Water-repellent and waterproof are not the same thing, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Water-repellent means that the fabric repels water and prevents droplets from being absorbed, whilst waterproof refers to the extent to which the material itself does not allow water to pass through under pressure. A tent can be water-repellent without being completely waterproof, and vice versa.<\/p>\n
For campers, this distinction is of practical importance. The water-repellent layer is on the outside of the fabric and is applied by impregnation. The waterproofing is determined by the construction of the material itself, expressed as a water column. Both properties work together and both require maintenance.<\/p>\n
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about how this protection works, why it is deteriorating and when you should take action.<\/p>\n
Tent fabric is made water-repellent by a chemical treatment that coats the fibres of the material. This treatment is called DWR, which stands for Durable Water Repellency. The DWR coating ensures that water droplets are not absorbed into the fabric, but roll off it like on a lotus leaf. Without this coating, the fabric would absorb water, become heavy and eventually let water through.<\/p>\n
On new tents, the DWR coating has already been applied by the manufacturer, directly onto the fibres of the fabric, polyester or nylon. Over time, this layer wears away due to use, washing, UV radiation and dirt that becomes trapped in the fibres. When you notice that water no longer beads up and rolls off the fabric but instead soaks in, the DWR coating has worn off.<\/p>\n
Re-impregnation is the process of renewing the DWR coating. You apply a waterproofing agent to the clean, dry or slightly damp fabric, after which the active ingredients penetrate deep into the fibres and form a new water-repellent layer. This is a maintenance step that you need to repeat periodically to maintain the protection.<\/p>\n
The water column is a measure of the waterproofness of the tent fabric itself and indicates how much pressure the material can withstand before water seeps through it. The value is expressed in millimetres and measured by placing a column of water on the fabric. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.<\/p>\n
As a general guide, tent fabric with a water column rating of 1500 mm is suitable for light rain showers, whilst a rating of 3000 mm or more offers protection against persistent rain and wind pressure. For camping in the changeable Dutch weather, a minimum of 2,000 mm is generally recommended.<\/p>\n
It is important to understand that the water column rating is a property of the material itself, not of the waterproofing treatment. Waterproofing does not directly improve the water column rating, but it does ensure that the fabric retains its measured waterproofing performance in practice. If the fabric becomes wet and heavy due to the absence of a DWR coating, the water column may still be insufficient because the material is under pressure.<\/p>\n\n
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\u2713 Certified quality<\/p>\n VIEW ALL PRODUCTS \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n A tent can leak despite having a high water column rating due to a combination of factors that have nothing to do with the waterproofing of the fabric itself. The most common causes are a worn-out DWR coating, dirt trapped in the fibres, damaged seams and physical pressure on the fabric, such as contact from the inside.<\/p>\n When the DWR coating has worn off, the fabric absorbs water instead of repelling it. The fabric then becomes heavy and taut, putting pressure on the material\u2019s pores. Even with a waterproof material, this can lead to water seeping through, as the system no longer functions as a whole.<\/p>\n Dirt also plays an underestimated role. Dust, green deposits and grease become lodged between the fibres and compromise the water-repellent properties. In such cases, impregnation alone is not enough. The fabric must first be thoroughly cleaned before a new impregnating agent can adhere effectively. Applying a water-repellent treatment to a dirty fabric is a waste of money.<\/p>\n Seams are naturally a weak point in any tent fabric. Most manufacturers apply tape or sealant to the seams, but even this protection wears away over time. Check the seams annually and, if necessary, repair them with seam sealant before you waterproof the tent.<\/p>\n The waterproof properties of the fabric itself last for several years to several decades under normal use, depending on the quality of the fabric. The water-repellent DWR coating lasts considerably less time and, with intensive use, will require maintenance after just one or two seasons.<\/p>\n How quickly the DWR coating deteriorates depends on several factors. Frequency of use, exposure to UV radiation, how the tent is stored, and whether it is stored clean or dirty all play a part. A tent that is stored dirty and damp after the camping season will lose its water-repellent properties more quickly than one that is kept clean and dry.<\/p>\n The rule of thumb is simple: as soon as water no longer beads up and rolls off the fabric but is absorbed into it, it\u2019s time to re-waterproof it. Don\u2019t wait too long to do this, as fabric that absorbs water over a long period of time will deteriorate more quickly and is more susceptible to mould.<\/p>\n You should re-waterproof your tent as soon as water no longer beads up and rolls off the surface but soaks into the fabric. In practical terms, this means it\u2019s best to choose two fixed times: at the start of the camping season in the spring and after cleaning at the end of the season in the autumn.<\/p>\n Spring is the ideal time to check whether winter storage has caused any damage and to renew the waterproofing before you use the tent for the first time. Autumn is the ideal time to give the fabric a thorough clean and then waterproof it, so that the tent is protected going into winter and you\u2019ll be ready to go straight away next spring.<\/p>\n Apart from the usual seasonal times, these are the signs that you should waterproof your items sooner:<\/p>\n Always apply the waterproofing treatment to a clean fabric. First clean the tent thoroughly and leave it to dry, or apply the treatment to a slightly damp fabric if the waterproofing product\u2019s instructions specify this. Applying the treatment to a dirty fabric will not produce the desired result.<\/p>\n A waterproofing treatment renews the water-repellent DWR coating on the outer surface of the fabric and penetrates the fibres to make water bead up and roll off. A waterproofing agent, also known as a sealer or coating, forms a sealing layer on the material and is used for damaged seams or fabrics that have lost their basic waterproofing. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they address different issues.<\/p>\n A waterproofing treatment is the right choice for regular maintenance. It restores the water-repellent properties of a fabric that is still in good condition but whose DWR coating has worn off. The fabric remains breathable after waterproofing, which is important for managing condensation inside a tent.<\/p>\n A waterproofing agent or coating is used if the fabric itself is damaged or if seams are leaking. This product forms a physical barrier and is less suitable as a standard maintenance product for the entire fabric, as it can reduce breathability. Apply it specifically to problem areas such as seams, corners and damaged areas.<\/p>\n For most campers who want to maintain their tent from time to time, a good waterproofing treatment is the right choice. Combine it with seam sealer on the seams for complete protection.<\/p>\n Here at Rokimi, we have developed a comprehensive range of products covering the entire care cycle for tent fabric, from cleaning to waterproofing. Whether you\u2019re working with canvas, polyester or nylon, our products have been specially developed for outdoor textiles and are ready to use without the need for dilution.<\/p>\n The products are suitable for both novice and experienced campers and work together as a system. Clean thoroughly first, then waterproof effectively. This ensures that your tent\u2019s water-repellent and waterproof properties remain at their best, season after season.<\/p>\n View our full range of products for tent maintenance<\/a> or find out which Applications for our products<\/a> be suitable. Want to find out more about Rokimi? Go to our website<\/a> for further information.<\/p>\n\nWhy does a tent sometimes still leak, even though it\u2019s \u2018waterproof\u2019?<\/h2>\n
How long do water-repellent and waterproof properties last?<\/h2>\n
When should you re-waterproof a tent?<\/h2>\n
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What is the difference between a wood preservative and a waterproofing agent?<\/h2>\n
How Rokimi helps with waterproofing your tent<\/h2>\n
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