A tent with leaky seams is no fun, especially amid that afternoon downpour. But a tent’s seams are also its most vulnerable zone to rogue and insistent water.
To prevent infiltration, tent manufacturers have three options: seam taping, seam sealing, and creating a strong seam construction itself.
Since you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about difference between these solutions. And, whether one is better than the others. Let’s dive in.
Seam taping—what is it?
Seam tape is just what its name describes. It’s a layer of tape—technically, a polyurethane film—that is placed under the seams to block any water that enters the needle holes from making its way into your tent. The tape acts like dam.
Seam taping can only be done at the factory because it requires a special machine, and each type of fabric demands an exact temperature for application. Tent factories are typically certified to apply seam tape.
You might be familiar with the seam tape on your waterproof jacket. In tents, the method is similar, but the way it’s integrated is different.
On new tents, if done well, the tape is hard to see, so you might not even know it’s there.
Seam sealing—what is it?
Seam sealing, on the other hand, is like applying a layer of glue—or sealant—across the seams.
Some tents, such as select tents from MSR, come seam sealed from the manufacturer.
Seam sealing is also something you might do as your tent ages and start to you notice leaks. If the rest of your tent is still in good order, seam sealing is great way maintain it instead of buying a new tent.
You might do it if your new tent didn’t come taped or sealed and you want the extra measure of defense before you head out in particularly foul weather.
When painted on, the sealant seeps into the stitching holes, creating a waterproof barrier.
Visit our blog to read more about Seam Tape and Seam Sealing.