How to Waterproof a Canopy: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Waterproof a Canopy: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Imagine you are preparing to set up your tent, only to check the weather and realize there's rain in the forecast. Uh oh, now what? If you don't have a tent from American Tent, your tent might not be as water-resistant as it should be. We can't let the rain put a damper on your festivities! Repairing a tent with rain damage can be a hassle, so waterproofing before use is the best way to avoid any damage from the start.
A simple guide for how to waterproof a tent: you can (A) use a waterproof spray on the gazebo fabric, or (B) seal the seams of the canopy with silicone.
Types of Waterproof Tents
Are tents waterproof? The answer to that question depends on the type of tent you have. Most tents have some water resistance capabilities, but some--like tents from American Tent--offer more protection than others.
Water-Resistant Fabrics
This provides the first degree of protection. Tightly knit fabric creates a barrier to keep the water out.
Water Repellent Tents
A water repellent tent offers second-degree protection. These tents resist rainwater due to an extra coating, allowing the water to bead up and roll right off of your canopy top!
Waterproof Tents
The final and highest degree of protection would be a waterproof tent. These tents have sturdier fabric with a solid layer of waterproof coating and they can withstand higher pressure than the other two options. While nothing can be 100% waterproof, knowing the right preparation and material options will provide you with the best possible outcome.
How to Make Canopy Waterproof?
Below are the steps to create a waterproof canopy:
- Clean your canopy.
- Apply seam sealer and let it set.
- Use a sponge to scrape off any previously applied waterproof coating that has started to wear off or peel.
- Spray your whole tent with waterproof spray.
- Let dry completely.
If you are interested in seeing someone perform this process, check out this video.
Wait for a Sunny Day
You don't want to try waterproofing your canvas while it's already raining--that would just be silly! Instead, wait for a sunny, dry day to undertake the project of making your canopy waterproof.
Clean the Canopy
- Spread your drop cloth across the ground as protection from sticks and stones, laying your canopy over it.
- Use a hose or power washer to spray down the canvas, and then scrub off any stains or spots.
- Flip your tarp and do the same to the other side, letting both sides dry completely in the sun.
Apply Waterproof Spray on Your Canopy
The waterproof spray makes waterproofing a canopy easy! Below is a step-by-step guide on how to waterproof a canopy.
- Either set your tent up or lay your tent top on the drop cloth across the ground.
- Spray down the entire canvas with mildly warm water to wash your tent--as you should with any method of waterproofing.
- Apply waterproofing spray before letting the tent dry, wiping away any excess product with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Apply a second layer of the waterproof spray to yield the best results.
Create DIY Seam Sealer
Let's make a DIY waterproof canopy! Avoid the cost of buying a pre-made seam sealer by just mixing up your own. You will need:
- Mixing container
- Paintbrush
- Canopy cleaner or gentle liquid soap
- Clear silicone caulk
- Mineral spirits
Before starting, make sure you have cleaned your tent, which can be done with either a canopy cleaner or simple soap and water. Add equal parts of 100% clear silicone caulk and odorless mineral spirits; then, mix the products together with your paintbrush until it becomes a homogeneous paste. Here is a perfect example of how your mixture should look! Once your mixture is made, it can be used to safely protect your tent from water seeping through the cracks.
Apply Seam Sealer
You can either DIY a seam sealer as shown above, or purchase a pre-made seam sealer. Knowing how to waterproof a pop-up canopy is vital because a seam sealer will help increase the longevity of your tent.
As with any waterproofing, how should you start the process? You guessed it, clean your canopy! Apply the sealer to the seams of your tent and make sure to let it dry completely. Now, you can trust that the seams of your tent will not leak any water into your special occasion--whatever that may be!
How To Check If The Tent Is Waterproof
The best way to know the waterproof capabilities of your tent is to ask the supplier! If you purchase from us at American Tent, regardless of the type of tent, you can be confident in knowing that the canopy you receive will stay waterproof for plenty of uses.
However, while we pride ourselves on our canopies' water resistance capabilities, not everywhere has waterproof tents, so you will definitely want to ask about their products' waterproof rating before buying. If you already have a tent and you discover that it is not waterproof, you can follow the steps previously mentioned to apply a seam sealer and waterproof spray, creating a rainproof canopy.
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If your tent is exposed to rain, check all of the seams closely for any spots that seem to be letting water seep through. If you've had your tent for a while and notice any weak areas during the inspection, just apply a little extra spray and you're good to go!
Deciding to Buy a Waterproof Tent?
If your gazebo material is not waterproof or it's starting to leak, consider purchasing a new heavy-duty waterproof commercial tent top from American Tent! Or, if you don't have a canopy yet, now is the perfect time to invest. We'll make sure you will have a tent that can withstand the weather, as we have some of the best pop-up canopies for rain around!
8 Tips to Help Keep Your Pop-Up Canopy From Blowing
A pop-up canopy is a great way to get shade and comfort wherever you go. They're easy to assemble and transport which makes them perfect for sporting events, outdoor parties and gatherings, crafts fairs, and farmers markets. However, the pop-up canopy does have one mortal enemy: wind. If the wind is strong enough, it can take your canopy up, up, and away. So how do you know how much is too much wind for your canopy to take and how can you help keep your canopy grounded? This article is here to help!
How Much Wind Can a Pop-Up Canopy Take?
Although the amount of wind a pop-up canopy can take varies by brand and model, generally speaking, most pop-up canopies can withstand up to 30 MPH wind (assuming they are assembled and anchored correctly). For perspective, according to an article by the National Weather Service, a light breezy day can experience 0 to 12 MPH winds while a moderately windy day can get 13 to 30 MPH winds. Before choosing to use your pop-up canopy, check the weather forecast to ensure that the winds will stay under 30 MPH. If it is going to be windier than that, choose a different day to set up your canopy.
8 Tips to Secure Your Canopy Against Wind
Tip #1 Choose Sturdy Construction
When selecting a pop-up canopy, the right materials can make the difference. A pop-up canopy made from a sturdy material like steel or fiberglass is better able to resist wind than one made from aluminum.
Tip #2 Select a Canopy with a Vented Top
Another useful feature to look for when choosing a pop-up canopy is a vented canopy shade. This type of shade features a designed hole in the top of the shade which allows air to escape from inside the roof of the canopy during windy conditions. Canopies that do not have this feature can fill with air during windy days which can cause them to be lifted off the ground.
Tip #3 Find the Right Location
When setting up your pop-up canopy, try to find a place that experiences the least amount of wind. Look for an area that is partially sheltered by trees or structures and be mindful of the wind direction. You must also consider the terrain. The ideal location will have even ground with firm soil so you can use stakes to anchor the pop-up canopy properly. Avoid areas that have soggy ground.
Tip #4 Carefully Read the Instructions
It is always important to read the assembly instructions before setting up your pop-up canopy. Failing to set up your canopy according to the supplier's instructions can compromise the structural integrity of the pop-up canopy. Always use the recommended tools and ensure that you have the proper amount of people required to help set up the canopy.
Tip #5 Anchor Your Canopy
Once your canopy is assembled, use ropes and stakes to securely anchor your pop-up canopy if possible. Many canopies include stakes with the pop-up tent, but if you need to purchase them separately, look for durable stakes made of steel with a hooked head so you can secure the rope to them more tightly.
Using the right knot can also help. According to an article by Rolling Fox, one of the best knots to secure a tent is called the taut line hitch knot. This type of knot allows for optimal line tension while keeping the rope securely attached to the stake.
Attach the ropes to each corner of the canopy shade and use stakes to secure them deeply in the ground. Many canopies also feature feet with holes where additional stakes can be placed. If it is a windy day, more is better.
Tip #6 Use Weights
In addition to using tent stakes, try attaching sandbags or weights to the legs of your canopy. Canopy sandbags can be filled with a material like sand or pebbles and provide additional weight to help your canopy resist the wind. Weights are a must-have if you plan on using your pop-up canopy on asphalt or concrete and you are unable to use stakes to secure your canopy in the terrain. If you don’t have access to true canopy weights, try filling an old pillowcase with sand and tying it securely to the leg of the canopy.
Tip #7 Remove Sidewalls
Certain types of canopies feature sidewalls and while they provide additional privacy and refreshing shade, they can also make your canopy more susceptible to strong winds. Once the wind enters through the pop-up canopy opening, sidewalls can catch the wind like a sail and cause your canopy to slide across the ground or topple over. If it is possible, remove any sidewalls until the wind has passed or save them for a sunny, calm day.
Tip #8 If All Else Fails… Take It Down
Some days are simply too windy to use a pop-up canopy tent. If you have tried all of the previous tips and you're still having trouble keeping the tent properly anchored, there is no shame in packing up your tent, especially if you are surrounded by other people. Remember, the only thing worse than having your canopy tent blow away is having someone else's canopy tent blow through your picnic or outing.
Hold Down Your Pop-Up Canopy and Enjoy Your Time Outdoors
A little wind does not necessarily mean that you need to cancel your outdoor canopy time. With a few precautions and taking the time to set up your pop-up canopy properly, you can enjoy your time relaxing beneath your canopy despite the wind. Just be prepared to move and pack up your canopy if a refreshing breeze turns into a mighty gust of wind.
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