We have recently bought a 2nd hand Pennine fiesta, on closer inspection when we got it home the canvas could do with a deep clean above the kitchen. We have contacted various places to have this done and wanted a ball park figure of how much this would cost. Nobody will give us a rough guide as to how much it could cost. As anybody on here had a folding camper canvas professionally cleaned and reproofed, if so please can you let me know how much it cost. As we are trying to work out if it is worth having this work done on the camper or cutting our losses and getting rid of it as there are also a couple of small holes in the canvas that will require repairing. Any advice greatly accepted.
To be honest, it really depends on how bad it is, and whether or not you can live with it. Always nice to have it cleaned, but reproofing is never a good idea unless you absolutely have to (and, if you have it cleaned, pretty much a certainty it will need re proofing after). I can't link to it, but this is a cut and paste of a recent article on the subject which explains why;
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How And When Should We Water Proof A Folding Camper
The issue of water proofing the canvas of a folding camper, trailer tent or awning comes up regularly, and is featured in the FAQ section of our main web site.
The water proofing qualities of any canvas are integral to its ability to function properly. We do, however, need to be very careful as to how we look after it and protect it. For example, any cleaning products containing detergents will automatically compromise the integrity of the canvas, as will many treatments for mold, mildew, etc, and these need to be avoided, if at all possible.
With respect to waterproofing, generally, the advice has to be; “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Waterproofing solution should only be applied when the canvas is leaking profusely, and cannot be remedied using any other means, and should never be used purely as a preventative measure.
The cotton fibres in the fabric expand and contract, depending on their moisture content. As the fabric becomes soaked, it begins to swell, thereby plugging any microscopic holes in the canvas, and preventing water ingress, just like the wooden slats of a water barrel expand, and fill the gaps, in order to retain the liquid inside.
Water proofing solution plugs those holes in much the same way as the fibres do. Unfortunately, in doing so, it coats the cotton fibres, making them rigid, and preventing them from expanding when they become wet. This means that we have, effectively, removed the natural waterproofing qualities of the canvas. Once we have done this, it is only the water proofing solution that is keeping the moisture out. As the canvas flexes and moves, and is exposed to the elements, the water proof layer breaks down, and, as we have now destroyed the canvas’ own ability to keep water out, we begin to notice leaks appearing, once again. As a result, we find ourselves constantly re applying the solution, on a regular basis.
So. What is the best procedure when we spot a leak? Well. Most campers with non acrylic canvases will dry out, when placed in storage, for any period of time, and some will contract enough to allow water to start seeping in.
The best procedure is to set the camper up, and lightly spray it with a hose, until reasonably wet, allow it to dry a little, and then repeat, using a little more water each time. A normal canvas should self repair as it becomes saturated, and the leaks should disappear. On those rare occasions when it doesn’t, then you may wish to consider the application of the likes of Fabsil etc, which can be either painted or sprayed onto the canvas.
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It's also possible that by weathering the canvas, you can close up those tiny holes, an make it water proof, any way, without treating it, so it will all come down to how bad the staining is as to whether or not ot is worth doing. Of course, that will also, partly depend on the age of the unit, which you've not told us (the Fiesta has been in production for over 30 years).
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I am finding more and more marks on the inside of my canvas above and to the side of the sink. i think they are from contact with the poles. not sure how to clean these. Only happening on one side. Also, the canvas above the bed on the same side keeps getting trapped and I now have several small holes in it! Anyone know what I can do about this? Is it anything to do with the folding process?
The unit is 20 years old (1995), the holes are not going to close as they are where the cotton threads have broken so not as big as a 5p piece but bigger then pencil point. I just want the dealers who clean canvas etc. to let me know the stating price e.g. anything from £200 upwards as if the starting price is too high it is not worth us taking the unit to them to give us a price. We have had trailer tents and campers for over 25 years but this is a job too big for us to do our selves, so am trying to budget for it, which is difficult without having a guide price for the work.
We have had some repairs done on our Canvas for the Cabanon Neptune we have.
We used the company in the link below and took it to them. It is a traditional workshop which seem to be all too thin on the grounds these days :( . They did a superb job and very reasonably priced as well. May be worth emailing or calling them for advice, I think they have a lot of things couriered to them incase it is not close enough to take it in.
To be honest, everyone's repairs are going to be different. It may well be worth contacting one or two of the nearest recommended places, describing the problems, maybe sending them a couple of pictures and getting them to quote.
The chances of any of us having the same sort of work done, in the same sort of areas, and to the same extent is pretty remote. Every job is different, so, if you want to budget properly, it's probably worth speaking to those who would be doing the work.
Post last edited on 12/10/2015 15:18:57
------------- The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
I know everybodies work is different but would just like a staring price for cleaning & reproofing initially, which I am struggling to get, if they start at £200 it isn't worth me wasting the dealers and my time by taking the camper to them for a price (non will give us a starting figure without seeing it and all are over 30 miles away). thanks anyway.
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Topic: Professional Clean & Reproofing
