If a tent or tarp is rolled tightly before storing, any moisture trapped between the layers of coated fabrics can cause the coating to degrade. If you have ever unrolled a rainfly and felt it sticking to itself, you will know what this feels like. If a coating begins to degrade in this way, it is very difficult to save it (and after a certain point, it is impossible to restore it)
You have probably seen the instruction to 'store outdoor products in a well-ventilated space'. This does not just relate to the room in which the room in which the item is stored, but also to the storage container if one is used. If a tent or tarp is stored for long periods in a sealed container (like a Rubbermaid Tote), the humidity inside will remain constant and this may affect the coating.
In a nutshell:
For longer-term storage, do not store your tent or tarp in the stuff sack(s) provided with the product. Tents and tarps should be stored folded loosely in a container which allows for ventilation in a room free from damp / temperature extremes.
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