If you've noticed that summer has arrived. Then this also represents a great time to open your home and head outdoors. Whether you're coming to the campground to camp or want to have a backyard gathering this is the perfect time of year. Of course, along with summer comes the rainy season. You don't want to end up getting wet on a day that should be perfect. At this particular time of year, the waterproof canopy will be your best companion. Especially if you live in Hawaii, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and North and South Carolina, all of which have frequent rainy seasons. So, to keep the rain from ruining your outdoor time. Choose a waterproof canopy as the solution. And before you plan to purchase, these secrets about the waterproof canopy are what you need to know.
Water-Resistant VS Waterproof
When you see the Water-resistance and waterproof features, you may think they describe the same character. But in fact, Water-resistance represents the ability to resist water penetration to a certain extent, but not completely. In the event of heavy rain, moisture can collect on the tent roof and eventually cause it to seep directly into your tent space. So Water-resistant fabrics are more suitable for sunny days or light rain. Waterproof represents the highest grade, which can keep the inside of the canopy completely dry. So look carefully at the description on the detail page and then choose what kind of waterproof rating according to the local weather conditions.
Waterproof rating of canopy tent
The water-resistance of a fabric is measured in millimeters (mm). This refers to the pressure at which water can press through the fabric. The waterproofness of various types of tents usually ranges from 1,000 mm to 10,000 mm. If you want to choose a waterproof camping tent, it is recommended to choose one that can withstand 5,000-10,000 mm.
A canopy tent with a waterproof rating of 1000-3000 mm is enough to keep you dry in the summer and rainy seasons. When checking the waterproofness of your canopy tent, remember to check the location of the seams. There is also a possibility of water leakage at these tiny seams. And you need to be careful when buying a canopy tent with a flat roof. Rainwater will accumulate at the top, and when it reaches a certain weight, it is likely to cause collapse. So the best option is a canopy tent with a sloping roof.
How to check the waterproof feature
Apart from the fabric coating and the shape of the canopy that we have discussed before. There are a few more points to check the waterproof function of the tent. Any areas with seams are worth a closer inspection. If you are buying a screened canopy or pop-up canopy with sides. Look at the windows and side walls along with the canopy joints for areas where water can seep through.
If the windows are designed with a single layer of screen, rainwater will easily drift into the tent. At the same time, there is a zipper location that is also worth noting. Rainwater will generally flow into the interior along the seams of the zipper. One of the easiest ways to test. Take the water spray hose directly to the canopy tent and sprinkle water. Let people observe whether there is water seepage inside and check whether the waterproof feature is well.
How to make the tent waterproof
Usually waterproof tents use PU coating on polyester fabric fabrics or silicone for nylon fabrics. The PU coating on the fabric is the best option to ensure that the material is not damaged. At the same time, PU coating fabric will be more lightweight, flexible, and waterproof. This is the reason why most waterproof canopy uses PU coating.
But if you find water leakage at the seams of the canopy tent. If you want to strengthen the waterproof tent, the following practices can help you.
First, if you find a leak at the seam. Place the fabric in a lighted place so that you can see the seams. After that, use a rag to clean the seams and then use sealant to apply it carefully to the seams. Besides the external seams, the internal seams also need to be checked and sealed. Of course, you need to wait until the sealant is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
If you want to strengthen the overall fabric waterproof. You can use durable water repellent spray. This is the easiest and most convenient method of waterproofing. Again, wipe the fabric clean with a wet cloth first. Then apply the spray directly to the fabric of the tent. Finally, use a soft cloth to apply the spray evenly and finish. This spray is breathable and easy to use, but it needs to be re-sprayed every once in a while.
Conclusion
Now you know what to look for when buying a waterproof canopy. What materials make a tent waterproof and how do make it waterproof. Of course, even the best tents can leak after a long time of use. So you can start enhancing it with a waterproof coating after 1 to 2 years of use. With all this knowledge, go outside and enjoy your summertime.
