If you own or have ever owned a tarp, you know that it is important to take care of it in order to extend its life. Tarps are an essential piece of equipment for many people, and it is important to make sure they are always in good condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to take care of your tarps and extend their lifespan. We will cover everything from choosing the right tarp for the job to cleaning and repairing them when necessary. So read on for all the information you need to keep your tarps in good shape.
One of the most important things you can do to take care of your tarps is to choose the right tarp for the job. There are many different types of tarps available including vinyl, canvas, poly, mesh, and nylon with each designed for specific purposes. If you use a tarp that is not meant for the job you are doing, it will likely wear out much faster than it should or become damaged. For example, if you need a tarp to protect your belongings from the rain, you will want to choose a waterproof tarp. On the other hand, if you are using a tarp to cover a pool or sandbox, you might want one that is made of mesh so that water can filter through it.
Once you have chosen the right tarp for the job, it is important to use and install it correctly. This means making sure that the tarp is properly secured through its grommets so that it does not blow away in the wind, become dislodged, or get caught up in things. Nor should it be applied too tightly as the tension created will lead to grommets being pulled out while also compromising the integrity of the fabric. Inspect your tarps regularly for any damage or wear and tear and repair them as necessary.
Cleaning your tarps on a regular basis is also important if you want them to last. You can clean most tarps with mild soap and water but be sure to check the care instructions first. Some tarps may require special cleaners or treatments. Once you have cleaned your tarp, make sure it is completely dry before storing it away.
Proper storage is also key to prolonging the life of your tarps. Tarps should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
By following these six simple tips, you can help ensure that your tarps will last for many years to come. Tarps are a valuable investment, so take care of them and they will help take care of you and your possessions.
1) Choosing The Best Tarp For Your Needs
If you are in the market for a Heavy Duty Tarp, you will want to choose one that is best suited for your needs. There are tarps made from different materials such as vinyl, clear vinyl, canvas, poly, and nylon, each with different features and benefits. Most tarps, except for some specialty items, usually include strong metal grommets (eyelets) made from materials such as brass, nickel, stainless steel, and aluminum that are used to help tie down, secure, or hang the covers. Here are some quick tips to help you choose the right tarp for the job.
Vinyl Tarps are extremely durable, waterproof, mildew and rot-resistant, making them a good selection for covering supplies, equipment, vehicles, boats, or RVs. They are also fairly lightweight and easy to handle. Their solid construction and strength allowing them to be a long lasting cover. Vinyl Tarps are available in many thicknesses, grades, sizes, colors, and special feature option that include fire retardant, anti-static, and camouflage.
Clear Vinyl Tarps are another very strong, waterproof, mildew and rot-resistant, and anti-microbial vinyl product that also provides crystal clear views through the material. These popular covers are utilized as curtains or temporary walls to protect against rain, snow, wind, and cold weather to help extend the use of outdoor living areas including patios, porches, decks, entryways, and enclosures. Clear Vinyl Tarps are also ideal for covering materials and equipment that users want to still be able to view. These covers are usually offered in a 20 and 30 Mil thickness with a fire retardant option for the 20 Mil version.
Canvas Tarps are heavy duty and durable, making them ideal for covering outdoor equipment or other large items or areas. They are also breathable, so they will not trap moisture underneath. Canvas Tarps are available in a number of features such as waterproof, water-resistant, fire retardant, awning, marine, and boxing ring covers. Other popular Canvas Tarp products include Drop Cloths / Painters Tarp, Duck Canvas Tarps, and Canvas Utility Bags.
Mesh Tarps are a strong and very lightweight fabric that is great for shading against the sun while also allowing air to pass through, while still providing some protection from the elements. They are often used as shade tarps, windscreens, and privacy screens. Mesh Covers are also good truck tarps for certain load situations. Mesh Tarps are available in a spectrum of shade protection percentages, colors and special uses including fire retardancy and Hurricane Mesh Barrier.
Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps are economical, fairly durable, waterproof, rot-resistant, and UV-resistant covers. They are a good choice for covering roofs, structures, outdoor equipment, supplies, and as a ground cover. As tarps go, Poly Tarps are extremely lightweight and easy to handle. There are heavy duty and extremely strong Poly Tarps that hold up to well to the elements and hazards. But keep in mind for heavier duty and longer lasting applications, Vinyl Tarps are a more viable options for many situations.
When choosing a tarp, consider the material, the weight, the durability, and the price. Choose the option that best fits your tasks and needs.
2) Using And Installing Tarps Correctly
Even if you have the ideal tarp for the task at hand, but do not tie it down or install it properly, it will not function as well as it should. Most tarps are fitted with grommets positioned equally around the entire perimeter in the hems. These are utilized for securing the cover to structures and other locations with fasteners such as ropes, zip ties, bungee cords, clips, and hooks. It is best to connect every grommet or at least as many as possible.
Tarps should be taut without too much tension, to avoid causing damaging strain on the grommets and material of the tarp that can pull out the grommets and risk the integrity of the fabric. By keeping the tarp safely taut, it eliminates the cover from blowing in the wind, causing damage along with preventing precipitation and dirt from getting underneath compromising the protection.
When it comes to tarp use, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Choose a size that adequately covers the items or areas it is protecting. It should not be too small, which will not provide complete protection. It is should also not be too big causing a nuisance or safety hazards of extra tarp getting in the way.
- Tarps should be taut, but not too tight. Too much tension can damage the grommets and material.
- Make sure the tarp is secured at all points - ropes, zip ties, bungee cords, etc.
- Keep an eye on the weather. If high winds are forecast, take precautions to prevent the tarp from blowing away, causing damage, or getting caught up in things.
- If possible, elevate the tarp off the ground to prevent dirt and moisture from seeping in.
3) Inspect Tarps Periodically For Damage And Wear
If you want your tarps to do their job properly, you need to inspect them regularly for damage and wear. Keep an eye out for tears, holes, compromised fabric, and broken grommets. These can all lead to further damage, water intrusion, or other problems. By inspecting your tarps regularly, you can keep them in top condition and help prevent any future issues.
4) Tarp Repairs
To minimize any damage that you discover during inspections with the tarp and to help restore it to proper working condition, it is strongly suggested to mend these issues such as tears, rips, holes, abrasions, compromised material, and grommet damage that occur as soon as possible. Tarp Glue and Tarp Tape is available for many of these repairs. Grommet Kits and Accessories are also available to fix broken or missing grommets. It is critical to the function of a tarp that it be tied down utilizing all grommets. If you find the tarp is beyond reasonable repair, it is highly recommended to replace the tarp with a new one as soon as possible.
With a little bit of care, your tarp will last for many years to come.
- Use tarp tape or tarp glue to mend small tears and holes.
- If grommets are missing or broken, replace them with new ones. Grommet kits are available in a variety of metals and sizes to best match your tarp requirements.
- Be sure to tie down the tarp securely using all available grommets. This will help prevent further damage and provide the expected valuable protection.
Tarp Repair Tape - Tarp Repair Tarp will patch rips and tears, help reinforce stress points, and aid in preventing new issues occurring with your tarps and industrial curtains. These tapes are formulated with strong adhesive glue for strength and endurance. They are used with poly, vinyl, and canvas fabric tarps and covers. Additionally, the Tarp Repair Tapes are offered in a variety of colors to blend with the materials that they are repairing. Repair Tarps will withstand extreme weather conditions and are highly resistant to water, moisture, acids, chemicals, oils, and UV exposure. Tarp Repair Tape is a versatile and valuable tool that are often used beyond tarp and curtain repair for residential, service. construction, manufacturing, boating, and camping applications.
Tarp Glue / Tarp Cement - Delivering superior quality and bond strength, Tarp Glue and Tarp Cement is ideal for bonding vinyl and other tarp fabrics including neoprene and canvas in additional to other materials such as rubber, leather, metal, glass, and tile. The glue / cement dries exceptionally fast, needing only two to five minutes to gain hold. Tarp Glue and Cement is waterproof and is resistant to weather, extreme temperatures, oil, and grease. The Tarp Glue / Cement is available in pint, quart, and gallon options.
Seam Sealer - Numerous tarps available on the market are manufactured from waterproof fabrics that makes them a waterproof tarp. With some of the products, the threading used on the seams do allow water to seep through when water puddles on the seam areas for a period of time. Seam Sealer is fast and easy applied product that will protect and prevent the sewn seams from leaking. It is great with cotton, cotton blends, polyester blends, and synthetic threads and materials. In addition to tarps, it is popular for boat covers, awnings, tents, backpacks, bags, and totes. The Seam Sealer is offered in a 4-ounce bottle.
Grommet Kits - Grommets help hold your tarps down, having the ability to repair, replace, or add new ones to your tarps is quite valuable. Grommet Kits are available and utilized to repair and replace damaged grommets on tarps as well as adding grommets to an existing tarp or in the creation of new tarps. These kits include grommets and washers along with a hole cutter and a setting die providing everything necessary to perfectly work with grommets. They are offered in the common tarp grommet sizes such as #2 (3/8” dia. Hole), #3 (7/16”), #4 (1/2”), #5 (5/8”), and #6 (13/16”). Grommets only can also be purchased by themselves as are the individual tools if necessary.
5) Tarp Cleaning
Making sure your tarp is clean will help extend its life and ensure proper protection. Always brush off any dirt, dust, and debris along with standing water to limit potential problems and help keep it looking and functioning its absolute best. If the dirt build-up is substantial, use a hose. For additional cleaning power, warm water and a mild dish soap usually does the trick. For even better results there are Tarp Cleaners and Tarp Protectants made specifically for this purpose. After washing your tarp, drying it thoroughly is recommended. This can be accomplished by stretching it out on a flat surface or hanging it on a line in the sun. Flip it over periodically to dry evenly and quicker while also helping avoid creating any permanent creases or wrinkles.
Tarp Cleaner - Tarp Cleaner is a multi-surface cleaner that is an all-in-one formula which is safely used on numerous tarp fabric surfaces such as vinyl, clear vinyl, polyethylene, nylon, and mesh along with vehicle interiors, car covers, and RV awnings. This solution quickly takes care of hazards such as dirt, oil, grease, coffee, and ink. It is safe to use on the materials that need thorough cleaning. Tarp Cleaner also helps surfaces to look new and will not leave any oily or greasy residue, helps prevent fading and cracking, can restore lost colors, and is a strong UV ray blocker. The cleaner is available in 16 ounce, 32 ounce, and gallon sizes and easily sprays on and wipes off.
Tarp Protectant - Tarp Protectant is an indoor / outdoor solution that is quickly and safely used for tarps products such as vinyl, clear vinyl, and polyethylene along with other materials including rubber, and fiberglass (it is not safe for canvas material). Protectant protects against fading, discoloring, UV rays, and cracking in addition to restoring and brightening dull surfaces. This formula will also repel against smudges, dust, dirt, and stains. The Tarp Protectant is 100 percent grease free, silicone free, and petroleum free. It is an extremely convenient rinse-free formula that quickly wipes dry leaving a nice dry finish that is odorless, not greasy, and non-toxic. The Indoor / Outdoor Tarp Protectant is available in 16 ounce and 32 ounce spray bottles in addition to one gallon and five gallon refill containers.
6) Storing Your Tarps
If you are not using your tarps and industrial curtains, it important to store them properly. Tarps and curtains can easily be folded or rolled up and stored in a dry, safe location. Before storing your tarps, make sure they are clean and completely dry. The best storage location is in a dry atmosphere, away from direct sunlight, high heat sources, and contaminants. Avoid storing tarps on the ground.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your tarps in good condition for years to come. Proper storage is an important part of tarp care. By taking the time to store your tarps correctly, you will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they are ready to use when you need them.
Tarps Now Not Only Provides The Largest Selection Of Tarps We Also Help You Care For Them
When you are ready to buy your Tarps and Industrial Curtains, Tarps Now has the largest selection around providing the exact cover for your needs. We also have the widest selection of Accessories and Products to help care for and maintain your valuable Tarps. In addition, we have an experienced, friendly, and helpful staff located at our Michigan headquarters that is ready to answer any question and offer the help you need. Contact us today at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com. We look forward to speaking with you.
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