Repairing the awning vinyl

patrolst · Senior Member

Repairing the awning vinyl

allinone · Senior Member

When pulling up today noticed that the awning had been scraped somehow, and when opened saw that there was a couple of tears in the top layer, in several places. Any suggestions on some simple repairs to prolong the life or seal the cuts would be appreciated. Was thinking of tape underside or outside or nail polish but maybe these may not be suitable or long lasting. It is coloured green on the top layer. Thanks for your experienced replies...

beiffe · Guru

There is a cloth tape that you can use. Only a temp fix but if you clean the awning well before applying it last for a few years.
Not sure if it is at Bunnings but should be available from most camping stores
Regards
Brian

Yuglamron · Guru

As suggested the White flexible Sikaflex with some good quality tape works well.

Just one other tip.If your tear/hole is in a place where the wind can get at it while travelling, cutting a curve on the corners of the tape so the wind has less of a chance to get under a corner and worry the tape off.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I agree with the cloth tape as a quick fix. Amazing what can be done with cloth tape, good stuff. Comes in a few different colours as well and yes you can get it in Bunnings or other hardware chains. Good luck allinone, and,

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Find a similar piece of vinyl and glue a patch on using above ground swimming pool liner glue from your local hardware store.
Some glue packs come with patch material.
It will last "forever".

Cheers,
Peter

allinone · Senior Member

Thanks to all for your replies and will look for the coloured cloth tape as it seems like a relatively cheap and easy long term fix. A great help....

neilnruth · Guru

We haven't got an awning like that, but what a good lot of great advice you all gave allinone! Well done.

Duh · Guru

I had a tear in a vinyl awning once and also some holes in my vinyl pop up skirt.

I bought some white tape with adhesive on one side (from Camec from memory) that was especially designed for awning repairs, it did the job well and did not lift in the time I had the caravan.

I also rounded the corners like Yuglamron said for the same reason also less chance of catching on something.

golivers travels · Guru

allinone, Do you have caravan Insurance? Could get it replaced. We had a small tear in ours after a strong wind, was replaced by insurance. Had to pay $200 excess but worth it. The tears aare obviously from an accidental knock. Cheers Glenda

Birdy1710 · Veteran Member

Hi Allinone, I,m probly a bit late with this sorry, Their is a tape especialy made for the job.

R V Awning repair tape. Its clear and very strong. I got it on the nett, but i reckon most caravan shops would have it.

I think it was about $20 bucks for a 76mmx4.5mtr roll. Cheers Birdy

Old Crofter · Senior Member

A ships chandlery will have spinnaker repair tape, most likely not your colour but you will only have to put it on once, very thin and will not contort the rest of the awning.

Bob

allinone · Senior Member

Birdy1710 wrote:
Hi Allinone, I,m probly a bit late with this sorry, Their is a tape especialy made for the job.
R V Awning repair tape. Its clear and very strong. I got it on the nett, but i reckon most caravan shops would have it.
I think it was about $20 bucks for a 76mmx4.5mtr roll. Cheers Birdy

Thanks for this, much cheaper than a $200 insurance excess!

Cupie · Guru

I satisfactorily repaired a tear in my Annex wall at the top of one of the zips.

Just dropped in to the manufacturer & got a piece of the same colour vinyl & a pot of glue. Total cost around $10.

Followed the instructions & it is still going well 5 years later.

The glue almost melts the fabric - makes it soft & sticky until it sets, so you have to be neat & careful.

I have been told that Tarzan's grip does the job, but I haven't tried it. I think that you need an Acetone/Keytone based glue.

A few years ago a repair guy had a go at a hole in the awning. He used a round piece of vinyl fabric (a big dot) & glue similar to the one described above. It worked but was a bit unsightly until the whole awning was replaced on insurance a few years later. $100 excess those days but had to be done, as I put the top of the door through the awning .. big tear!

-- Edited by Cupie on Sunday 27th of January 2013 12:13:49 PM