UKC

I've had a North Face Tadpole 23 tent since 2006 and it's had pretty good usage. I've always stored it in cool, dark place etc and tried to dry it out before hand.
I took it for a weeks camping in Switzerland and noticed the flysheet was a bit sticky on the inside. Last weekend I pitched it in Pembroke for 6 days and the problem was even worse - fly sheet inside sticking together so that I had to pull them apart to pitch it. This has left clear white crease marks in the fabric. Also I noticed the tape covering the seems inside is cracking and peeling off.
What should I do? Will a techwash and a reproofing help? Can I send it to North Face and get a replacement?
I really like the tent and will be sad if I have to replace the whole thing, plus I'm skint and the inner/poles/footprint are all still in perfect condition. It's just the flysheet I'm having issues with!
Thanks for any advice! Martin.

In reply to Martin Davies (KCLMC): take it back to where you bought it from ask their opinion but I would be prepared for a long wait if you decide to send it off to TNF as their returns department is notoriously slow!

In reply to Martin Davies (KCLMC):

Sounds like the PU (most likely, but could be silicone) coating is dying, in which case washing is unlikely to help.

Whether this death is to be expected is open to question, and depends what you mean by 'good use'.

Google has some useful hits:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=554&q=polyure...

Including one suggestion (reportedly from Sea-to-summit) that PU-coated tents should be stored unrolled...

Then there's this, from MSR: http://cascadedesigns.com/MSR/FAQ/Tents

"Never pack or store your tent if it is wet, damp or dirty. Although we use the best polyurethane waterproofing available, prolonged exposure to moisture causes hydrolysis which, in turn, causes the waterproof layer to break down, becoming soft, sticky and no longer waterproof. Storing a wet tent for as little as 24 hours in warm weather is also likely to start the process of mildew forming on the fabric. Mildew will cause your tent to stain, smell and will also lead to the premature breakdown of the waterproof coating. Mildew and moisture damage are not covered under the Limited Warranty."

In reply to Martin Davies (KCLMC): If it's anything like mine, your fly is on the way out. I retaped all mine and proofed it. Still leaked like a sieve. 50 quid for a new fly...