Waterproofing a sewn in groundsheet

[Toddy]

I really like the tent I've been using this last year or so (nicked from Son2 ) but HWMBLT borrowed it to use on Skye recently and he says the groundsheet is leaking.
I had noticed it being damp, but thought it was just condensation.

Any ideas on an effective way to re-waterproof the groundsheet ?

No holes or tears, it's just one of those woven plastic ones.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[sapper1]

Sounds like the bonding is breaking down,Toddy,not really a lot you can do about it,unless, you could try ironing it but you'd have to have the temerature just right.Maybe a sheet of grease proof paper between the iron and the groundsheet,that would stop it melting to the iron if you got it too hot.

 

[Toddy]

Ahhh, I hadn't thought about it being bonded

If worst comes to worst I'll just make a new groundsheet and replace the old one, even if it is a footer since it's a bucketed one, and it's got a front porch bit after the zipped area too.

Thanks for the info

cheers,
M

 

[sapper1]

It's only heat bonded ,so it shouldn't be too difficult to repair.You can buy a cheap iron from tesco's then it wouldn't matter if you ruined it.

 

[Toddy]

I've just been thinking about that......I've got a spare one up the loft that proved to be just too lightweight, and was thinking of trying it out.

The only other thing that occurs to me is that maybe they are originally made by using heat and pressure. There's no way I can get a similar amount of pressure using an iron as they'd use commercially.

cheers,
Toddy.........who thinks she can see a lot of sewing in her future

 

[SimonM]

Why not put a groundsheet underneath, in a similar way that some ultra lightweight tents have "footprint" groundsheets?

Simon

 

[drewdunnrespect]

beat me to it simon

 

[bikething]

I had the same problem on a Terra Nova laser - thought it was condensation but not when it got damp under 2 stacked thermarests..
Made a 'footprint' out of an IPK sheet from Endicotts which works as long as the rain doesn't get blown sideways and form a puddle on top of the IPK sheet for the tent to sit in

 

[Toddy]

I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and make a new groundsheet, , aren't I ?

neat idea on the IPK one though............don't know if it's big enough for this tent..........actually, I 'could' just sew on a new floor and seam seal the stitching lines......maybe ??


cheers,
Toddy

 

[wentworth]

Hi Toddy,
I feel silly even asking this, but you don't camp in low lying areas do you? Wanted to confirm that it wasn't just water pooling underneath your tent!

 

[Toddy]

Not if I can possibly help it.........those bits are usually the haunts of the infamous Midge

I noticed it last when using a well drained grassy field in Ayrshire, and HWMBLT was in the same situation in Skye. It's definitely needing something done to it.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[ol smokey]

a sheet of light polythene under the groundsheet but not reaching right to the edges would cure this and is not that much extra to carry, it also stops mud and earth from sticking to the groundsheet if you are on a prolonged pitch which has been used before, it can be discarded or packed up (dirty side wrapped inside its self) to keep your gear clean and hosed down when you get home, I have used the same one for years.

 

[Wink]

I tried Fabsil on mine once. Seemed to do the trick, at least for a bit! The IPK stuff is brilliant though, I made a bathtub groundsheet for use with the tarp out of it. A "footprint" made of that should be bombproof!

 

[MrPhil]

a sheet of light polythene under the groundsheet but not reaching right to the edges would cure this and is not that much extra to carry, it also stops mud and earth from sticking to the groundsheet if you are on a prolonged pitch which has been used before, it can be discarded or packed up (dirty side wrapped inside its self) to keep your gear clean and hosed down when you get home, I have used the same one for years.

We have been using this technique with all our tenting holidays since as long as I can remember. It's dead handy if you know that when you return home you won't be able to pitch the tent in the garden for a clean and an airing but have to unfold it in the front room.

The only difference we sometimes do is to use a cut down pond liner (benefits of my dad's old business) instead when we know the ground will be stony but thats rarely used now.

 

[jimford]

I used to use a sheet of polythene, from a new mattress, under my tent for extra protection, but lately have been using a sheet of 'Tyvek' used in building. It's light and as it's a non-woven fabric, softer and quieter.

Jim

 

[belzeebob23]

Hey Toddy
You could try a rubbeized floor paint.on the outside
belzeebob

 

[Goatboy]

Hey BB,
Hadn't thought of that,earn a place in the "Don't forget the duct tape" volume II book.
TGCOYF
GB.