof canopy tents aren’t waterproof!
Whenever the rain hits, we can’t let such mistakes like this break your celebration! Waterproofing your tent before-and-after using is the best way to avoid any damage.
So how to waterproof a canopy tent? Keep reading ahead and I will talk about it in four panels: check – cause- waterproof- maintain.
Check whether your canopy tent is waterproof before use
Through checking, we can know whether the tent is waterproof and what is leaking. If a canopy tent is not effectively waterproof, both participants and customers will be affected by being drenched by rain. It reduces their comfort and quality of experience. Good waterproof performance of canopy tents can ensure the smooth running of the event and increase people’s satisfaction.
Before using a canopy tent, you can do the following to check for leaks.
Dryness Check
Make sure the tent is in a completely dry condition. If the tent is new or has just experienced rain, it is important to ensure that it is completely dry before checking it so that the wetness does not cover up any potential leaks. Open the tent up and inspect the interior for any signs of water damage or dampness. In particular, check the seams and the connections at the bottom and top of the tent, as these are the main areas where water can seep in.
Water pressure test
A water pressure test can be performed on the exterior of the tent using a watering can or water sprayer. Concentrate on the seams, crevices, and other potential water seepage points of the tent. Observe if water seeps into the interior of the tent.
What causes a canopy tent not waterproof?
After checking, we have known the leaks, so we need to understand the cause to take the corresponding measures to waterproof. Canopy tents are indispensable for outdoor activities or market stall displays. Knowing what causes your canopy tent not to be waterproof can better help you fix it.
Non-waterproof materials
When purchasing a canopy tent, you need to know the tent’s waterproof rating. Several manufacturers sell cheap canopy tents without waterproof coatings to cut costs. Even the appearance of the most basic style is not much different, but the details about the fabric in the tent or density will be different.
Lifespan of your canopy
The service life of a canopy tent is just for a few years. Frequent use, prolonged sun exposure, or extreme weather damage will make the waterproof fabric accelerate the aging process.
If you don’t use your canopy tent for a long time, dirt and other grime on its surface can get into the waterproofing layer and cause it to fail.
Gaps and seams
The seams and crevices of your tent are the main channels through which water can seep in. If the seams of the tent are not well sealed or the sealing layer has deteriorated and fallen off, water can seep through these areas and into the interior of the tent.
How to waterproof a canopy tent？
After checking, if you have found these holes in the fabric or your pop-up canopy tent product has not been used for a long time, then the next steps about how to fix it are crucial. (It is better to wear gloves during the process to prevent any harm to your body.)
Repair with tent waterproofing spray
If your canopy tent is not waterproof itself or if the waterproofing is damaged, you can follow the guide below step by step.
1. Place the tent top on a clean and dry surface.
2. Clean your canopy tent by spraying the entire canvas with mild warm water.
3. Apply the tent waterproofing spray before the tent to dry, wiping off any excess product with a damp cloth or sponge.
4. Apply a second coat of waterproofing spray to produce the best results.
5. Wipe off any excess spray with warm water again and wait for it to dry before packing it away.
Use tent seam sealer
If you notice leaks in your seams or other crevices, you can follow the guide below step by step.
1. Make sure that we do this in good lighting conditions so that you can see all the seams.
2. Choose the right seam sealer according to your tent fabric.
3. After assuring the loose part of your seam, clean it first
4. Apply the tent seam sealer to the required re-seam area
5. Wait for it to dry completely, and check if there is still water leakage.
Use waterproof pressure tape
If you notice small tears and holes in the fabric, you can follow the guide below step by step.
1. Under a small tear in the canopy tent condition, it should be sewn together first.
2. Take the smooth side of the waterproof press tape to its broken part.
3. In the case of preventing burns on the tape part of the hot pressure, wait for a while can be repaired.
How to maintain your waterproof canopy tent?
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new canopy tent, take the time and effort to maintain the waterproofing to prevent leaks from affecting your satisfaction.
Regular cleaning and inspection
There is no standard period for inspection, it is based on how often you use the canopy tent and the environmental conditions in which you store it. If you use it frequently or in a humid environment, the humidity and mold may have affected the waterproof performance. So a short period to clean and inspect it is essential. Rinse the fabric with water and let it dry on both sides and store it in a storage bag.
Storage
When the canopy tent is completely dry, stow it as normal. If you’re not going to use the tent for a long time, take it out and refold it to prevent deep indentations or dirt embedded deeper into the fabric and damaging the waterproofing. It is also a good idea to put your waterproof tools such as tent groundsheet, waterproof spray, and seam sealer， in a storage bag when storing your tent in case you need them.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling to choose a waterproof tent or just can’t be bothered to spend the extra time to waterproof a canopy tent, you can pick up a selection of our products on Weatshade which are all waterproof and suitable for all occasions.
Whether it’s a plain color or a custom canopy tent, we have taken the most advanced fabrics and waterproof coatings on the market. Our canopy fabric is usually made of 300D to 500D polyester with PU coating or seam sealing. We also have reinforced the four corners of the canopy tent, which not only improves the abrasion resistance and makes the tent less prone to wear and tear, but also prevents the tent from seeping water on rainy days.
With good feedback in pre-sales and post-sales service, we guarantee an enjoyable and hassle-free experience for your subsequent event in all weather conditions. Try to choose the best one that meets your expectations for the best price on Westshade！
