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Related Links: Wetsuit Care, Wetsuit Repair Materials Wetsuits if cared for properly should last several years, but like everything else, they do wear out showing damage in several ways. The good news is that suits can be repaired with the same materials and in much the same manner as when they were originally made. Seams – Seams take a lot of abuse. There are
several types of stitching found in wetsuits, and what stitch is used is a
considerable factor in the cost of the suit. For the most part, the more
expensive the suit (thickness and style remaining constant) the
drier/warmer and more durable the stitching. On cool – cold water suits,
stitches are often “taped” for additional warmth and durability. The
“tape” is merely a thin piece of neoprene glued to the suit covering
the stitching. This tape becomes unstuck over time, but needs only wetsuit
cement and pressure to stick it back down. If
a section of stitching has failed, apply neoprene glue to the suit
according to the directions, then cover with a piece of seam tape if
available to make your repair stronger and last longer. Rips and Tears in your suit can be thought of
as “new” seams, and fixed in the manner described above. Dry-Out/Dry Rot – This occurs from UV damage to your suit. It usually appears first on the shoulders in the form of ridges or creases that split open later. Once this happens, your suit has entered its golden years. It may take some time before tearing completely open, so apply wetsuit cement or WindsShear to the area to reinforce it and protect it from more UV damage. Zippers- Over time, zippers suffer from
age and use. Most often they become increasingly harder to move, and
sometimes frozen in place. A good cleaning with very hot water and an old
toothbrush usually does the trick. |
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Windance 108 Hwy. 35, Hood River, OR 97031 |
