About Canvas Tents
“Finished size” of a tent is the size after it is sewn together. Canvas is 100% cotton and cotton shrinks. You should expect your tent to be smaller after the tent has been preconditioned.
Shrinkage
All tents made from natural fibres, like cotton, will shrink and this will affect the “finished size” measurements of the tent. The exact amount of shrinkage is impossible to predict.
Freestanding Frames
Because of the unpredictability of fabric as to shrinkage, it is almost impossible to get an exact fit on any tent frame. Our years of experience with fabrics have given us an “average” shrinkage factor. This average is what we use when figuring what measurements to use when making frames. However, there are still times when some adjustment of your framework will be necessary to get a good fit. The best time to decide if adjustment is necessary is after the tent has been set up on the frame, wet down and dried thoroughly. If wet be sure to allow your tent to dry thoroughly on the frame before putting it away. NEVER PUT A DAMP TENT INTO STORAGE.
Mildew
One of the most common problems that occur in canvas is mildew. Even if the tent is made of a fabric that is mildew resistant, it will mildew if left damp. Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. Mildew usually forms when tents are put in storage when damp but it can start while set up for no apparent reason. Mildew can start in a very short time and under certain conditions of humidity and temperature. If mildew has started to grow, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent, preferably in the hot sun and applying a Cleaner. After any treatment has been applied, make sure the tent dries completely before putting into storage. If the tent is left up for an extended period of time is certain to occasionally air out the tent so that the humidity inside the tent, from cooking, bodies, etc, can dry. Keeping grass and weeds trimmed around the bottom of the tent is also important since dampness clings to foliage and does not allow air to get to the fabric. Do not delay in drying your tent!!!
Wood Burning Stoves
Always use caution when using a wood burning stove in your tent. Even flame retardant fabrics will burn when in contact with a flame source. There are several things you can do to reduce the chance of damage when using a stove in your tent. Sparks and embers that make it out of the stovepipe and fall back on the tent are the main problem. Remember to set the tent up so the prevailing wind will blow sparks away from the tent and not onto it. Use of a spark arrester cap over your stovepipe is highly recommended. Additionally, it helps to put small holes in the stovepipe above the ridgeline. This provides oxygen for more complete combustion of the sparks before they leave the pipe.
Winds
Intense winds can cause extensive damage to your tent and frames. Be sure to set you tent up using all the stakes and ropes provided, even if using a freestanding frame. It will be necessary to also guy the tent out front and back using the grommets provided in the ends of the ridge if used in windy conditions. Frequently checking the stakes and tightening the guy ropes if they loosen during periods of high winds will keep things together.
Proper use and care of your tent will insure many seasons of tenting pleasure.