View Full Version : Gore-Tex Question
Smokin Joe
11-21-2004, 20:22
Does Gore-Tex break down over time?
I have a North Face 3 ply Gore-Tex shell I have had this jacket for about 11 years now. I wore said jacket while shoveling the driveway this afternoon and water started to get absorbed into the jacket instead of beading and sluffing off.
Is the Gore-Tex shot?
Thanks for any info.
Footmobile
11-21-2004, 20:45
When was the last time you washed it the right way? By that I mean washing and drying it hot. Most people have this misconception that goretex has to be babied when you wash it but nothing could be further from the truth. You've got to get all the oils and residue out of the fabrc in order for it to work properly. That means washing it hot and drying it hot in a dryer. 11 years is pretty old, but NF makes good stuff as you well know. Give it a good wash and dry, get some goretex rejuvinator from Nikwax or McNetts, give it the once over and you should be good to go.
Or you could go out and get one of their latest summit series jackets and be good to go for the next 20 years or so. I've got one and they are simply awesome.
Endorphin Rush
11-21-2004, 22:13
Keep in mind that Gore-tex fabric is sewn in between the outer and inner materials of most clothing. It has no effect on the outer or inner materials. Meaning...that the outer and inner layers are not waterproof as a result of the Gore-tex. It sounds like the water repellent outer layer simply needs a re-treatment. I've used Nikwax spray to rejuvenate the outer layer's water repellancy, it's good stuff and will have your outer layer repelling water like new again if treated properly. As to Gore-tex's life span, I'm not sure. But I believe it should be good to go unless it's integrity is broken down, ie. it becomes ripped or holes are poked through it, etc.
Smokin Joe
11-22-2004, 17:11
Thanks Guys.
Team Sergeant
11-22-2004, 19:41
How many cars you kept for 11 years? Underwear? (don't answer that)
11 years, it is time to get a new rain jacket.....
TS
Smokin Joe
11-22-2004, 22:49
How many cars you kept for 11 years? Underwear? (don't answer that)
11 years, it is time to get a new rain jacket.....
TS
YES! Thank you Team Sergeant, now I can get more gear. :D
"Honey I need a new jacket The Team Sergeant says so!"
areusafe
12-03-2004, 00:11
HiYa Group,
FYI: NIKWAX makes products for cleaning/rewaterproofing technical materials, ie: Gore-Tex, Nylon, etc.
They are "wash-in" products, so they should last a lot longer than a spray on. Might be worth checking out.
The problem I see with a 'wash in' water repellancy product is that it gets applied to the entire garment, inside and out. Now, if we're trying to move the water vapor through the membrane and out of the garment, wouldn't a DWR finish on the inside of the shell fabric keep the water vapor sandwiched between the shell fabric and the membrane? Further, if you have a liner fabric that is now water repellant, wouldn't that further prevent the movement of the water vapor out of the garment?
NousDefionsDoc
12-03-2004, 23:11
Joe, as your Medic, you need a new jacket. Its a health issue. Trust me...I know things.
areusafe
12-03-2004, 23:14
HiYa Group,
Hey Razor, here is a quote from their web site.http://www.nikwax.com/uk/default.asp.
"Reduces the water-absorbency of the outer fabric, optimizing breathability".
The way I'm reading it, Tech Wash is for the outer and the TX Direct (wash-in or spray on) is for the actual Gore-Tex
Smokin Joe
12-03-2004, 23:21
Joe, as your Medic, you need a new jacket. Its a health issue. Trust me...I know things.
Thanks Doc, very much appericated.
"See honey, thats like 3 people who said I NEED a new Jacket and one's an SF Medic, he's the equlivant to a Trauma Surgeon, Paramedic, ER Doctor, Witch Dotor, and Voodoo Medicine Man all rolled into one person, I HAVE to listen him. OR he'll sneak in the house knock you up, kidnap me, and duct tape me upside down naked to my old high school flag poll all before 0630."