To the untrained eye, it might seem like all tarpaulins, also known as tarps, are created equal. However, just as a cotton shirt differs from a silk shirt, different tarp materials also serve different purposes for different situations. Tarp material does matter depending on the job you want it to do.
Major Tarp Materials
These are some of the most common tarp materials and their typical uses.
- Canvas
Canvas tarps are heavy-duty, designed to withstand wet weather and protect items from damage. This is why you will often find them employed by trucking and moving companies to cover furniture and shipments. They often come in waterproof and fire resistant varieties, so they are also an ideal choice for camping or protecting a cord of wood.
- Vinyl
Vinyl tarps are designed in light- to heavy-duty options. It’s easy to find varieties that are both fire resistant and waterproof. This is one of the most versatile styles available. It can be used to cover truckloads, refinery equipment, and even as pollution covers. They are particularly useful in areas that are prone to wildfires, as well as functioning perfectly to cover gym floors, act as welding curtains, and even to cover paint booths.
- Poly
Most people are quite familiar with economy poly tarps, especially the blue variety. Depending on the type you get, you can find this style in waterproof and fire resistant designs. Poly tarps retain flexibility even in cold weather and absorb heat, which is why it is common to find them in use on camp outs and to cover equipment on construction sites.
- Specialty Tarps
You can also find specialty tarps, such as ones made out of mesh or designed to create privacy in locations such as hospitals or clinics. Industrial covers are usually designed to help contain noise and debris from penetrating all areas of a warehouse or work site. When you order through the right company, you may even be able to get your hands on customized tarps designed with specific properties and cut to an exact size to meet your needs.
Get the Right Tarp for Your Needs
In the end, the tarp materials that your tarp is made out of directly affects its effectiveness. If you plan on using your tarp for heavy-duty applications that will put it under repeated stress, then a canvas or vinyl option might be best, or at the very least a waterproof and fire resistant style with reinforced grommets and edges. Poly is also useful in lighter applications. For specialty applications, ordering customized tarps from Tarps Now is a smart way to go. Contact us for more information.