does anyone have any ideas on how to waterproof a gazebo. I have bought a new topper (fabric) $140 rain pools and leaks.

Mary B
by Mary B
  8 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on May 17, 2012
    Can you post photos. It sounds like the key is getting water to drain off the topper. If water is pooling, you need to angle the cover somehow to correct that.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on May 20, 2012
    I agree some pics could go a long way. Some fabric covers are also better at repelling water than others. The basic "canvas" types would be on the lower end with multi-coated fabrics up at the top. I have stayed is some "fabric" covered yurts that were completely weather tight.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 21, 2012
    If you are using canvas, there is basically no way to keep it from pooling since you probably have it secured at the lowest end because of size. If you intend for this to be a weathproof structure, then you have to put on some sort of roof. Otherwise, it will have to serve as a fair weather spot only. If you decide to roof, you will need to use a rigid product or at least a semi-rigid product which will have to be caulked against leakage.
  • Condi G Condi G on May 21, 2012
    I had the same issue with mine, and we used the water repellent for tents. Scotch guard works pretty well too, but it takes several coats.
  • Mary B Mary B on May 22, 2012
    Thanks so much for the ideas, I will try to post pics this week.
  • Karrie B Karrie B on May 28, 2012
    Try the waterproofing spray for shoes. That works really well. Also make sure it is pulled tight enough so that it can't pool as much.
  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 10, 2020

    What is the topper made of? If it is canvas it will repel water to a limited extent but canvas is not water proof. Is the roof solid or something like a satellite dish?

    The problem with canvas gazebos, even if they come from the manufacturer coated with waterproofing, is that the canvas usually does not resist water for more than a season.

  • Esther Esther on Oct 19, 2021

    My husband wants to build a gazebo in our back yard along with a deck. He likes to imaging what our back yard would look like. Zeroscaping looks good!