Anyone know how to make a waterproof seam?

[greg2935]

Hi All,

I'm having a go making a poor mans hootchie/fly sheet and have no idea how to make a good waterproof seam, I usually use "seamproof" which is a sort of clear glue. However, I've found that repreated stretching causes the seam to eventually leak and cannot think of any other way to do it. Any ideas?

Ta in advance.

Greg

 

[Toddy]

Hi All,

I'm having a go making a poor mans hootchie/fly sheet and have no idea how to make a good waterproof seam, I usually use "seamproof" which is a sort of clear glue. However, I've found that repreated stretching causes the seam to eventually leak and cannot think of any other way to do it. Any ideas?

Ta in advance.

Greg

Point North sell an iron on waterproof seam sealant tape. I haven't managed to spring it off yet once it's on properly.
Cheers,
Toddy

 

[pierre girard]

Hi All,

I'm having a go making a poor mans hootchie/fly sheet and have no idea how to make a good waterproof seam, I usually use "seamproof" which is a sort of clear glue. However, I've found that repreated stretching causes the seam to eventually leak and cannot think of any other way to do it. Any ideas?

Ta in advance.

Greg

I don't know what kind of material you are using but, when I'm making a canvas tarp, I use a double sewn flat felled seam - making sure the seam will be at its most vertical when in use (so rain water runs down and doesn't get caught at the seam). I sometimes use a seam sealer, but often I do not. If you use a seam sealer, it does need to be re-applied periodically.

PG

 

[greg2935]

its light weight proofed nylon,

Thanks for all your replies.

 

[maverix]

Where is the seam going to be?

around the edge or across the centre somehow?
I assume that it will be nearer the centre, I wouldnt worry if with the edges leaked a little.
If its cross the centre then i would stitch then either use adhesive tape, or a thin layer of "seamproof" or evo-stick with a long strip of fabrice over that to act as tape.

 

[Rod]

Point North sell an iron on waterproof seam sealant tape. I haven't managed to spring it off yet once it's on properly.
Cheers,
Toddy

Hi Greg

Would echo Toddy's suggestion for a nylon tarp/hootchie then use your seal sealant . The fabric shouldn't stretch that much once the tape is in place.

hope this helps

 

[greg2935]

I have some very light nylon, its 60'' (1.52m) wide. I would like a 3m x 3m tarp so the seam will be right across the centre. I'm a little worried about the flat felled seam if it runs along the top with the ridge pointing upwards, water would almost certainly get in. I think I will seal the seam aka Toddy's suggestion, and have it running down the tarp (in the same direction as water would travel).

Just as a point of interest I am going to restart my silk hammock plan as I have been in contact with a silk hammock owner who claims his has worked for 2years+, (and therefore I was completely wrong about the wear rate). I am copying the design from http://www.garlington.biz/Ray/SilkHammock. I've built these hammocks before and although I prefer Neil1's design, the lack of sewn weight bearing seams is too attractive to ignore, I want to add a mozzi net of fine silk to the tarp as well so I can get a "work space" where I can get away from the buggars, however, I already have a large mozzi net (nylon) and am broke so will use that instead.