UNDERSTANDING WATERPROOFNESS
What is not covered by warranty!
OZtrail tents use waterproof and water repellent fabrics. However, with the
addition of seams, zips and other desirable features a recreational tent will not be
as waterproof as a car, house or other solid structures. The following are common
examples of how water can enter a tent: -
Condensation
- When warm moist air meets cooler air, condensation occurs. The tent/shelter
fly forms an impermeable layer between the inside and outside conditions. The moisture inside
the tent/shelter condenses on the fabric. Sometimes in cold conditions it appears that the
fabric is leaking when in fact the cause is condensation. Condensation can be reduced if the
tent/shelter is well ventilated.
Zips
- All care is taken in the design to cover zips with rain flaps. At times wind driven rain could
force water under the rain flaps and through the zips. To minimise this, make sure all doors and
windows are closed with the rain flaps covering the zips.
Floor
- If the ground is very wet or water pools under the floor, downward pressure of standing
or kneeling on the floor could force water through the floor fabric. To prevent this, do not pitch
the tent over hollows and make sure water drains away from the tent.
Structural Integrity
- A perfectly pitched tent on perfectly flat ground is structurally strong
and most waterproof. During prolonged periods of rain and wind it may be necessary to
tighten guy lines and reset the tent pegs and attend to drainage around the tent. Sagging and
incorrect pitching weakens the tent structure and could allow water to pool on the fly placing
undue forces on the tent causing leaking and breakages.
PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR TENT/SHELTER
