Grosgrain Tarp Ridgeline...

[pndwind]

I do flat felled seams and have not had a leak yet. I do off set the seam though, not sure if that has anything to do with it.

So no sealing?

[streamline]

Although flattered and I thank you, SnrMoment, you are giving me way to much credit.

I am definitely not saying to not seam seal. There is a reason for it, I just haven't had to on any of mine with the flat felled seam. I did on my first tarp, but have since gone to not doing it and off setting the seam to not lay on the ridge line. I also make sure that the lip created by the seam is on the run off side of the tarp, this way the water doesn't gather in it and seep in.

There is far more experience roaming around here than I have.

[Boston]

Hi streamline,

With your construction method, I would guess seam sealing is not required. However, with a felled seam on the ridgeline, you will need to seal. I believe there are 2 reasons.

1) The seam isn't being stretched open to the extend a ridgeline seam would be.

2) The water isn't exerting direct pressure on the seam, and doesn't "pool" on top of the seam - it runs down the side of the tarp much easier.

[streamline]

That was my thought process when I changed the method. I figure, if there is no seam over my head, then there is no seam to fail . . over my head.

I remember reading on the forums here, not sure where, that one of the cottage industries here also did flat felled along the ridgeline, and there were reports on no seam sealing needed. But again I can't be sure where I read it.

Honestly, the seam on my tarp would see more rain traffic than a ridgeline seam would. But you are right, the stretch of the ridgeline might make all the difference in this case.