Categories
Common

What is the difference between Water-resistant and Waterproof?

Key Difference: The main difference between water-resistant and waterproof is that water-resistant means the material will resist water for a certain amount of time, while waterproof means the material will not let any water through at all.

So, for example, if you are wearing a water-resistant jacket and it starts to rain, the water will bead up and roll off the fabric.

However, if you are wearing a waterproof jacket and it starts to rain, the water will not penetrate the fabric.

What does Water-resistant mean?

The word “water-resistant” means that a material is able to withstand a limited amount of water exposure without becoming damaged.

It does not mean that the material is waterproof.

The water-resistant material may still become stained or wet if exposed to too much water.

However, it will not be ruined like a material that is not water-resistant.

Generally, water-resistant materials are used in products that may come into contact with water, such as watches, eyeglasses, and cell phones.

What does Waterproof mean?

The term waterproof usually refers to a product that is impenetrable by water.

For example, a waterproof mobile phone is one that will not get wet if it is accidentally dropped in water.

Today, many products are advertised as being waterproof, including phones, watches, and even clothes.

It’s an important attribute for products that may be used near water, such as in a swimming pool or at the beach.

However, it’s important to note that not all waterproof products are created equal.

Some may be resistant to water but not completely waterproof.

Water-Resistant vs Waterproof

One of the biggest differences between the terms water-resistant and waterproof is that water-resistant products are not always 100% effective at preventing water from entering the product.

In fact, most water-resistant products can only withstand a certain level of moisture and will eventually let in water if submerged for too long.

Waterproof products, on the other hand, are able to completely prevent any water from entering the product.

This is often done by using a sealant or coating that keeps water out no matter what.

Main Differences

Key differences between water-resistant and waterproof include –

Purpose

The most important difference between water-resistant and waterproof products is the purpose for which they are designed.

Water-resistant products are designed to resist a limited amount of water exposure, while waterproof products are designed to be impenetrable by water.

They both differ from products that are not water-resistant, which can be ruined by any amount of water exposure.

Level of Protection

Water-resistant products offer a lower level of protection against water than waterproof products.

A product that is described as being water-resistant can typically withstand a limited amount of exposure to water before becoming damaged.

A product that is described as being waterproof, on the other hand, can typically withstand more exposure to water without becoming damaged.

Durability

Water-resistant products are not necessarily more durable than products that are not water-resistant.

However, waterproof products are typically more durable because they are designed to withstand a greater amount of exposure to water.

Cost

Water-resistant products are typically less expensive than waterproof products.

This is because waterproof products must be made with more durable materials in order to provide protection against water.

The difference in price can be significant, depending on the product.

Ease of Use

Water-resistant products are typically easier to use than waterproof products.

This is because waterproof products must be designed with extra features in order to keep water out.

These features can make the product more complicated and difficult to use.

But for some products, such as watches, water resistance is essential for their function and waterproofing would make them unusable.

Similarities

Despite the differences between water-resistant and waterproof products, there are some similarities.

Both types of products typically offer some level of protection against water.

And, as mentioned above, both types of products can be more durable than products that are not water-resistant.