Plastic Sheeting, also called Poly Sheeting, is a tough, versatile material used across many industries. It resists tears, punctures, and water. Use it to protect against wind, rain, snow, dirt, and debris. This article covers its most common uses in construction, business, agriculture, and at home.
Plastic Sheeting in Construction
Plastic Sheeting is a must-have on construction sites. Common uses include vapor barriers to block moisture, surface protection for floors and walls during painting or demolition, scaffolding covers and enclosures, and covers for roofing materials, tools, and equipment.
Industrial and Commercial Applications
In industrial and commercial settings, Plastic Sheeting protects equipment and inventory from dust and moisture and creates temporary work zone dividers and partitions.
Agricultural Uses of Plastic Sheeting
Farmers use Plastic Sheeting to protect harvested crops from rain, pests, and bad weather, and as walls and roofing in greenhouses for light diffusion and insulation.
Residential Applications
At home, Plastic Sheeting protects furniture, floors, and carpets during renovations or painting. It also works as a temporary room divider or as a cover for pools, hot tubs, and outdoor equipment.
Plastic Sheeting is useful everywhere, from heavy industrial jobs to simple home projects. Choosing the right type makes all the difference.
What is Plastic Sheeting / Poly Sheeting?
Plastic Sheeting is a tough polyethylene film with many practical uses. On construction sites, it works as a vapor barrier and shields machinery from rain, snow, dirt, and debris. Clear Plastic Sheeting can serve as a temporary window or doorway. Reinforced Plastic Sheeting resists tears and punctures, ideal for containing hazardous materials or lead paint abatement.
Beyond construction, it protects furniture during a move, covers items in storage, and much more. It is easy to handle, affordable, and reliable.
Choosing the Right Plastic Sheeting for Your Project
Match the sheeting to your job. Clear Poly Sheeting works for basic dust and debris protection. Reinforced Poly Sheeting is built for tough, demanding environments. Fire Retardant Poly Sheeting is needed where fire safety is a concern. Thicknesses of 5 Mil, 6 Mil, and 10 Mil cover most project sizes. When in doubt, go with the more durable option.
Explore Popular Plastic Sheeting Products
Here are the most popular Plastic Sheeting products available.
Clear Poly Sheeting
Clear Poly Sheeting is a strong, waterproof 6 Mil material that resists rot and chemicals. Use it for temporary building enclosures, walls, and wraps on construction sites. Available in 40' x 100' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
White Reinforced Poly Sheeting
White Reinforced Poly Sheeting (also called Hoarding Sheeting) is a 6 Mil triple-layered woven material with a 1 Mil coating. It has 1000 denier strength, an 8 x 8 mesh count, and weighs 2.5 oz. per square yard. It is fully waterproof and resists UV rays, acids, rot, and mildew. Available in 20' x 100', 40' x 100', and 15' x 300' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
Clear Reinforced Poly Sheeting
Clear Reinforced Poly Sheeting is a 6 Mil material with a 7 x 7 woven pattern for added strength. Use it for scaffolds, enclosures, building wraps, bridges, paint containment, dust control, sandblasting protection, temporary walls, and ice rink liners. It is 100% waterproof, UV-resistant, puncture-resistant, and flexible in cold weather. Available in 20' x 100' and 40' x 100' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
Translucent String Reinforced Poly Sheeting
Translucent String Reinforced Poly Sheeting is a 6 Mil, 3-ply material with scrim reinforcement. It is waterproof, UV-resistant, tear-resistant, and flexible in cold weather. Use it for construction wraps, building enclosures, ground covers, containment covers, abatement, and temporary walls. Available in 20' x 100' and 40' x 100' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
Translucent Woven Reinforced Poly Sheeting
Translucent Woven Reinforced Poly Sheeting is made from high-strength polyethylene with a 7 x 7 woven pattern. It comes in 5 Mil and 6 Mil thickness. It is fully waterproof, UV-resistant, and resists mold and mildew. Use it for scaffold wraps, building enclosures, building wraps, equipment covers, containment covers, and ground covers. The 5 Mil version is available in 20' x 100' and 40' x 100' rolls. The 6 Mil version comes in a 20' x 100' roll. No hems or grommets included.
White Fire Retardant Poly Sheeting
White Fire Retardant Poly Sheeting is a 6 Mil material weighing 2.4 oz. per square yard. Use it for building wraps, temporary walls, scaffold wraps, and ground covers. Available in 20' x 100' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
White Fire Retardant String Reinforced Poly Sheeting
White Fire Retardant String Reinforced Poly Sheeting comes in 6 Mil and 10 Mil thickness and weighs 2.4 oz. per square yard. It is ideal for building enclosures, scaffold wraps, ground covers, and temporary walls. Available in 20' x 100' and 40' x 100' rolls.
White Reinforced Fire Retardant Poly Sheeting
White Reinforced Fire Retardant Poly Sheeting is a 6 Mil material with a 7 x 7 woven pattern. It is 100% waterproof, flexible in cold weather, and resists tears, punctures, UV rays, chemicals, and mildew. Use it for temporary walls, equipment covers, building wraps, scaffold wraps, dust containment, sandblasting, and paint overspray protection. Available in a 20' x 100' roll. No hems or grommets included.
Translucent Woven Reinforced Flame Retardant Poly Sheeting
Translucent Woven Reinforced Flame Retardant Poly Sheeting is a 5 Mil high-strength material with a 7 x 7 woven pattern. It is waterproof, UV-resistant, and flexible in cold weather. It also helps reduce airborne silica exposure. Use it for equipment covers, temporary enclosures, ground covers, scaffold wraps, heat enclosures, and containment covers. Available in 20' x 100' and 40' x 100' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
White Woven Reinforced Anti-Static and Flame Retardant Poly Sheeting
White Woven Reinforced Anti-Static and Flame Retardant Poly Sheeting is a 6 Mil material that protects against both electrostatic discharge and fire. Use it to shield electrical equipment, create temporary walls, contain dust during abatement, and as enclosure film in buildings, homes, hospitals, schools, and offices. The fabric is marked with "FR" and "Anti-Static" for easy identification. Available in 20' x 100' rolls.
Translucent Greenhouse Poly Sheeting
Translucent Greenhouse Poly Sheeting lets light through while diffusing shadows to support healthy plant growth. It is a heavy duty 10 Mil material weighing 5.7 oz. per square yard. It is waterproof and UV-resistant and protects against rain, snow, wind, and dust. Available in 40' x 60' and 40' x 100' rolls. No hems or grommets included.
Key Features of Plastic Sheeting
Plastic Sheeting stands out for several key reasons. Reinforced versions are tear-resistant and hold up in harsh conditions. It works across construction, agriculture, DIY, and more. It is lightweight and quick to install or remove. Flame-retardant options add safety where fire is a concern. UV-resistant types last longer outdoors. Clear, translucent, and opaque options let you control how much light passes through.
Tips for Utilizing Plastic Sheeting for a Host of Applications
Here are five practical ways to put Plastic Sheeting to work.
Use it for temporary enclosures on scaffolding, demolition sites, and abatement projects to contain dust, fumes, and debris. Lay it down before applying waterproofing membranes on foundations or basement walls for an extra moisture barrier. Place it on floors before painting, staining, or any construction work to protect surfaces. Cut it to size and secure it with tape or fasteners to create a temporary door or window. Cover walls and ceilings with it before adding insulation to improve efficiency.
Recommendations for Installing Plastic Sheeting
Installing Plastic Sheeting is simple. Use Scaffold Wind Clips, Scaffold Bungees, Zip Ties, or Tarp Clips to hold it in place. Poly tape also works for some applications.
Fasten the edges firmly to prevent wind damage. Overlap panels by at least six inches and use tape at least two inches wide to seal the seams. This keeps the sheeting secure and effective against weather, debris, and contaminants.
Using Scaffold Wind Clips
Scaffold Wind Clips are made from durable molded polyethylene and fit scaffolding frames with diameters from 1-1/2 to 1-11/16 inches. They work year-round and are especially useful in winter.
These clips are designed to release in strong winds, stopping the sheeting from acting like a sail and causing structural damage. They measure 11 inches long and come in cases of 100. Install them every 3 feet for a secure hold. They are reusable and save installation time.
Shipping Considerations
Most rolls are 20 or 40 feet wide and ship by freight truck, not standard parcel carriers. Your delivery location needs at least 10 feet of width and 14 feet of overhead clearance. A forklift is usually needed for unloading. If access is limited, you may be able to pick up at the carrier's terminal or use an alternate address. The trucking company will coordinate delivery details with you directly.
Inspect your order before signing the delivery receipt. Check the count and look for any damage. Note all issues on the Bill of Lading and have the driver sign it. Credits and replacements can only be issued for problems noted at the time of delivery.
When you Need Plastic Sheeting Tarps Now has You Covered!
Tarps Now carries a wide range of Plastic Sheeting for construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and home use. Options include Clear Poly Sheeting, Reinforced Anti-Static and Flame Retardant Sheeting, Greenhouse Poly Sheeting, and more.
Have a question or need help choosing the right product? Call us toll-free at (888) 800-1383 or email sales@tarpsnow.com. Our team in Michigan is ready to help.
Happy Holidays!
