10 Smart Uses for Waterproof Tarpaulins at Home

Having a waterproof tarp is one of the most helpful and low-cost things you can have in your home. It does not take up much space, and it is just a large, heavy piece of material, but it can fix a lot of everyday problems. Whether you need a safeguard from rain, a cover for your items, or even a quick solution in the event of an emergency, a Tarpaulin can do the trick. And because tarps are meant to be used over and over (while also being easy to store), they can last for years with proper care.  Below are ten clever ways to utilize waterproof tarpaulin around your home.

1. Protecting Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is often left out to weather the storm. Rain can cause rust and rot, and direct sunlight will fade colors and weaken materials. One simple way to extend the life of outdoor furniture is to cover the chairs, tables, and swing sets with a tarp when you are not using them.  A sturdy-type tarp with tie-down points can withstand any winds (if you tie them down). 

2. Covering a Leaky Roof

When you find out that your roof leaks while it's raining heavily, there won't always be time to do a proper repair. If you have a waterproof tarp on hand, this can come in quite handy. All you need to do is secure it over the area that is leaking with ropes or bungee cords, and it will keep water out of your house until a professional can do a fix. Doing this is a very simple and easy step to protecting the inside of your house and keeping damage from piling up while you wait for a more permanent fix.

3. Shade in the Yard

Some days in the summer, it gets downright hot to enjoy being outdoors in your yard. You can rig and hang a tarp between trees, poles, or fences to create shade in an instant. You could use it to put shade over your patio, a kid's play area in the yard, or for a garden. Using a light colored tarp can also reflect heat, making the shaded and covered area cooler.

4. Ground Cover for Camping

Even if you are only camping in your backyard, the ground can still be dirty or damp. Using a tarp as a groundsheet under your tent will keep any moisture from getting into your tent and will protect the bottom of the tent from damage. You can also use a tarp inside the tent as a liner on the floor, or you could use the tarp outside of your tent to establish a dry sitting area.

5. Protecting Floors When Painting

Removing paint spills from floors can be a challenge. Using a Canvas Tarpaulin over your floor while painting will protect your floor from paint spills. Tarps are thicker than plastic sheets and can be walked on without tearing or slipping out of place during your work.

6. Firewood Storage

Dry firewood is much easier to set on fire than wet firewood, and there is the additional factor that wet firewood creates more smoke than heat. So keeping firewood dry is important. You can cover a pile of firewood with a tarp after it has been cut. When covering the pile of wood, you want to cover the top of it so it is not exposed to rain and snow, but leave the sides open. Providing some air exposure to the wood helps to slow the growth of any mold on the wood.

7. Emergency Car Cover

Not everyone has a garage, carport, or extra space for a vehicle. So, if you don't have a convenient place to park your car, it is exposed to rain or other things outside, such as dust and leaves. A waterproof Heavy Duty Tarpaulin can be used to cover your vehicle in case of bad weather, such as rain, hail, or falling leaves. In the winter, a waterproof tarp will also prevent frost from forming on the windshield. A tarp can help make those winter mornings just that much easier.

8. Garden Protection

Heavy rain, hail, or quick frost can ruin your garden. You should cover your plants with a tarp to protect them. For high plants, construct a simple frame and drape the tarp over the frame so it won't touch your leaves. This will create a small shelter while allowing air to flow in.

9. Tarp as Pool Cover

Cleaning a pool full of leaves, bugs, and dirt is no treat. A tarp can act as an inexpensive pool cover to keep the debris out of the pool when it is not in use. A tarp can save you time cleaning your pool, and will keep the water a little fresher a little longer. Just be sure that it is secured or weighted down so that it won't blow away.

10. Moving and Storage

If you are moving a couch or storing stuff nicely in your shed, a tarp is a great way to add extra protection. Using a tarp to wrap your belongings will protect them from moisture, dirt, and scratches. This is especially helpful for larger items, like a mattress, couch, or bike that won't fit in a box.

Why You Need A Tarp In Every Home

The great thing about a waterproof tarpaulin is that it's simple and easy to use. You can easily fold it up and store it away in a closet, garage, or trunk until you need it. A tarp can serve countless purposes, such as a planned project like painting or gardening, or unplanned events like a leak from your roof or unanticipated weather conditions.

Conclusion

A Waterproof Tarpaulin may not seem like the coolest thing you can purchase, but it's one of the most practical. The purposes range from covering your furniture or garden, covering your car, using it as a pool cover, and much more! With a good quality tarp in the home, you will always be prepared for whatever the weather - or life, throws at you.

Next time you see one, rolled up in your garage, keep in mind - it's not just a sheet of material; it's a tool that can be multifaceted at the hastiest notice.