Ridge line and tarp-edge reinforcement materials

I know that some, both DIY and pros, don't think reinforcement necessary. I can also see that some experienced professional gear makers make wider seams --such as Clark -- which increases the strength of the seam.

What material beside polyester gros grain is used for this reinforcement? (I bought an OES tarp to study Brian's method.) Satin ribbon anyone?

Warbonnetguy says he reinforces his ridgeline with something less stretchy, which also adds to leak-proofness.

Anybody use one of the double-sided basting tapes Sailrite says they sell a ton of? They come in basic, top grade 3M, and with a Kevlar reinforced Mylar fabric-like tape --hello cuben?-- backing explicitly for strength when sewn through.T(his approach is also talked up for water-proofness in Grant's "Canvasworkers Guide", but he's the Sailrite (DIY) company founder.)

From the Warbonnet description:

The [tarps] have lightweight low-stretch polyester edge binding on the ridge seam. The binding along the ridge seam makes for an extra-strong low-stretch ridgeline seam that eliminates the need for a separate ridge cord, it also means you'll never need to seam seal the ridge seam.

Have you followed this model or example, and if so, what do you use?

Per the previous post, there are products specially made for this, but I notice that 1/2" (13mm) satin polyester ribbon weighs 2oz per 100ft and has an estimated breaking strength of 100lb. Is this what Warbonnet encorporates?

From looking at my Warbonnet Big Mamajamba closely, I can't tell what type of material it is. Here's 2 closeup pictures.

Yes, I seam sealed it.

Looks like grosgrain?

I haven't tried hard, but haven't found where the strength is, in warp or in weft. That's why I've wondered whether satin polyester ribbon might be a great product for this purpose.

I measure the $1 rolls of 1/2" Made in Mexico, packed in US satin ribbon sold by Walmart, @ an estimated 2oz per 100 ft,with estimated breaking strength of 80-120 lb.

I weigh 5/8" grosgrain @ .63oz / 5 yards, ~~ 4 oz. per 100ft. Use the grosgrain instead of satin ribbon on ridgeline and the weight penalty is about 1/4oz.

Still waiting to find out what anyone but Warbonnetguy thinks of using reinforcement of the tarp ridgeline and Brian at OES of finishing the hems.

IMHO grosgrain or any additional reinforcement for a tarp ridgeline that is made with a flat felled seam is a bit superfluous. Usually a seam like that is already stronger than the rest of the tarp, perhaps its just a belt and suspenders approach. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redoleary

IMHO grosgrain or any additional reinforcement for a tarp ridgeline that is made with a flat felled seam is a bit superfluous. Usually a seam like that is already stronger than the rest of the tarp, perhaps its just a belt and suspenders approach. :D

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But do you experience stretch? I use poly ribbon on my tarp r/l and I can string it tight and don't have to re-position thru the night. just wondering. no experience with tarp w/o r/l reinforcing.

I'll add a theoretical advantage: If the ridge-line doesn't stretch, then neither will any of the needle holes in the nylon, filled with silicone or not. Which means they would be less likely to seep or weep.

I like chickenwing's experience. Seems lighter,less bulk, and less-fuss, too, than tarp-tensioners which fix a problem that didn't have to occur.

How heavy is the poly ribbon you use? At which layer of the seam?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chickenwing

But do you experience stretch? I use poly ribbon on my tarp r/l and I can string it tight and don't have to re-position thru the night. just wondering. no experience with tarp w/o r/l reinforcing.

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I've never noticed the RL stretching as the force on it is in the most dimensionally stable direction of the fabric and there's four layers in the FF Seam. The rest of my tarp stretches like crazy but if the RL stretches, its minimal.

How do you add your webbing to the RL? Inside the seam or on top of it?

Looking at my second picture, if you blow it up a bit you will see that it's 2 separate pieces of grosgrain - they are stitched together with , I assume, the center of the tarp (2 edges) sandwiched between them. My tarp doesn't stretch and I've put some real pressure on the ridge line. I didn't have any leakage before I seam sealed it - just felt better doing it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redoleary

I've never noticed the RL stretching as the force on it is in the most dimensionally stable direction of the fabric and there's four layers in the FF Seam. The rest of my tarp stretches like crazy but if the RL stretches, its minimal.

How do you add your webbing to the RL? Inside the seam or on top of it?

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Great news. may save me some steps:) in my tarp making. Currently I fold the ribbon over the top of the seam.