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So I've got a few self Inflating roll matt's that need a repair. I've found the problem with them, 1 has a small hole that needs a patch and 2 have air coming out of the sides of the where the valve seals into the fabric.
Has anyone got recommendations for patches and/or glue, and do you think I can bung a load of glue round the vale to re seal those?
Seam Grip for areas around the valve, seams or fixing the valve itself back in. Same stuff for holes in the flat fabric but Kampa or Tough Tape tent and fabric repair tape also works on the fabric areas, as long as it's not a flocked type of surface.
I've fixed a hole in a neo-air matt with a Park self adhesive tube patch before, held for ages. The fabric on those is very smooth+ plasticy though.
Valve repair kit:
https://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Camping/Mats/Thermarest-Valve-Kit-CAS-VALVE
Patch kit:
https://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Camping/Mats/Thermarest-Permanent-Home-Repair-Kit-CAS-REPHOME
Similar non-branded kits are probably available. I've used a thermorest patch before and still working years later.
Cool cheers. Think I've got some seam glue and tenacious tape or something like that, so might give that ago first.
So I’ve got a few self Inflating roll matt’s
I don't resemble this comment... 😉
Don't the thermorests have a lifetime guarantee - sent two back & got replaced with new a few years back
Mine are not thermorests, to good to bin thought if I can fix them.
I've repaired numerous self inflating mats ..mainly bought from car boots where the sellers promise/insist they don't leak . Same with inflatable mattresses etc .. even posh folk with range rovers .... 90% leak ..shouldn't be surprised I guess ..just makes me a little sad and living with low mood anyhow kind of worsens misanthropic thoughts. Anyhow ... you'd think by now the design would have been changed as almost always the leak is at the seam around the valve area. I have had a few where it was almost impossible to find the leak without applying lots of pressure and misting with soapy water then waiting for tell tale bubbles to slowly rise. Nothing worse when you get a bad nights sleep on a camping mat made even worse by finding yourself on the floor at 2am !
I went through this recently but because I'm impatient I ended up fixing with an instant puncture repair patch. Time will tell how durable it is.
I've whacked a load of seam sealant around the valves. We'll see if works for a bit....
The one with the hole, I've also used seam sealant but kind of expecting to have to patch it.
I'm currently lying on the living room floor to see how well my repair works, before finding out at 2am in the back of my van in Inners!
Mine has worn out on the corners for some reason. Looks like abrasion, probably from a kid dragging it across a camp site.
Said kid spent the afternoon making fairy liquid bubbles while I sat in it in the garden and we found the leaks.
Decathlon self adhesive patches holding so far.
Jesus and I thought settling up tubeless tyres was a PITA. You have my pity. 😎
Good idea! Filling the mattress with sealant tomorrow!
(Fnarr fnarr)
@diggery. Are they decathlon cycle tube patches? I'm interested as I bought a Sim second hand and don't want to give up on it!
My well meaning friend used some kind of flexible epoxy that works really well but I still have a tiny leak so not sure whether to bother her again or try a patch but the surface now is quite uneven so not sure the latter will work.
The things we do to avoid waste!
@villageidiotdan Assume @Diggery is using something like these.
How did you find the leaks?
I inflated them, over inflated really, one became obvious, as it was a hole that was blowing into my daughter's face!! The valve ones I found by dipping the valves into the bath with some water in.
Watched a video, that said to rub soapy water all over to find a leak if you can't put it in a bath of water.
Aquasure is the best thing to seal small holes with. Search for it on eBay. Just apply a coat over the hole and about 5mm around it. Then clean the nozzle and cap on the tube, put the cap on and store it in the freezer (not fridge) until you need it. If you don't, it sets in the tube. Sticks to almost anything.
Yup, using the type ads linked to. They have two sizes and I'm using the small round ones.
I've got my kid sitting on it in instead of the sofa this morning, seems to be holding.
I'd much rather repair then replace. It's an XL 10cm thick so expensive and also a big amount of material to dispose of. Hate the thought of it going to landfill so really hope these work.