28 October 2022

How to Weatherproof a Tent or Awning | 3 Easy Steps

Why Tents and Awnings Need Weatherproofing Before First Use

Today’s tents and awnings benefit from years of manufacturer expertise, advanced materials, and real-world feedback from campers and retailers. As a result, they are more durable, reliable, and weather-resistant than ever before. However, one important step is often overlooked by new users.

Before heading out on your first trip, it’s essential to understand how to weatherproof tents and awnings properly. This process, known as “weathering,” helps ensure your setup stays dry and comfortable, especially in unpredictable UK weather.

How Tents and Awnings Are Made

The outer fabric of tents and awnings is made from waterproof, UV-protected material. During production, large sheets are cut and carefully overlapped to match the design of the structure. These panels are then stitched together to create the final shape.

Where these materials join, seams are formed. Industrial sewing machines create rows of tiny needle holes, which are filled with strong thread to hold everything together. The same process is used when attaching zips, doors, and windows, meaning multiple seams run throughout the fabric.

Why Seams Can Let Water In at First

Although these seams are strong, the stitching process creates very small holes in the fabric. At the point of manufacture, these needle holes are slightly larger than the thread itself.

While tiny, these gaps can allow moisture to pass through, particularly during heavy rain. This means that, during initial use, you may notice small amounts of water entering through the seams.

How Weathering Makes Tents and Awnings Waterproof

Fortunately, this issue resolves naturally through the weathering process. When the thread in the seams becomes wet, it swells slightly. Over time, this swelling fills the needle holes, effectively sealing them and preventing water from passing through.

This is why weatherproofing tents and awnings before your first trip is so important. By allowing the fabric and seams to go through this process in advance, you reduce the risk of leaks when you’re out camping.

Why You Should Weatherproof Before Your First Trip

Rather than discovering this during a rainy night at the campsite, it’s far better to weather your tent or awning at home. Setting it up in your garden and allowing it to get wet a few times will help seal the seams properly.

By taking the time to weatherproof tents and awnings before use, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable, dry, and stress-free camping experience from the very start.

To weather your tent or awning, all you need to do is…

Step 1: Clean Tents and Awnings Before Weatherproofing

Set up your new tent or awning at home, before using it (a pretty sensible thing to do in any case rather than set it up for the first time with all your new campsite neighbours watching you over their mugs of tea!).

Step 2: Reproof and Weatherproof Tents and Awnings

Use a hosepipe and allow the outer skin of the tent or awning to get completely soaked, then leave it until it’s fully dried. Ideally, repeat this process two or three times to ensure that the seams become completely watertight.

Step 3: Protect and Maintain Waterproof Camping Gear

Ensure that the structure is completely dry before packing up again, to avoid mould and a musty smell.

PLEASE NOTE: Although this weathering process is particularly needed for tents and awnings made from Polycotton/TC (Technical Cotton) material, we agree with tent and awning manufacturers in advising customers to proof all new tents and awnings against water ingress, as suggested above. This is regardless of the type of waterproof material used, even with synthetic Polyester materials when seams will usually be taped to prevent water seepage.

After you’ve carried out this weathering process, you can rely on your tent or caravan, motorhome or campervan awning to perform to its full potential in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines – so happy camping!

(Footnote: If water inside your tent or awning is still an issue after it’s been weathered properly, take a look at our helpful videos on the subject – it’s something that comes up many, many times when talking to customers in-person and on the phone!)

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Norwich Camping & Leisure Village, in Blofield, east of Norwich, Norfolk, has one of the UK’s largest outdoor displays of tents and awnings, plus indoor showroom displays of camping & caravanning equipment, outdoor clothing, garden furniture & barbecues, garden buildings and a fully-stocked garden centre.

Tent and awning brands include: Vango; Kampa; Dometic; Telta; Outdoor Revolution; Coleman; Outwell; Oztent; Quest; Royal; Wild Country; Zempire; Camptech; Dorema; Isabella; Sunncamp; Streetwize.