Water Resistant vs Waterproof Tent: What's the Difference?
SHELTENT
-
Imagine you are enjoying glamping outdoors when suddenly the sky clouds up and heavy rains. You quickly take shelter in your tent, only to find that the rain begins to seep the tent, making it impossible to have a good night.
Or you've just bought a water-resistant tent, but after a few camping trips, the tent starts to develop moldy and a pungent smell. Are tents waterproof? You are not sure, right?
That's when we realize that water resistant isn't the same as waterproof. So what is the difference between water resistant vs waterproof? Here we will take you through the comparison of water-resistant tents and waterproof tents to help you check whether your tent is waterproof enough.
What Is the Difference Between Water Resistant and Waterproof?
While 'water resistant' and 'waterproof' sound similar, they have quite different effects and applications. Let's start by looking at what they actually are.
Water Resistant
Water resistance means that the fabric slows the penetration of rainwater into the interior but does not completely prevent it. Their fabrics are usually tightly woven and can prevent some water vapor from entering, such as light rain or dew.
Nylon and canvas are common materials used for water-resistant tents. Nylon tents are often treated with a PU coating to make them more water resistant, and canvas is treated to increase its water resistance.
Water-resistant tents are breathable, lighter, and more affordable. However, they have limited water resistance and may seep during rainstorms. They may also become moldy with the wrong tent storage.
Waterproof
Let's start by stating that nothing can be 100% waterproof. So waterproof means the fabrics are extremely waterproof and can cope effectively with heavy rains, persistent rains, and wet conditions. The waterproof fabrics are stronger and usually have strong DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings.
Waterproof tents are often made from PVC-coated fabrics or PVDF-coated fabrics, which have excellent waterproofing properties in their own right. The coatings are tightly bonded to the fabric through knife scraping and every seam is sealed by lamination processes, enhancing waterproofness and durability.
At Sheltent, our waterproof tents are made from high-strength PVC-coated fabrics with knife-scraping processes. As a result, they have excellent waterproofness and durability, can withstand greater external pressure, and adapt to any weather conditions.
Comparison of Water-resistant vs Waterproof Tent
Here is a table that compares water-resistant tents and waterproof tents in several dimensions to help you better understand the differences.
|
Aspect |
Water Resistant Tent |
Waterproof Tent |
|
Water Protection Level |
The 1st degree of protection against water |
The 3rd and highest degree of protection against water |
|
Breathability |
Better, more breathable materials allow airflow |
Normal, usually less breathable to ensure waterproofing |
|
Weight |
Lighter, easier to carry and set up |
Heavier, it takes a few hours to erect |
|
Price |
Affordable, cost-effective for budget campers |
More expensive, due to higher quality materials and technology |
|
Maintenance |
Requires more time for regular water-resistance treatment |
Easy to maintain with long-lasting waterproofing |
|
Complexity |
Less craftsmanship, simpler production process |
More complex production process and design |
|
Durability |
3-5 years lifespan |
5 years lifespan |
|
Suitable Scenarios |
Short camping trips and fair weather. |
Long-term camping, party and wedding in all weather. |
What Are the Benefits of a Waterproof Tent?
If you want to organize an event outdoors, it would be a wiser decision to choose a waterproof tent according to the table above. Let's take a look at how a waterproof tent can ensure that your event runs smoothly.
Peace of Mind from Changing Weather
The factor you have the least control over when organizing an event outdoors is the weather, and even the forecast can be wrong. One minute it's sunny, and the next, it could be pouring rain. That's why waterproofing is an indispensable factor in choosing a tent.
Waterproof event tents can cope with sudden rain and wind, ensuring that the tent stays dry and the event runs smoothly.
Easy to Maintain
Tent maintenance is important after outdoor activities. If the tent is dirty or moldy, it may affect the next use or even shorten the tent's lifespan. Waterproof tents can reduce maintenance and cleaning efforts for those made of self-clean materials like PVC-coated fabric.
Because PVC fabrics have a smooth surface that is easy to clean, requiring only a light wipe with clean water. In addition, PVC fabrics have good flame retardant and anti-mold properties. No matter how wet the environment is, PVC extends waterproof tent life making your event safer and more convenient.
Improve Convenience and Comfort
If the tent is not waterproof, the sudden rainwater will seep into the interior, the ground will become slippery and easily fall, and the facilities and items inside the tent will also be drenched...Can you imagine how bad it will be if strong wind follows at this point?
The whole outdoor event becomes extremely unpleasant. You will realize how necessary and reassuring the waterproof tent is. It ensures that the inside of your tent stays dry and comfortable, even in heavy rain or constant precipitation. Whether a private party or a business event, a waterproof tent will allow your event to run smoothly regardless of the weather.
Suitable for Long-term Investment
Although waterproof tents have a higher initial investment cost, they last longer. Waterproof tents are tighter, thicker, and more durable. They offer long-lasting protection, lower maintenance costs, and less frequent replacement, making them an affordable long-term investment.
Moreover, waterproof tents are versatile and suitable for various outdoor activities, including glamping, outdoor weddings, birthday parties, and so on.
How to Check if Your Tent Is Waterproof?
To make sure you don't get into a bad situation, check that your tent is waterproof before you use it. Even though the label says it's waterproof, these things may happen e.g. a newly purchased tent may not be waterproof enough to withstand persistent rainfall or a tent that's been in use for a while may have lost its waterproofing properties.
Here are a few tips to check if tents are waterproof:
Check the Seams
If the seams are not treated properly, rainwater can easily penetrate the tent's interior through the seams. Every seam of waterproof tents seals by lamination processes. If any seams appear to be cracked it is best to repair them promptly with a waterproof sealant.
Check the Sidewalls
It's also important to check the sides of the tent. Generally, the sidewalls that are equipped with waterproof tents are also made of waterproof fabrics. What you need to do is make sure that there are no gaps left between the sidewalls and the tent when you set up the tent.
Utilize the Hydrostatic Head
The hydrostatic head can assess the waterproof rating of tents. Some tents may have a waterproof rating on the label, which indicates the height of the water column it can withstand before water leaks through. Tents with a rating of 1,500 mmH₂O and above are generally considered to be 'waterproof tents'.
Consider the Stitchings
Seam constructions include heat-sealed, double-stitched, taped, and welded, etc. If the stitching process between the waterproof coating and tent base cloth or between fabrics is not done well, it will affect the waterproofing of the tents. High-quality tent designs incorporate techniques like overlapping the fabrics and reducing the amount of stitching to reduce the risk of leaks.
Unlock the Value of a Top-quality Waterproof Tent
A high-quality waterproof tent is essential equipment for any outdoor event, ensuring comfort and safety in the face of sudden weather changes. Shelter Structures stands out from many specialized tent manufacturers. We offer a range of party tents with excellent waterproofing properties as well as the versatility to make your event perfect.
With a wide range of sizes, our party tents have the flexibility to adapt to the needs of different-sized events. They can be customized to suit your needs, including colors, layout, and decorations. Prefabricated components allow for a more efficient installation process.
Conclusion
Hope that comparing water-resistant vs waterproof tents and tips to check whether tents are waterproof will help you choose the right tent to make your event weatherproof and run perfectly. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of our waterproof tents and use them to help you enjoy every party worry-free.
FAQs of Waterproof Tent
We've compiled a few frequently asked questions and answers about waterproof tents to help you better understand them.
How to Transform a Water-resistant Tent to a Waterproof One?
The water-resistant tent is not enough to withstand heavy rains. You can improve your tent's waterproof rating and transform a water-resistant tent into a waterproof one by waterproofing a tent. So, how to waterproof a tent? For example, you can spray the entire tent with a water-repellent spray or use a small brush or applicator to apply the sealant along each seam.
How to Storage a Waterproof Tent?
Proper maintenance of your waterproof tent can extend its lifespan. Clean your tent with a neutral detergent and water and dry it completely before storing it. Pack the tent loosely in a breathable bag and store it in a cool, dry place away from the ground. Check the condition and performance of your tent regularly.
Is the Waterproof Tent 100% Resistant to Water?
Nothing can be 100% waterproof. So waterproof tents are not completely resistant to water, either. But they have a more robust, sturdier fabric with a solid layer of DWR and can withstand heavy pressure or continuous rain longer. Our tents are waterproof enough to prevent water from seeping into the interior of the tent, keeping it dry and comfortable.
