Our lavvos and gammes are made from a durable cotton/polyester blend. The fabric is impregnated, rot-treated, and UV-protected. This blend allows the material to breathe, while the impregnation prevents water droplets from penetrating the fabric.

The best testing ground is nature itself, and for over 30 years, Venor’s products have been thoroughly tested. We've even received feedback about Venor lavvos that have been actively used for over 20 years, which is always exciting to hear! Climate and usage play a big role in the lifespan of our products. A lavvo or gamme permanently set up in coastal areas, exposed to wind and salt spray, will have a shorter lifespan than one used in drier climates and stored properly between uses.

Caring for Your Venor Lavvo or Gamme

Even though the fabric has UV protection, the sun will naturally fade the product’s color over time. Waterproofing is maintained by re-impregnating the fabric as needed. If the product sees heavy use (e.g., permanently set-up lavvos or gammes), we recommend re-impregnation annually or every other year.

If mold stains appear on the fabric, there are products available to remove them. Lavvos and gammes left in damp environments for extended periods are more susceptible to mold. To avoid rot damage, always dry the lavvo or gamme after use and store it in a dry location.

How to Re-impregnate

Re-impregnation is easy to do yourself. Set up your lavvo or gamme on a dry, mild day. Brush off any dirt, sand, leaves, or debris. Use a low-pressure sprayer to apply the impregnation solution evenly across the fabric. Use a ladder to reach higher sections. Let the fabric air dry outdoors.

For larger lavvos, you can lay the fabric out on a tarpaulin for impregnation. The fabric will need to be lifted to dry. Note that it may take a few days for the impregnation smell to dissipate.

Recommended Maintenance Procedure

1. Mix Multivask 213M with water (1:5 to 1:10 ratio).
2. Spray the solution onto the fabric and let it sit for 5–15 minutes. Avoid letting it dry completely.
3. Rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer (use a gentle nozzle to avoid damage).
4. Repeat the process for stubborn stains, adjusting the mix strength if needed.
5. Allow the fabric to dry completely after cleaning.
6. Apply Impregnering 460 to the dry fabric for waterproofing.
7. After drying, apply Fungicides 221H (mixed 1:5 with water). Ensure it dries naturally and is not rinsed off.

Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm and cold air meet. Our lavvos and gammes are designed to minimize condensation issues, thanks to the breathable fabric and heating options. Using a stove or fire helps keep the interior dry and comfortable. Without heat, you may notice slight moisture on the fabric or dew on the windows, which dries quickly when heating is applied.

Factors like cooking, drying clothes, wet ground, or high humidity levels inside the lavvo or gamme can increase condensation. Inner linings help insulate and further reduce condensation. Ventilation is key—opening vents or doors during cooking helps release steam, and ground moisture barriers also contribute to a drier environment

A 13-year-old Venor Gamme left unheated before the cold season, with condensation transforming into stunning ice crystals on the fabric and poles.

Leaks

When a lavvo or gamme is brand new, minor leaks may occur at the seams during the first rainy days. This is due to rainwater seeping through the tiny needle holes. We use a special thread that swells to seal the holes over time.

After extended use, if the fabric begins to let water in, it’s time to re-impregnate the material to maintain its waterproofing.

Repairs

We handle a wide range of repairs for lavvos, gammes, and other sewn products. If your fabric gets torn, it’s usually fixable. We can replace windows, pipe passages, zippers, poles, and more. Repairs are possible for fabrics of all ages, although in some cases, the material may be too worn for repair.

For warranty or claims-related issues, we cover shipping costs to and from our facility. Shopping with us ensures safety and peace of mind!