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.
Is Your Canopy Tent Truly Waterproof? (Pre-use Check)
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.
Visual Inspection
Once the tent is completely dry, carefully inspect the canopy surface, focusing on these areas:
- Inspect the fabric surface: Look for tears, rips, worn-out fabric, pinholes.
- Examine seams: Are they taped, sealed, or just stitched?
- Check the fabric coating: Is it flaking, cracked, or uneven?
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.
Age and Wear and Tear
The service life of a waterproof canopy tent is just a few years. Frequent setup, prolonged sun exposure, or extreme weather damage will make the waterproof fabric accelerate the aging process. UV rays, in particular, gradually break down protective coatings. This makes the material more prone to cracking, fading, and losing its water-repellent qualities over time.
Manufacturing Defects
When purchasing a canopy tent, you need to know the tent’s waterproof rating and material details. Some manufacturers reduce costs by using substandard fabrics or skipping waterproof coatings. 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.
Therefore, choose a trustworthy merchant when making a purchase. Westshade’s canopy tents are specifically designed and manufactured to rigorous standards. We use high-density, waterproof fabrics with special coatings for reliable water resistance and lasting durability. With carefully sealed seams and reinforced corners, our tents avoid common manufacturing flaws found in cheaper alternatives, providing superior protection against leaks and wear.
In addition, our custom tent service allows you to choose premium fabrics tailored to your specific needs, providing the ideal balance of durability and branding. If you want more information, check out our custom canopy tents.
Improper Storage
If the tent isn’t thoroughly cleaned before storage or is kept in a humid environment, dirt, dust, pollen, and mildew can accumulate on the surface. Over time, these contaminants may penetrate the fabric and break down the waterproof coating, eventually causing it to fail.
Folding or packing the tent when wet can also cause mold growth and fabric deterioration, especially around seams and corners.
Damage during Use
Accidents and improper handling can quickly compromise a tent’s waterproof features. Sharp objects, such as branches or rocks, can cause punctures or tears, allowing water to seep in immediately. In addition to visible holes, excessive tension or sudden impacts at the pole-to-fabric connections can also tear the fabric and cause leaks.
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 affect the waterproof performance. So, a short period for canopy cleaning and inspection 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.
FAQS
Can you use a canopy tent in the rain?
Yes, you can use a canopy tent in the rain, if it’s made from waterproof materials and properly set up. Be sure to understand the waterproof rating of your tent before using it. A truly waterproof canopy with sealed seams will effectively protect against rain. Just avoid using it in severe weather conditions and always dry it thoroughly after use to prevent damage.
What is the waterproof material used for tents?
Most waterproof tents use synthetic materials coated with water-resistant layers. The most common include:
- Polyester: Durable and affordable, often coated with PU or silicone for added waterproofing.
- Nylon: Lightweight and strong, also treated with PU or silicone coatings.
- Canvas (treated cotton): Naturally water-resistant when treated, but heavier and slower to dry.
Coatings like PU, Silicone, or PVC enhance water resistance by preventing water from soaking through.
Do tents lose waterproofing over time?
Yes, absolutely, tents do lose their waterproofing over time. While new tents are waterproof, their effectiveness typically diminishes within 1-3 years of regular use. Factors like UV exposure, frequent use, abrasion, and poor storage can break down waterproof coatings and seam seals. As a result, water may start soaking through the fabric or leaking at the seams. Fortunately, this can often be restored with proper cleaning and re-treatment.
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 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！
