A waterproof tarp is designed to keep things dry, but over the years, small holes, tears, or weak spots could potentially allow water to pass through. If your tarp has sprung a leak and now seems useless, don’t toss it just yet. Some easy fixes can help you patch your Tarpaulin Sheet and get additional use. Below are a few simple methods to fix leaks and keep your tarp in the game for a while longer.
Find the Source of the Leak
First things first, you need to determine where the leak originates. Lay the tarp down on a flat surface and give it a good inspection. It is very easy to miss a small hole, so it may help to hold the tarp up towards a light. Alternatively, you can pour a little water on the tarp and check to see where it seeps through.
Once you find the leak, mark it somehow with chalk or tape so that you know where to fix it later.
Use Tarp Repair Tape
The easiest way to fix a leaky tarp is to use a tarp repair tape. Tarp repair tape is made especially for sticking to plastic or canvas and resisting rainfall. You want to make sure to clean and dry the area before applying the tape, and then apply tape strips firmly on both sides of the hole.
Repair tape works well for small rips and pinholes. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing; however, it does keep the water out. Also, for best results, cut your tarp repair tape into rounded patch pieces; tape pieces with corners are more likely to peel up.
Apply a Waterproof Sealant
Liquid sealant works great for leaks along seams or worn areas. Use a brush or spray to cover the fabric and focus on the vulnerable areas. Once it dries, the sealant creates a waterproof layer that prevents water from entering.
Sealant is simple to use and lasts longer than tape in certain circumstances, and can even prevent future leaks, so you can seal the entire tarp if necessary.
Patch With Spare Fabric
If you happen to have a spare tarp hanging around or some heavy-duty water-resistant fabric, you can use it as a patch. Cut a patch that is bigger than the hole and glue it down with serious adhesive. For good measure, you can sew around the patch or attach it with grommets.
This will work best for larger holes or torn corners. The fabric patch gives you some backup support and will restore the tarp to almost like-new condition.
Reinforce the Edges
Leaks from tarps usually start at the edges, where ropes or bungee cords are pulling hard at the Canvas Tarpaulin fabric. It is at the edges, if they begin to rip, that the water is going to seep in. You can reinforce weak edges with duct tape, additional stitching, or, if you like, fold the edge back down and glue it down.
By reinforcing the edges, you can not only eliminate some leaks, but also prevent some future leaks from forming.
Use a Double Layer
If your tarp is covered with little leaks, and patching it up seems like an insurmountable task, there is another solution. Just double-up! Overlay another tarp, plastic sheet, or some kind of waterproof fabric over the tarp you are trying to keep dry. The lower tarp is only intended to act as a barrier against the water penetrating.
This is a quick and dirty solution for camping trips or when you need a quick stopgap in a sudden downpour.
Know When to Replace
There are times when a tarp may be too damaged to be properly repaired. If the tarp has holes that are large and from sun damage, or seams that leak all over, it’s time to think about purchasing a new tarp. Repaired tarps are good for a tarp that has minor damage; however, a tarp that has already deteriorated is unlikely to remain waterproof for long.
Use the quick fixes as a way of extending the life of your tarp until you are ready to purchase a new one.
To Wrap it Up
A leaky tarp does not mean the end of a tarp’s life, and you can always use repair tape, sealant, fabric patches, or just an extra layer to keep a tarp working for much longer. The quick fixes mentioned are easy, inexpensive, and can be done at home without any specialized tools. Next time your tarp starts dripping, try one of these tricks and spare yourself the expense of a new tarp.
Comments
Post a Comment