Ribbon for tarp ridgeline - nylon or polyester?

**hutzelbein** · 12-11-2015, 12:51

Thanks. I guess I'm going to order in the US again, then...

**Boston** · 12-11-2015, 14:20

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

Thanks. I guess I'm going to order in the US again, then...

Honestly, I'd just go check out your local craft store. There's nothing particularly special about that brand. See what they have, and see if you feel comfortable with it.

**Snowball** · 12-12-2015, 18:43

Got an idea for this ridgeline concept.
Seal the tape/band with silicone on the backside before sewing and let it dry. Then it’s as waterproof as it can be. Silicone acts as rubber and will make a tight fit around the thread.

**hutzelbein** · 12-13-2015, 03:17

Originally Posted by Snowball

Seal the tape/band with silicone on the backside before sewing and let it dry. Then it’s as waterproof as it can be. Silicone acts as rubber and will make a tight fit around the thread.

I don't really see a need for waterproofing. I haven't seam-sealed any of my WB tarps and it hasn't been a problem so far. I have been using my oldest WB tarp for 5 years now. Using silicone on the tape would add some weight and increase the cost of the build (a tube of Silnet costs around 7 EUR here), plus it'll be a lot more work.

**Boston** · 12-13-2015, 07:32

Yeah, sealing is definitely not needed.

**xxl_hanger** · 02-22-2016, 03:32

ExTex twill webbing works good for the ridgeline of a tarp. There is also a 3/4" version available.
http://www.extremtextil.de/catalog/T...ml?language=en

It's nylon material, but strong enough. Even when wet there is no stretch at all.

I never held an original Warbonnet tarp in my hand. But I'm pretty sure that warbonnetguy makes no french seam on the ridgeline, its a double folded seam I guess. That's even stronger as a french seam and makes in this case a bit more sense.

**Caminante** · 02-22-2016, 07:57

Newb question, I've only made 1.5 tarps, so I'm just curious what the ribbon and extra sewing are for if you are doing a felled seam anyway? I assume it's for additional strength, though I've had no strength issues with the felled seam on my silpoly hex tarp. I've read that you don't have to seam seal with the ribbon, whereas with only a felled seam you typically do need to seam seal.

Just curious why people add the extra weight and sewing - assume there's a payoff, maybe I'll understand when my ridge line separates during the middle of a trip.

**xxl_hanger** · 02-22-2016, 08:56

With a grosgrain ridgeline you can pull much more tension on your ridgeline and your guylines as with a flat felled seam only. You will possibly note the difference sooner or later if you use your tarp often under very windy conditions. For sunny July afternoons you presumably won't need a grosgrain ridgeline.

**Caminante** · 02-22-2016, 10:17

Originally Posted by xxl_hanger

With a grosgrain ridgeline you can pull much more tension on your ridgeline and your guylines as with a flat felled seam only. You will possibly note the difference sooner or later if you use your tarp often under very windy conditions. For sunny July afternoons you presumably won't need a grosgrain ridgeline.

That's probably fair. My silpoly hex tarp is almost outside pitched as much as it is inside, but it's only ~4 months old. I'll have to keep an eye on it, and especially my MEMBRANE silpoly tarp that I'm building now.

**mando** · 11-18-2019, 08:16

Nevermind. My question was answered on page 3.

Looks like RSBTR offers 1" grosgrain which I will use for the ridgeline and just roll hem the bottom edges (silpoly). Lots of great info on this thread!