Breathable membrane repair?

[Packer]

After telling every one who will listen how good my FT Aquaguard suit has been I ended up sitting in a puddle of water after riding through torrential rain .

On checking the trousers by partially immersing them in a sink of water I find that a minute flaw has developed in the inner lining allowing water through.

Has anyone attempted to repair something like this? I'm thinking of possibly applying a rubber solution to the area just to close the affected pores in the membrane. I'm thinking of just using puncture repair adhesive as it starts very liquid but quickly dries and I can then just apply chalk or flexible fabric tape over it.

The kit is out of warranty as FT don't offer the same warranty on replacement kit, only the balance of the warranty from the original date of sale.

I have also been told that it can help to put the item in a tumble dryer for half an hour as the warmth allows the plastic of the membrane to recover from stretching caused by wear. FT said definitely NO Any one tried this?

 

[Shep]

I've never tried the repair route, but have found giving the clothing a regular wash with a normal soap (non bio) helps lots. However if you have a tear and its out of warrantee i would certainly try to patch it, Goretex garments (along time ago i must admit) came with a repair kit, depends if its one of the gortex ft's i suppose.

The leggings on suits have always failed first on any kit i've owned, harder life I suppose

Shep

 

[Fanum]

After telling every one who will listen how good my FT Aquaguard suit has been I ended up sitting in a puddle of water after riding through torrential rain .

On checking the trousers by partially immersing them in a sink of water I find that a minute flaw has developed in the inner lining allowing water through.

Has anyone attempted to repair something like this? I'm thinking of possibly applying a rubber solution to the area just to close the affected pores in the membrane. I'm thinking of just using puncture repair adhesive as it starts very liquid but quickly dries and I can then just apply chalk or flexible fabric tape over it.

The kit is out of warranty as FT don't offer the same warranty on replacement kit, only the balance of the warranty from the original date of sale.

I have also been told that it can help to put the item in a tumble dryer for half an hour as the warmth allows the plastic of the membrane to recover from stretching caused by wear. FT said definitely NO Any one tried this?

Goretex say to wash their products with normal detergent then tumble dry on medium heat........

They day that the tumble drying helps regenerate the 'DWR' (Durable water repellant) but it won't heal a rip in the material.

IIRC, there's a 5 yr warranty on goretex for wear and tear holes etc- they won't replace or fix it if it's been punctured by badges etc.

Goretex care instructions Here

 

[shuck raider]

I don't think that membrane repair is possible from an 'amateur' perspective and like Bill says, Gore-Tex offer a 5 year warranty and perhaps you should contact the supplier.

If there is an obvious tear or hole in the outer fabric, you can repair this yourself. Use a fabric patch and flexible cement such as Aqua Seal. It is urethane based and when dry remains flexible. The Cotol 240 in the kit below is a clear liquid that acts as a catalyst with Aqua Seal and lowers viscosity for deeper penetration as it decreases drying time. Popular with flyfishermen using Gore Tex waders and available from fishing tackle shops.

 

[Packer]

Thankyou one and all.

My FT's are AquaPore not Gore-Tex but I guess they can't be much different.

No one told me your supposed to wash them , maybe I should have read the instructions. The only cleaning they ever get is when I hose off the bike, I hose myself down too Its great as long as the gear is waterproof!

 

[Garryc]

Packer...

Tiso in Glasgow sell a genuine Gortex repair kit which you can stick or iron. Cost less than tenner if I recall.

I used it to patch up my Dainese trousers, to good effect.

They were easily to apply!!!

 

[Bigtwin]

Outdoor shop - goretex patch -iron on - sorted. 5 mins job.

 

[Packer]

I was in Halfords for a cycle puncture repair kit when I saw a product called Scabs.

Self adhesive puncture repair patches, also suitable for inflatable boats, tents etc.

Bought a pack, stuck one on the stressed area of the membrane.

Rode 300+ miles yesterday through rain, sleet and a bit of snow over Drumochter Pass. No leaks. Problem solved, at least for now.

So, if you've got a leaky membrane get a Scab!

 

[Schtum]

So, if you've got a leaky membrane get a Scab!

And this is in your crotch.....right?