Pu vs silicone tent. Here's everything you need to know about tent fabrics.

Pu vs silicone tent. PE vs. This is almost always accomplished by using waterproof fabrics. Silicone With my tents, we could save $5-$10 off the cost of production if we didn't seam seal (way bigger cost than sil vs sil/pu), plus it would look 1oz lighter. Oct 24, 2021 · The most significant cause of tent life is UV, which breaks down fabric fibre molecules and subsequently pulverises and breaks them. Apr 27, 2023 · Of the three coatings discussed here (PU, PE, and silicone), PU has the worst hydrolytic stability. For PU-Coated Oct 19, 2024 · The waterproof coatings allow your tent to survive long, consistent rainfall from causing tent failures, so how do waterproof fabric coatings work like PU and Silicone? A polyurethane coating, or PU, is very common and has a long history as a waterproofing option, but it comes with side effects like tearing easily, and over time, this coating Jul 27, 2023 · Tent Fabric Coatings — Pros and Cons of PU, PE and Silicone . This coating technology should not be mixed with laminates that are far less frequently used in tents industry. Apr 27, 2023 · In this article, we’ll be taking a journey of discovery through the most common waterproof coatings used in tents: polyester urethane (PU), polyether urethane (PE), and silicone, and combinations thereof. Features Jun 5, 2025 · Applying Seam Sealer:For Silicone-Nylon Tents: Use 100% Silicone Sealant (e. PU vs PE/PeU vs PC/PcU One of the most important functions of a tent is (obviously) to keep you dry. Waterproof Fabric Jul 8, 2024 · Silicone treatments are far more enduring, preserving their waterproof quality over many more years. Over time, the PU coating reacts with moisture in the air — this process is accelerated by heat — and splits the polyester urethane molecule. Thankfully, however, the process Yes, that means the PU coating is inherently more pressure-resistant. Over time, both nylon and polyester will lose their silicone, so you just purchase a waterproofing spray and reseal. May 16, 2023 · Renew Your Tent’s DWR Coating. This longevity makes high Hydrostatic Head (HH) numbers less critical compared to PU coatings. Something like the 10D sil/PU fabric used One of the most important functions of a tent is (obviously) to keep you dry. Here's everything you need to know about tent fabrics. Apr 2, 2024 · Waterproof Fabric Coatings 101: PU vs. What is Dyneema or Cuben Fiber? When talking materials commonly used for tents, Dyneema will offer the best strength to weight - and likely the highest cost. Jan 22, 2025 · This drives the cost of PU fabrics down further compared to silicone. The old PU coatings which sat on the surface rather than going into the fabric actually weakened the fabric, while the silicone coating/impregantion does strengthen the fabric. Jun 13, 2019 · As long as you store your tent properly, your sil/sil fabrics will outlast all other coatings and coating combinations. Quick Takeaway: A silicone or silicone blend coating creates a stronger lighter fabric than a PU coated fabric. PU coating is often applied to polyester tents to enhance their water resistance. Silicone Treatment Details: I have never owned such a nice tent before, let alone one with a Sil/PU treated fly. The fly is usually made of a woven May 11, 2023 · Interesting Roger that you say a tunnel tent doesn’t need the no-sag-when-wet silpoly due to its shape… never thought about that so far, I merely was annoyed by all dome tents and tarps I’ve had that sagged. I understand the effect of strength for PU coating vs silicone coating, that reinforces my opinion to stay with silicone coating. And it is in fact waterproof when used with sil/sil fabrics, at least with the thread and needle size that we use. No Tent sealant (again, be sure to get the right type for your tent. 5 ft and only weighing 10. As I mentioned above, silicone is often used as a lubricant. Polyester fabrics get weaker with thicker PU coatings, which results in a tradeoff between weight, tear strength (relevant in the light of UV degradation), and durability of the waterproofing. However this does not mitigate either the breakdown of the PU coating or the fact that PU coatings decrease tear strength. One of the most important functions of a tent is (obviously) to keep you dry. 02, 2024. Most tents use polyurethane-coated fabrics, but if you're unsure what type of fabric your tent is made of, check with the tent manufacturer. Silicone-treated fabric takes a different sealer than polyurethane-coated fabrics. ) Here's how to apply the tent sealant: Dec 2, 2022 · This line of tents, available in one, two, or three-person configurations, is well acclaimed in the backpacking world. There are two main types of waterproof coatings used in tents—polyurethane (PU) and silicone. PLEASE NOTE: Many manufacturers will offer "silicone-treated" fabrics to keep clothing and gear lightweight and waterproof. Mar 27, 2023 · Silicone and Polyurethane(PU) are elastomers, a category of materials that exhibit rubber-like characteristics and can be extended and deformed without fracturing. Imagine a spreadsheet where there are two tents, and one costs $180 and weighs 27oz, while the other costs $200 and weights 28oz. Ensure full coverage over needle holes. A 3000 mm silicone-coated fabric can outperform a 5000 mm PU-coated material over time due to PU's decreasing efficacy. As we explore these materials, you will gain a better understanding of which is better suited for your Feb 15, 2024 · For example, in our tents, we apply PU primarily to the floor, demanding high water resistance due to direct ground contact and pressure. What do you guys think are the pros/cons between what looks like the most common methods used for waterproofing tent materials. In the lap-felled seams used in tents, the folded-over portions extend past the stitching, so both needles go through 4 layers of fabric rather than 3. The result is smelly, sticky, non-waterproof fabric. Another huge benefit of silicone is that unlike PU and PE, silicone coatings actually increase the tear strength of the fabric to which they are applied. I have done this with my two backpacking tents, and they are both over ten years old. Apr 8, 2016 · The durability of tent fabrics is more dependent on things other than hydrostatic head. However, unlike true silnylon fabrics that have silicone infused into the fabric, these silicone-treated fabrics typically have a silicone coating on only one side (outside) and a polyurethane coating on the other (inside). Silicone. Measuring 8. nonwovens in Jan 10, 2020 · Sea to Summit Escapist 15D – If you are traveling solo then you will be looking at the medium size for this range. Waterproof Fabric Coatings 101: PU vs. I vaguely remember reading that you can't use regular seam sealant on Silicone treated tents- but I'm no expert on outdoor fabrics, so I'm not sure if the seam tape is itself silicone based or PU since its on the inside of the tent. This coating is less durable than waterproof PU or silicone coatings and usually requires renewal after every 10-15 outings. 5 ft by 6. Mar 30, 2025 · When it comes to materials that serve both commercial and personal applications, silicone and polyurethane frequently come into play. 5 oz, this could be an excellent choice for a thru hiker, or ultralight backpacker looking to move fast. Apr. g. A tent’s DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating is what allows it to shed water upon impact and provides the first line of defense against precipitation. It is generally believed that nylon is not as resistant to UV as polyester, but according to our tests, polyester is only slightly stronger than nylon, unless the fabric is thickened, no 15D material of the same thickness will last 90 days continuously under Polyurethane coated fabrics typically are coated on one side with PU and one side with silicone as silicone is higher performing and only one side needs to be taped. Both materials demonstrate exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and weather, rendering them well-suited for a vast array of applications. Each material boasts distinct characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks, influenced by factors such as temperature resistance, durability, and flexibility. PU sealers won't bond! Apply thinly along the exposed seam stitching on the inside of the rainfly using the brush applicator or a small foam brush. The fly is almost always made of a woven fabric (learn more about wovens vs. , Gear Aid SilNet, McNett Silicone Seam Grip). . On the other hand, the flysheet, or outer layer, is crafted from silicone-treated nylon. Cure 24-48 hours. The rain fly is composed of silicone-treated ripstop nylon with a 1,200 mm rating and is both lightweight and capacious (the 2-person tent weighs only 3 lbs 1 oz and has 29 square feet of floor space). Oct 17, 2024 · I'm looking for a lightweight (less than 40gsm) waterproof fabric for use in a tent floor that isn't made with slippery siliconized coating. It forms a waterproof barrier on the tent's surface that prevents water from seeping through. However, we now have PU coatings which go into the fabric the same way as the silicone coatings do. Silicone One of the most important functions of a tent is (obviously) to keep you dry. In a traditional double-wall tent, there’s a waterproof outer layer called a fly or flysheet and a breathable inner tent body with waterproof floor and sidewalls. PU coatings seem to be used on both nylon and polyester fabrics, while silnylon is obviously exclusive to nylon. Feb 1, 2023 · You will want to know that there is also a silicone and PU/silicone coating that is used in lighter tents, and polyether urethane (PE) that is rarely used. A saggy rain fly means less air movement in between the fly and tent body which will result in more condensation and dampness in the tent. Sep 16, 2023 · Explanation of Different Waterproof Coatings: PU Coating, Silicone Coating. The use of PU coated polyester vs Silicone coated nylon for instance. wpfpg dicub rsba qrkie fxj tpaxt ddhxv ewck pbqrau svgk