Waterproof Zipper Installation

[Steven Evans]

I bought some YKK #3 Uretek Waterproof Continuous Coil Zipper from thru-hiker and have a dumb question.

Which way do I install it?

When I look at a zipper, it has a front and a back and usuallu the front would face out. However, it appears that there is a waterproof coating on what I would consider to be the "back" of the zipper. Do I install this zipper with the front facing in and the back facing out towards the elements?

I hope this makes sense. :)

[Stuart R]

Yup, you should have the shiny, waterproof side facing out.
If the zip puller is one sided, that should correspond and face out.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Yup, install it backwards.

[MTN]

how do you install waterproof zippers? sew it and then use seam tape? I have no idea

[Steven Evans]

Thanks guys!

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Madeline,

Generally you would just sew it in place and then seam seal it with something like Seam Grip to get it fully watertight.

Steve: What are you making now? :)

[Steven Evans]

Generally you would just sew it in place and then seam seal it with something like Seam Grip to get it fully watertight.

Nice, thanks, that's what I figured but wasn't 100% sure.

What are you making now? :)

I'm starting to build my new winter shelter. It's kind of a wacky idea/design so we'll see how it works out…will definitely keep you guys posted.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Neat…it'll be interesting to see what you come up with.

I'm working on the worlds lightest rain jkt right now. I should be done tomorrow. It's a zipper-less, hoodless cuben pull over. I'm guessing it'll be sub 2oz….maybe sub 1.5oz.

[Jerry Adams]

I usually use regular coil zippers and never noticed much water coming through.

But I normally put the zipper vertically so water just naturally runs down the zipper rather than into the tent.

[Bob Gross]

"I usually use regular coil zippers and never noticed much water coming through."

Yes, and you can augment that by lubricating the zipper with a bar of soap. It does not make it waterproof, but it helps some.

–B.G.–

[Rod Lawlor]

Bob,

I reckon I need to call you on that one. While soap might work to make the zipper run easier, it gets you clean by lowering the surface tension of water. In other works, by making you wetter. I can't see how it would make any zipper MORE water resistant.

Candle wax on the other hand, might be a goer.

[Bob Gross]

The last time that I did this, it seemed to block rainwater by clogging up the zipper teeth.

You can call me if you wish, but you don't have my phone number.

–B.G.–

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