Do waterproof jackets lose their waterproof?

Over time, rain jackets can lose their water-repellency. Waterproofing doesn't last forever. Whether from rubbing against a dirty car while packing up groceries, or a muddy dog wanting snuggles, a dirty jacket will stop repelling water.

How often you need to reproof a jacket depends on how often you use it and the extent to it is put to the test in the elements. If you wear the jacket frequently and are out in all conditions we recommend reproofing every three to four months.

The coating means you shed raindrops like water off a duck's back, at least while the garment is still relatively new. But from abrasions such as pack straps against shoulders, repeated downpours, and at-home washing, the DWR coating wears off bit by bit until your rain clothes become more sponge than duck's feather.

After washing the jacket, rinse it, and hang it while it's still wet. Now comes the time for re-waterproofing: Spray the jacket—and spray it really well—with a waterproofing spray. I like ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellent. Then put the jacket in the dryer, and when it comes out, it should be hydrophobic again.

Wear and Tear

If you find that your jacket becomes heavy when exposed to rain, or your skin feels a bit clammy under the fabric, there's a good chance the DWR coating has worn off, or it has "wet-out." This doesn't mean, however, that your jacket has reached the end of its life.

Instead, bitumen-based, rubber, and cementitious waterproof membranes are some of the most common waterproofing materials used on flat roofs. Here is the catch though, over time, these materials can degrade and lose their effectiveness, which can lead to costly and disruptive repair or replacement projects.

While basic waterproofing membranes should last at least ten years, they can last much longer given the right choice and circumstances. Conversely, poor quality waterproofing will rarely last the distance.

How Do I Re-Waterproof My Gear?

Although you may consider washing your waterproof jacket by hand, it's far easier to wash it in the washing machine, and it's perfectly safe to do this providing you avoid standard laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Many cleaning products can damage the waterproof material, so they're best avoided.

If your Gore-Tex clothing is properly cared for, it should remain waterproof for 3-5 years. It can easily last for ten years or more if you store it properly and don't wear it that much. Of course, with regular active use, friction and heat can cause the DWR to break down more quickly.

If you wear the jacket frequently and are out in all conditions we recommend reproofing every three to four months. However, if you wear your jacket less frequently or are out in less extreme weather, then reproofing your jacket every six months should be sufficient.

Water vapour will condense on the inside of your jacket and your clothing will begin to feel damp. You might think your waterproof is leaking, but it is not, it's coming from you! For the water vapour to escape effectively it is important that the outer surface of the material is not saturated with water.

However, unless unworn, with regular use you should aim to wash your jacket around once every month or so if you want to keep it in top condition. A good quality waterproof can be washed in the washing machine using a gear oriented cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash.

If your waterproof jacket starts to absorb water, then you may have a problem. Ideally, what should happen is that water beads on the surface and rolls off, thanks to the durable water repellant (DWR) applied to the materials. However, over time, the DWR will start to wear away.

Rains jackets are designed to not only be completely waterproof but also lightweight. Each jacket is made from strong polyester and topped with a flexible polyurethane coating. The fabric is bonded together using ultrasonic welding which ensures quality products.

Waterproofing a Gore-Tex Jacket will eventually be required because despite the inner layer being a breathable waterproof membrane, the outer layer (shell) of the jacket will lose its waterproofing, soak up water and stay wet, blocking the effect of the Gore Tex.

While basic waterproofing membranes should last at least ten years, they can last much longer given the right choice and circumstances. Conversely, poor quality waterproofing will rarely last the distance.

You should reproof your waterproof clothing around every 6-12 months, depending on how much you use it. You may find you need to reproof your clothing more frequently for heavier usage, or if you use your waterproofs for intense exercise like hiking, running, biking and climbing.

Waterproofing failure has different potential causes, but poor workmanship and the use of a membrane that is not fit for the purpose or is not part of an entire system are the leading causes.

If your Gore-Tex clothing is properly cared for, it should remain waterproof for 3-5 years. It can easily last for ten years or more if you store it properly and don't wear it that much. Of course, with regular active use, friction and heat can cause the DWR to break down more quickly.

While the Gore-Tex-Infinium membrane belongs to the water-repellent membranes, it is therefore not 100 % waterproof. But it is windproof and breathable and serves as insulation as well.

After washing the jacket, rinse it, and hang it while it's still wet. Now comes the time for re-waterproofing: Spray the jacket—and spray it really well—with a waterproofing spray. I like ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellent. Then put the jacket in the dryer, and when it comes out, it should be hydrophobic again.

Place your item in the washing machine (ideally 1 item per wash) and use a standard non-biological soap or a waterproof washing liquid to add extra protection. If you cannot read the label, you should wash your clothes on a gentle cycle and a slow spin - around 30 degrees is optimal.

The woeful signs of waterproofing gone wrong

When waterproofing issues arise, home owners will generally see what's wrong with the naked eye: Paint bubbles containing water. Mould, mildew and suspicious growth. Blistering and/or peeling paint.

Dry the garment in a regular tumble dryer, on a cool setting, or use an iron on a cool setting to revive the DWR finish. This process should revive the DWR. After extended use it may be necessary to use a reproofing product to replenish the DWR finish to the outer fabric surface.

In the simplest sense, a waterproof jacket offers the highest level of protection from rain and snow. While a water-resistant jacket offers a good, but lower level of protection.

We recommend Nikwax or Grangers. It is also important to make sure your machine is free of detergent from the last wash. Check the drawer and, if in doubt, run a short hot empty wash to clear the system.