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Silly B

By Silly B

07 July 2008 11:17

My otherwise excellent tent (no cheapy...) has recently started to fail me by allowing water to soak up through the groundsheet (after a couple of days sitting in a pool of water that came between it and the footprint).What can I do/use to reproof it? All products seem to be for the canvas only. Any ideas??? Cheers!

Answer

Trail magazine

By Trail magazine

Condensation on groundsheets is quite common under sleeping bags or mats, especially in cold conditions. This is due to the temperature difference between the groundsheet and mat/sleeping bag and is usually confined to the immediate area of the mat or bag. This can be reduced or eradicated by using a better quality sleeping mat and/or using a foam mat between the ground and groundsheet.

Leaking will, more likely, show up in one spot or along a seam. It is vary rare to find a leak that affects a specific, but large, area of groundsheet.  Most problems are due to heavy usage and/or termite damage (termites eat holes in groundsheets).
 
To help prolong the life of the groundsheet, groundsheet protectors are available for many tents, which give increased puncture and water resistance, and keep the groundsheet cleaner. 
 
However, the coating of the groundsheet can wear off with heavy or prolonged use, especially by the entrance. Some brands such as Terra Nova will replace the groundsheet section of the tent for you. Otherwise it is a case of reproofing the fabric and this can be done with products from the Grangers or Nikwax range such as Grangers Fabsil Gold or Nikwax Tent and Gear Proof.

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Can I re-proof a tent groundsheet?

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cymrupaddler

cymrupaddler says

RE: My otherwise excellent tent (no cheapy...) has recently started to fail me by allowing water to soak up through the groundsheet (after a couple of days sitting in a pool of water that came between it and the footprint).What can I do/use to reproof it? All products seem to be for the canvas only. Any ideas??? Cheers!

Cliff Jacobson advises placing your groundsheet protector inside the tent - this avoids any leakages reaching you.

08 March 2009 22:12

mcshroom

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mcshroom says

RE: My otherwise excellent tent (no cheapy...) has recently started to fail me by allowing water to soak up through the groundsheet (after a couple of days sitting in a pool of water that came between it and the footprint).What can I do/use to reproof it? All products seem to be for the canvas only. Any ideas??? Cheers!

I had the same problem with my coleman viper. Pretty much the same process as john says, except I cleaned mine off and then sprayed the bottom of it with Fabsil when it was dry. The silicon spray looks a little strange inside but so far no water has come through it.

24 July 2008 15:35

john

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john says

Re: Can I re-proof a tent groundsheet?

Same way you'd re-proof the fly sheet of a tent.

1. Turn the tent upside down to fully expose the underside of the groundsheet.

2. Treat for mildew if necessary, then give it a good clean by sponging with a non soap product like Nikwax Tech Wash.

3. As you do it, give a good inspection for tears or little holes no matter how small - repair as necessary with either Goretex patches or repair strips available from some tent manufacturer's. Sponge with clean water to rinse.

4. Re-proof by spraying with Nikwax Tent & Gear Proof while it's still wet, following product instructions.

5. Allow the underside of the groundsheet to air dry completely, wiping excess proofer off with a damp cloth.

6. If the tent has taped or sealed seams, erect the tent and retape the seams. If you don't still have the kit that might have come with the tent, you can buy the tape and sealant at many outdoor or camping shops or online from your tent manufacturer or other outlets.

I re-waterproofed  a 4 person sized tents flysheet and groundsheet base this way and needed a 500ml container at £5.99. Can't guarantee success because I haven't seen your tent but if the groundsheet is undamaged and just needs re-proofing this should work. But if the groundsheet is worn or damaged then the repairs will be needed or you might be better advised to re-invest in a new tent. Other brands also have products you could use instead of Nikwax but I mentioned their products because I use it the most.

11 July 2008 19:50

399peterp

399peterp says

RE: My otherwise excellent tent (no cheapy...) has recently started to fail me by allowing water to soak up through the groundsheet (after a couple of days sitting in a pool of water that came between it and the footprint).What can I do/use to reproof it? All products seem to be for the canvas only. Any ideas??? Cheers!

I have the same problem with my Vango Hurricane which is at least 15 years old. As I cannot get the groundsheet replaced I use my orange survival bag. You can either put it under the tent or use it inside.

11 July 2008 17:21

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