Budget Friendly Home Improvements with Tarpaulin

Tarpaulin is a very cheap material that can be used for home improvement to carry out different activities. It is waterproof and can also withstand extreme pressure. Tarpaulin is available in various sizes, colors, and types of materials. In this blog post, we will discuss several methods on how you can utilize tarpaulin at home while still on a low budget.

Protect Outdoor Furniture

This is especially so because outdoor furniture is exposed to sunlight and sometimes even rain. Some of the uses of a tarpaulin include using it to cover your outdoor furniture when they are not in use. This will enhance the durability of your patio or deck furniture to fade away thus enhancing its durability. Select a tarpaulin that is large enough to cover the whole furniture set. One of the most effective ways of ensuring that the tarp has been properly fastened is by using bungee cords. Make sure the tarp is tied down correctly after storms or heavy winds have hit the area. Purchasing a tarp is cheaper than buying new outdoor furniture items.

Make Temporary Shelters

You can erect some rain tarp and sun tarp from the tarp, ropes, and tent poles with ease. These are self-built temporary structures that are ideal for use during backyard functions such as parties and barbeques, or even while gardening. Secure the tarp with strong corner grommets and tie-down ropes. Ensure that the shelter has strong stakes to hold it in place, especially during a windy day. Remove the temporary tarp shelter whenever it is not required to avoid getting damaged.

Waterproof Patios and Decks

Wooden patios and decks are vulnerable to warping, cracking, peeling, and rotting due to exposure to sun and rain. Tarping is cheap and offers protection in the rainy season to your patio or deck hence increasing its longevity. Patios most preferably require heavy-duty tarps that have been designed exclusively for use on the patio. Ensure that the size is sufficient to cover the region comprehensively. Fasten the tarp around the edges with decking screws to ensure the cover is secure.

Make Temporary Ponds

Convert a small corner of your backyard into a small wildlife pond using a construction-grade tarp to line the hole. This provides water for birds, frogs, dragonflies, and butterflies to mention but a few animals as well as plants. Excavate a shallow pool of water about 1 ft deep and cover it with interlocking layers of tarps fastened to the ground using stakes or rocks around the perimeter. Pump some water from a garden hose and introduce some aquatic plants in the liner. Maintain proper water levels. Winterize the tarp pond by draining and storing it.

Protect Foundation Plantings

Cover delicate landscaping close to the house foundation if you anticipate storms or other extreme weather conditions will affect it with Canvas Tarpaulin. Stones or landscape staples should be used around the edges to hold the tarps down during windy conditions but not harm the plants. Avoid placing the tarps directly on the plant stems or the foliage of the plants. The best type of tarp to use is a breathable fabric tarp so that air can circulate and reduce the chances of mold development. During rainy days, it is advisable to periodically lift tarps to avoid the formation of pools of water.

Make Temporary Greenhouses

Enclose the garages, sheds, or parking with clear polyethylene to create an instant greenhouse for the plants during cold weather. Employ the use of wooden strips, pipes, hoops, or PVCs to form a structure that will lift the tarp. Ensure that the tarp is well anchored so that it does not blow away when there is wind. Use zippered doors or Velcro to the closures so that one can have easy access to the car. For better air circulation during the day, it is recommended to utilize solar fans. Over the winter, the young plants of seedlings, house plants, vegetables, and herbs can be protected and tended inside the tarp bubble.

Create Windbreaks

Young trees and tender plants are easily affected by strong winds which can cause them harm. Deploy temporary windbreak barriers with the use of sheets of tarp and stakes. Place the tarpaulins in a way that is sideways to the wind to protect more vulnerable plants. The bottom edge should be left free for ventilation purposes. Overlap several tarps to create more extensive wind breakage in cases where bigger areas require protection. Windscreens should be checked from time to time and the debris that collects at the edges cleaned.

Temporary gates and fences

Tarps can also be used to create a temporary fence and gates to enclose certain areas as is the case with landscaping services, pool repairs, or septics installations, or to prevent children and pets from accessing construction sites. Measure the height and width to fit the area where tarps are going to be used then cut the tarps accordingly. Install metal poles, wires, cables, straps, cords, and grommets to create sturdy barriers that will take weeks if necessary. 

Conclusion

Tarpaulins are useful for numerous effective and inexpensive home enhancements to shield patios and decks from sun, wind, and rain. Tarps may be used for covering furniture, constructing makeshift enclosures, sealing decks, building ponds, shielding plants, or preventing wind. However, some imagination goes a long way especially when using heavy-duty tarpaulin and basic hardware around your home until more permanent solutions can be implemented. Select those that are made of tough material, grommets that are not susceptible to rust, and those that are treated to withstand the harshness of the weather as much as possible to maximize their usage. Conduct periodic checks on tarps concerning wear patterns, securement of the various components and, possible pooling of water.