There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between weatherproof and waterproof. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we will clear up any confusion and help you understand the difference between weatherproof and waterproof. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right type of protection for your needs.
The Definition of Waterproof
For example, waterproof umbrellas are made of a unique fabric that prevents water from passing through.
Waterproof electronic equipment is coated with a special material that prevents water from passing through it. This type of electronic equipment is often used by people who live in areas with high rainfall or by athletes who participate in water sports.
The Definition Weatherproof
Weatherproofing is a process or treatment that makes an object resistant to the effects of weather. Waterproofing is a process or treatment that makes an object impervious to water.
Weatherproofing can be done to clothing, shoes, umbrellas, electronic equipment, and buildings. Waterproofing can be done to clothing, electronic equipment, buildings, and boats.
Clothing that is labeled as “weatherproof” should be able to resist rain and snow. However, it is important to note that weatherproof clothing is not necessarily waterproof. [1]
Waterproof clothing is made with a special fabric that does not allow water to pass through it. This type of clothing is often used by athletes or people who work outdoors in wet conditions.
Umbrellas that are labeled as “weatherproof” should be able to resist wind and rain. However, it is important to note that weatherproof umbrellas are not necessarily waterproof.
Buildings that are labeled as “weatherproof” should be able to resist the effects of weather, such as sunlight, precipitation, and wind. However, it is important to note that weatherproof buildings are not necessarily waterproof.
Waterproof buildings are made with a special material that does not allow water to pass through them.
The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant
Waterproof fabrics are made from materials that do not allow water to pass through them, while w/resistant textiles are constructed of substances that allow a certain degree of moisture penetration. Waterproof fabrics are typically used in outdoor gear, such as tents and rain jackets, while water-resistant fabrics are often used in clothing, such as pants and shirts.
Minimum Levels of Protection
Most waterproof fabrics have a minimum level of protection, which is measured in millimeters (mm). This number indicates how long the fabric will take to soak through. For example, a fabric with an mm rating of 3000 will take 30 minutes to soak through.
What Is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Fabric?
Waterproof vs. water-resistant is an important distinction to make when you’re shopping for outdoor clothing and gear. After all, you don’t want to be caught in a downpour without the proper protection!
Types of Waterproof Fabric
There are two main types of waterproof fabric: laminated and coated. Laminated fabric is made by bonding together multiple layers of material, usually with a layer of adhesive in between. Coated fabric, on the other hand, has a thin layer of waterproof material applied to its surface.
Laminated fabrics are often used in high-end gear because they’re more durable and breathable than coated fabrics. However, they can also be more expensive. Coated fabrics are a good choice for budget-friendly gear that will see less wear and tear.
Waterproofing Your Own Fabric
If you have a piece of gear that’s made from water-resistant fabric, you can make it waterproof by adding a waterproof coating. This can be done at home with a spray-on waterproofing treatment or by sending it to a professional for treatment.
Breathability
When selecting waterproof fabric, one of the most significant things to consider is breathability. Breathable fabrics allow sweat and body heat to escape, which is crucial for comfort in hot weather. Non-breathable fabrics can trap heat and moisture next to your skin, leading to discomfort and even danger in extreme cases.
There are two main types of breathable waterproof fabric: membrane and microporous. Membrane fabrics have tiny pores that allow water vapor to pass through, but they’re too small for water droplets to get through. Microporous fabrics have larger pores that can let both water vapor and water droplets pass through.
Both types of breathable fabric are available in coated and laminated forms.
Level of protection
Waterproof fabrics are available in a range of levels of protection, from light rain-resistant fabric to heavy-duty waterproof fabric that can withstand even the most extreme conditions. The level of protection you need will depend on the type of activity you’re doing and the weather conditions you’ll be facing.
For example, if you’re planning to go hiking in wet weather, you’ll need a different level of waterproofing than if you were just going for a walk around the block. In general, it’s better to err on the side of too much protection rather than not enough.
Seams
Another important factor to consider when choosing waterproof fabric is the type of seams. Seams are the points where two pieces of fabric are joined together, and they can be a weak spot in any garment. Waterproof fabrics usually have taped or welded seams to prevent water from seeping through.
Taped seams are covered with a strip of waterproof tape that’s applied over the seam. Welded seams are heat-sealed together, which creates a stronger bond than tape. Both types of seams are effective at keeping water out, but welded seams are more durable and tend to be found on higher-quality gear. [2]
If you’re shopping for a piece of gear that will see heavy use, look for gear with welded seams. If you’re on a budget, taped seams will be sufficient.
What Is Water-Repellent?
Water-repellent simply means that a material has been treated so that water beads up and rolls off of it. This is different than waterproof, which means that the material does not allow water to pass through it at all.
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there is a big difference between weatherproof and waterproof. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the difference.
Water-repellent fabrics are often used in outerwear, such as jackets and pants, as well as in footwear. The treatment can be applied to natural fibers, like cotton and wool, as well as synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon.
DWR is not permanent and it will eventually wear off. The frequency of reapplication will depend on how often the garment is worn and washed.
Water-repellent treatment can also be applied to leather and suede.
It’s important to note that water-repellent fabrics are not waterproof. They will provide some protection from light rain and snow, but they are not designed to be worn in heavy rain or snow.
If you’re looking for a fabric that will keep you dry in all conditions, you need to find something that is waterproof.
This type of treatment creates a barrier that does not allow water to pass through it. Waterproof fabrics are often used in sportswear, such as ski jackets and pants.
They can also be used for making tents, tarps, and other outdoor gear. Waterproof fabrics are designed to keep you dry in all conditions, including heavy rain and snow.
When shopping for waterproof fabrics, you will often see them advertised as “breathable”. This means that the fabric allows water vapor to pass through it, which prevents you from getting sweaty and uncomfortable.
Non-breathable waterproof fabrics are also available, but they are not as popular because they can cause you to become overheated and sweaty.
Weatherproof vs. Waterproof: Pros and Cons
When it comes to choosing between weatherproof and waterproof, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:
Weatherproof:
- Pro: Can withstand some moisture and humidity;
- Con: Not as durable as waterproof options;
- Pro: Often more affordable than waterproof options;
- Con: May not be ideal in extremely wet or cold conditions;
Waterproof:
- Pro: Excellent protection against moisture and humidity;
- Con: More expensive than weatherproof options;
- Pro: Ideal for extreme wet or cold conditions;
- Con: May not be as breathable as weatherproof options [3];
FAQ
Is weatherproof the same as waterproof?
The terms weatherproof and waterproof are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two. Waterproof means that an item is impervious to water. This means that no water can get in or out. Weatherproof, on the other hand, means that an item can resist the elements. This means that it can withstand sun, wind, and rain, but it’s not necessarily impervious to water. [4]
So what does this mean for you? If you’re looking for an item that will keep you dry in a downpour, you want something that is waterproof. If you’re looking for an item that will protect you from the elements, you want something that is weatherproof.
What’s better waterproof or water-resistant?
The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems. In order to understand the difference, we must first understand what each term means.
Waterproof refers to something that is completely impervious to water. This means that no matter how much water is applied, it will not penetrate the material. Water-resistant, on the other hand, describes something that is able to resist penetration by water to some degree.
One of the most common waterproof items is a raincoat. A raincoat is made from a material that does not allow water to pass through it, which keeps you dry in wet weather.
Another common waterproof item is a swimming pool cover. This is used to keep the water in the pool from evaporating and also prevents leaves and other debris from falling into the pool.
Water-resistant materials are often used in outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture is typically made from fabrics that can resist water penetration, such as polyester or nylon. This helps to prolong the life of the furniture by protecting it from moisture damage.
Finally, many electronic devices are now water-resistant. This means that they can withstand some exposure to water without being damaged.
Does water-resistant mean it’s waterproof?
The quick answer is no. Water resistant refers to a coating that has been treated to resist water, but it isn’t completely waterproof. It’s waterproof, which means it’s resistant to water and prevents any from entering.
Water resistant is a term you’ll see a lot when looking at clothing, shoes, and gear for the outdoors. It’s become kind of a buzzword in recent years, as more and more companies claim their products are water resistant. But what does water-resistant actually mean?
In short, it means that the product has been treated to resist water, but it’s not completely waterproof. Waterproof means it’s impervious to water and won’t let any in. [5]
Let’s take a closer look at the difference. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right product for your needs.
Water resistance is a term used to describe a material or object that has been treated to resist, or repel water. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common method is through the use of a waterproof coating or membrane. Waterproof coatings are applied to the surface of an object and act as a barrier to keep water out. Membranes are usually made from Gore-Tex or other similar materials and are laminated onto the fabric of an item. These work by creating a barrier that water can’t penetrate, but still allows air and heat to pass through.
Waterproofing is a term used to describe an object or material that is impervious to water. This means that the item will not allow any water to pass through it, whether it’s in liquid or vapor form. Waterproof items are often made from rubber, plastic, or another type of synthetic material.
What does it mean to be weatherproof?
In general, when something is weatherproof, it means that it can withstand exposure to the elements without being damaged. This can include everything from sunlight and UV rays to wind and rain.
When it comes to clothing, being weatherproof means that the fabric will repel water and hold up against wear and tear. In other words, it won’t fall apart after a few washes or start to show signs of wear after being exposed to the elements.
There are a few different ways that manufacturers achieve this:
- One common method is by adding a polymer coating to the fabric. This creates a barrier between the fabric and the outside world that helps repel water and dirt;
- Another way to make a fabric weatherproof is by adding a water-repellent finish. This is a chemical treatment that helps the fabric repel water [6];
- One thing to keep in mind is that weatherproof and waterproof are not the same thing. Waterproof means that the fabric is completely impervious to water, while weatherproof means that it’s resistant to water but not necessarily 100% waterproof;
So, if you’re looking for clothing that will hold up against rain, snow, or other wet conditions, you want to look for something that’s labeled as waterproof.
On the other hand, if you need something that can stand up to sun and wind exposure without being damaged, you want to look for something that’s labeled as weatherproof.
Here are a few examples of common items that are usually weatherproof:
- Sunscreen;
- Lip balm;
- Bug spray;
- Hats;
- Sunglasses;
- Outdoor furniture;
Useful Video: Water-Resistant vs. Water-Repellent vs. Waterproof
Conclusion
So, what’s the difference between weatherproof and waterproof? In short, weatherproof means that an item can withstand some exposure to the elements, but it’s not completely impervious to them. Waterproof, on the other hand, means that an item is fully protected from water.
Now you can make sure you choose the right product for your needs! And remember, even if an item is advertised as waterproof, it’s always a good idea to double-check the labels and instructions before using it in extreme conditions. Stay safe out there!
References:
- https://wikidiff.com/weatherproof/waterproof
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/difference-between-waterproof-and-water-resistant
- https://www.camelmountain.com/he/blogs/stories/what-s-the-difference-between-waterproof-and-weatherproof
- https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/water-resistant-vs-waterproof/9ba683603be9fa5395fab907584ef5c
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/water-resistant-vs-waterproof/
- https://www.thoughtco.com/which-is-better-weatherproof-or-weather-resistant-4126714