Top Features to Look for in a Waterproof Tarpaulin

A waterproof tarp is one of the most practical products you can find. It provides rain protection, keeps items safe during transportation, and can cover just about anything that is outdoors. Not all tarps are created equal. Some tarps are strong and durable, and others will wear out quickly. If you want a Tarpaulin that will do its job well, you need to understand the key features to look for.

Material Quality

The first item to check is the material. Most tarps are made from polyethylene, PVC, vinyl, or tent cloth (or canvas). Poly tarps are lightweight and inexpensive, which makes them more suited for everyday use. PVC and vinyl tarps are heavier and will stand up to extreme weather events. Canvas tarps, on the other hand, are breathable and strong but will require extra waterproof coating. A durable material will protect your items better and last longer.

Waterproof Coating

A tarp can either be water-resistant or waterproof. Water-resistant tarps may shed light rain, but when it rains heavily, some rain may seep through. Waterproof tarps have special coatings on them, or the tarp is made of a material that will not absorb any moisture. Look for a tarp that has a smooth surface, where moisture rolls off, and does not soak into the tarp. 

Thickness and weight

Typically, the thicker a tarp is, the stronger and durable it will be. You will most likely see thickness measured in mils (thousandths of an inch) or GSM (grams per square meter). A thicker tarp will stand up to more pressure, be able to resist tearing, and generally give you more protection during a storm. However, as tarps get thicker, they also get heavier, so try not to get one that will make it difficult to move/store. 

UV Resistance

Sunlight can deteriorate tarps over time. The sun's UV rays can weaken the material, allowing it to crack or fade over time. Some tarps offer UV resistance by putting treatments on the tarp to defend against UV rays. If you intend to use your tarp outdoors for extended periods, UV protection should be considered for longer tarp life.

canvas tarpaulin

Reinforced Edges

The edges of a Heavy Duty Canvas Tarpaulin are typically the first to wear out. Strong tarps have edges that are reinforced with extra stitching or heat sealing. The extra strength keeps the tarp from fraying or tearing during high winds.

Grommets and Tie-Down points

Grommets are the metal rings along the edges of a tarp. They allow you to tie the tarp down. Good tarps use grommets spaced evenly along the edges, typically every 18 to 36 inches. The best grommets are brass or rust-resistant. They last longer in wet conditions.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

If a tarp is allowed to dry too long while wet, mold and mildew will grow on it. Some tarps may use special coatings to prevent this. Mold-resistant tarps are useful if you live in high-humidity areas or if you are covering things for extended periods of time.

Color and Visibility

Color can make a difference with your tarp. Darker colors can absorb heat better, while lighter colors can reflect the sun. Bright colors such as fluorescent orange are easier to spot, which is useful for safety or delineating areas.

Size and Shape

Tarps come in a lot of different sizes. It's best to size up on a tarp so that you are guaranteed several feet of coverage. Some tarps are square, some are rectangular, and some even come custom-cut for the job.

Final Thoughts

A Waterproof Tarpaulin is more than just a piece of material. The best tarps are made of very strong, durable material, provide good waterproofing, strengthened edges, UV protection, and are grommeted. If you keep these things in mind, you will help yourself to get a tarp that can protect your equipment in all types of weather.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tough by Design: The Anatomy of Large Tarps

Image
There are many varieties and types of tarps available in the market to suit different uses and needs, but if you are planning to cover large equipment or even structures, there is only one size that will meet your requirement and that is the extra-large tarp. Big Tarpaulin is made to be strong, usable in a variety of ways, and a large enough size to cover much area. In this blog post, I will be discussing some of the main parts and features of these large and heavy-duty tarpaulins that make them suitable for handling demanding tasks. Fabric Composition It’s the material upon which a heavy-duty tarp is built, the choice of fabric being a critical component in its construction. These large industrial tarpaulins are usually made out of vinyl, canvas, or polyethylene blends that are specifically suited for industrial use. Vinyl is thus water-resistant along with being highly durable, and canvas is stronger and more resistant to abrasion. Poly tarps have both the high strength of heavy-dut...
Read more

Warm and Weatherproof Insulated Tarpaulin

Image
Insulated tarpaulins are made with two outer layers of strong material (canvas or PVC) and an insulating layer. Canvas Tarpaulin is used to keep gear and people warm and dry during outdoor activities like camping and hiking. These are portable, lightweight, and simple to erect tarpaulins. Campers and transportation facilities can also make use of these tarps. Because these are constructed of premium materials and include features like a barrier that lowers heat and noise, insulated tarpaulins are long-lasting. There are several sizes and thicknesses of tarpaulins. These tarpaulins are often utilized since they offer so many benefits. Most transportation companies use these sheets while moving merchandise from one location to another. These tarpaulins are warm and waterproof. These durable sheets are a great option for a variety of uses, such as transporting products and constructing climate-controlled spaces. These tarpaulins are composed of breathable, waterproof material (canvas ...
Read more

Recycling Old Tarpaulin: Best Practices

Image
Hello to all our readers once again as we present our newest blog site about converting waste tarp to something useful. In this article, you will be able to get professional tips and recommendations on how to reuse your old tarp make sure that this item will not end up as waste, and learn how to dispose of it properly. When re-purposed, Tarpaulin , a flexible and sturdy material often employed to cover and shield objects from the environment, is a practical material indeed. As for the rest of the tarp that you are unable to upcycle, recycle, or refurbish we will discuss how to dispose of the tarp in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Let's get started! Assess Your Tarpaulin The first thing that needs to be done when recycling your old tarpaulin is to inspect it. Since it is often useful to reuse it for further projects, it should not be torn anywhere and have no holes. For a few seconds try observing your tarp and identifying any dull areas or any signs of wear or tear...
Read more