[T2] Tent canvas

[Joshua Overmiller]

Andy,

Great sharing of knowledge!
Your google profile photo shows a Westy awning just like mine.  Well,
almost like mine -- fun fact -- I have UK-spec awning so the rear flap is
reversed due the sliding door being on the left side.

My Westy awning is certainly showing some age and wear and tear, but it's
such a nice awning that performs well in all weather.  We hose it down, use
a brush and canvas cleaner to spot clean the bird crap and mud, and treat
it with Fabsil each spring.
What are your thoughts on using a pressure washer for cleaning the canvas
every season?  We have some friends who are in the bell tent business and
they say they use a pressure washer, but for some reason that
seems...excessive and would damage the canvas over time.  However, it does
seem like a nice time-saver over using the brush-and-soap method of
cleaning.

Cheers,

Josh
.


On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 5:06 AM, Andy McKinley <airhedz at gmail.com> wrote:

> Have worked in the canvas business, as well as owned many tents.
>
> One thing to consider is that Sunbrella and like materials do not like to
> be creased or stuffed into a bag. Rolling it up flatly is fine (as in an
> awning).
>
> Treated cotton duck will provide a strong rain tight tent becauss the
> cotton absorbs moisture and swells, tightening the weave and closing the
> space between the warp and weft. Heavy and bulky, but quiet and
> comfortable. It breathes, and you don't get condensation from transpiration
> as with the coated lightweight nylon fabrics, which don't breathe. If it's
> been rained on or slept on on cold nights, you'll want to set either up to
> air dry as soon as you can.
>
> Roll up awnings or fixed structures, Sunbrella or similar.
> Quick, easy, lightweight and compact, coated nylon.
> Comfort and protection, treated cotton canvas.
>
> My Westy side tents have been the best tents I've ever owned. Kept me dry
> in deluges.
>
>
>
> Andy McKinley
> airhedz at gmail.com
>
> Love your country, but never trust its government.
> -Robert A. Heinline
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