If you own a yurt, there comes a point where you’ll experience a tear or a rip in your yurt canvas. Even a heavy-duty fabric that is sturdy enough to support weight can’t tolerate the rigors of heavy use and lack of care. You know that the canvas is an important part of the structure. A torn or damaged yurt canvas can cause problems to the structural integrity of the yurt, as well as make it difficult to keep the yurt warm and dry. Fortunately, repairing a yurt canvas is a relatively easy process.
The simplest, most convenient method is to apply a Tear-Aid tape or flexible adhesive like aquaseal glue. If the canvas is severely torn, it might be more difficult to fix than using a single strip of flexible adhesive. This is when a sew and patch method with a sewing repair kit can be helpful.
So, if you are wondering how to fix a ripped or torn canvas, then read the complete guide below and follow the steps carefully.
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Ways to Fix a Torn Yurt Canvas (Steps included)
For first-time repairs, you might be at wit’s end trying to figure out whether it would be worth fixing your existing tent or replacing it altogether.
So here are a few tips for those who want to fix the tear on their own. The first thing to do is to assess the damage. Determine whether the damage is superficial(small hole/tear) or deep. If the tear is small, then you can simply tape it(method 1) or apply adhesive glue(method 2).
If the damage is deep, then you need to consider whether to apply the sew and patch(method 3) or just replace the canvas.
* Before proceeding to DIY please check with your manufacturer and its warranty coverage.
If you don’t have a manufacturer’s warranty, then let’s move on to ways to fix your canvas:
Method 1 – Tear-Aid Repair Tape (Type A)
This repair patch comes in clear and transparent adhesive sheets that can be stuck over holes or tears in your canvas. While it’s important to avoid making any additional damage, this method will help restore your tent’s functionality while also providing an aesthetically pleasing finish. To add on, this is also a UV and weather-resistant tape.
Step 1 – Remove and clean the canvas. Clean the tear or damage area with a clean towel and let the fabric dry before applying.
Step 2 – Cut the tape into rounded corners so it bonds well and makes it more permanent.
Step 3 – Apply it carefully without leaving any bubbles entrapped in the patch and rub the entire patch properly. Repeat steps 1-3 on the other side.
Cut the new canvas- You will need to cover the damaged areas with canvas, inside and outside.
Method 2 – Durable Bond Adhesive
Durable adhesive glue is also an effective way to repair canvas. The adhesive will bond the fabric together, preventing it from fraying or tearing. The adhesive can also be used to cover up any rips or tears in the canvas. The common ones are Aquaseal and Tear Mender flexible adhesive that does not compromise if the canvas is stretched or bent. The best part? It won’t cost you a dime!
Step 1 – Remove and clean the canvas. Clean the tear or damage area with a clean towel and let the fabric dry before applying.
Step 2 – Apply a coat of adhesive over the torn patch.
For Aquaseal, leave it to cure for the night. You can choose to apply a cure accelerator and it will be ready in 2 hours.
For Tear Mender, 15 minutes is all it takes for it to fully cure.
Method 3 – Sew and Patch (Sewing Awl)
Sew and patch method is very suitable for elongated rips that occur. While average sewing tool needles are thin and have difficulties going through canvas material, you might need to purchase a sewing awl or pre-punch hole to sew up the tear. This sewing awl canvas patch kit includes everything you need to permanently repair rips and holes in your yurt canvas. The most important thing is to not rush through the process. Instead, take your time and ensure that all of the seams are matched up and set correctly.
Step 1 – Remove, clean the canvas and sew up the tear along the seams. (You will need to have access to both sides of the canvas). If you have no prior knowledge of how to use this sewing tool, check out this tutorial video below.
Step 2 – Cut another piece of canvas fabric abundantly. This is to cover up the stitch work as it is still not waterproof. Similar to tear-aid tape, all corners should be rounded to improve strength and durability.
Step 3 – Use durable bond adhesive to patch up the stitch area. Repeat steps 2-3 for the other side. If you have no prior experience in using a sewing awl, you should watch this video below and practice on a sample piece before sewing on your yurt canvas.
In addition to repairing your canvas, we always advise consulting with a professional – after all, only someone who knows what they’re doing could give you the perfect solution to repair tears!
The common question on iron-on repair patches is fairly subjective. As iron-on patches require the application of heat, they might not always be suitable for all materials, especially vinyl. It has the likelihood of affecting the original material properties with high heat. Even if it does stick on, the hold strength of these patches may be inconsistent and not hold for long periods compared to the 3 methods. So you might want to avoid this option altogether.
Common Reasons for Torn Yurt Canvas
Yurt canvas repair is a common problem that has been around for centuries. With the rise of modern lifestyles and the adoption of modern materials, it has become more and more common to see yurt canvas being damaged.
This can be very frustrating when you realize that the canvas is ripped or torn during the season when you need it most.
The most common reasons for tears in yurt canvas are the following:
1. Yurt canvas is prone to ripping from rain and snow. The weight of the snow/water can cause the old canvas to tear.
2. Yurt canvas may be damaged as pressure is applied to it by seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and wind.
3. A foreign object (such as a piece of metal, small rock, or other foreign material).
4. Rough cleaning can be a factor in canvas tearing. If you’re looking for information about yurt canvas cleaning tips, please check out our blog post here.
5. Improper storage. The canvas can be torn or damaged by the tent poles or the ropes used to tie the canvas to the poles.
6. There can be a manufacturing defect in the canvas.
So, what do you do? The first thing that you should do is check the integrity of the canvas. The following are the steps that you need to follow in order to fix a ripped or torn yurt canvas:
If you do not have a warranty look for the yurt canvas instruction manual, it will have tools and kits that can easily fix a tear or should specify which patch or overlay is suitable for your yurt.
Conclusion
When you start to notice a tear or rip in your yurt canvas, we highly recommend repairing it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up with a hole bigger and subsequently beyond repair. Whether you decide to repair the rip yourself or get a professional to help, you are going to want to do all that you can to prevent further damage to your yurt and your investment in it.
All in all, yurt canvas is a very useful and necessary piece of equipment for a tent. They are one of the most important and vulnerable parts of your tent. It is important to maintain them properly and to fix any damages that you may find in them.
We hoped this guide has helped you find the best yurt repair kits available to help you maintain and repair your yurt canvas.