Tents and awnings can rip and break for a number of reasons leaving the dreaded question...How to fix it? Here is our advice for repairs and how to avoid damage in the future. If while on holiday or in storage your tent/awning canvas becomes damaged first look at the size and type of damage.
If the hole is small (less than an inch in diameter) and fairly central in a panel or roof it can be repaired using nylon and acrylic patches which are widely available. Before your repair thoroughly clean the area and remember to re-proof after to avoid those nasty leaks or further damage and always allow plenty of time for the area to dry. There is nothing worse than seeing panels or windows stuck together when you next arrive on site!! Have a look at our products such as Seam Sealer, Fabsil and Isabella's range of awning products which are all fantastic for home repairs
If you find the damage/hole is large (bigger than an inch) or is close to a tension point (near peg points, seams or fittings) then we recommend having your awning or tent professionally repaired and re-proofed. These types of damage must be treated properly as cleaning products and incorrect handling will only increase problems and make them much harder to repair again. Although it can be more expensive option, depending on the repair, it is worth it and won't cost you a new awning/tent if the repair goes wrong!
Awnings and tents are supplied with a large range of poles but there a couple of simple things to keep in mind.
If your poles are the pre-fitted fibre glass ones commonly found in tents then you can replace snapped poles or shock cord cheaply yourself. Shock cord kits with the tools and directions are available, so you do not have to replace the whole set, as are new fibre poles. Fibre glass poles are available in a range of sizes so it is best to check which diameter you need. These poles can also be cut down using a small hack saw and masking tape to prevent edges from breaking.
If your awning or tent does not have the small fibre glass poles but large carbon fibre, steel or alloy poles then contact the retailer you bought it from with your make and model as a large proportion of poles are specifically designed for certain awnings/tents. If it is only a connection or clamp you require these can often be bought as a replacement to avoid buying a whole new pole.
If you need replacements for a Trio awning then contact Trio Pair who now repair and offer spares for the discontinued Trio brand. If it is a Bradcot awning you must contact them directly.
To avoid damage in the future remember the following things-
• Don't pack away your awning/tent wet as it can damage your canvas.
• Never roll away your awning/tent the same way twice. By doing this it creates creases in the material which can soon turn in to cracks.
• Do not over tension your poles this can snap shock cord or damage connections between poles
• If you have an awning check the awning rail on your van or the point to which you are fixing it to as these rails occasionally cause snags and rips if sharp.
• Don't stretch your limitations. Not all awnings and tents are designed to withstand very strong weather so check before you put your product up so it won't be damaged unexpectedly
Before embarking on any repair or replacement you MUST check the warranty status and information of your awning/tent. If you choose to make a repair without checking your warranty status you could invalidate any cover you currently have.
