When you own Tarps, you understand the importance of taking care of them to ensure their longevity. Tarps are indispensable tools for many people, businesses, and projects, and it is vital to keep them in the best condition possible. Within this article, we will explore the best practices for caring for your Tarps and extending their lifespan. From selecting the appropriate Tarp for the task to cleaning and repairing, we will cover the things you need to know to help preserve your Tarps effectively.
Choosing the right Tarp for the job is paramount. Various types of Covers are available, such as vinyl, canvas, poly, and mesh, each created for specific purposes. Using a Tarp that is not suitable for your needs could result in premature wear or damage. For instance, if you require protection from rain, opt for a Waterproof Tarp. On the other hand, if you need to cover a pool or sandbox from leaves and debris, a Mesh Tarp allows water to pass through while keeping it free from things falling in.
Upon picking the best Tarp, ensure it is correctly installed and used properly. Secure the Tarp through its grommets to prevent it from getting dislodged or blown away by the wind. Avoid applying excessive tension, which could lead to grommets being pulled out and compromise the fabric's integrity. Regularly inspect your Tarps for any signs of damage or wear, and promptly address any issues through repairs.
Regular cleaning is also essential to maintain your Heavy Duty Tarps. Most Covers can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, but always check the care instructions for specific requirements. Some Tarps might need special cleaners or protectants. After cleaning, make sure the Tarp is completely dry before storing it. Suitable storage plays a crucial role in prolonging the life of the Tarp. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Through utilizing these simple tips, you can help make sure that your Tarps will last for a long time. Remember, Tarps are a valuable investment, so by looking after them will reciprocate by safeguarding your possessions effectively.
Selecting the Best Tarp for your Requirements
If you are looking to purchase a Tarp it is essential to select one that suits your particular demands. Various Tarps are made from different materials, including vinyl, clear vinyl, canvas, and polyethylene, each offering distinct features and benefits. Most Tarps, except for select specialty items, come with strong metal grommets (eyelets) made from materials like brass, nickel, stainless steel, or aluminum, which are used to secure and tie down the covers. Here are some quick tips to help you make the right choice for your tarp needs:
Vinyl Tarps
These Tarps are exceptionally durable, waterproof, and resistant to mildew and rot. They are an excellent choice for covering supplies, equipment, vehicles, boats, or RVs. Vinyl Tarps are easy to handle and fairly lightweight, making them an incredibly reliable and long-lasting cover. They come in various thicknesses, grades, sizes, colors, and can have special features like fire retardancy, anti-static properties, and camouflage patterns.
Clear Vinyl Tarps
As a form of Vinyl Tarps, Clear Vinyl Tarps are strong, waterproof, mildew and rot resistant. They also offer crystal-clear visibility through the material. Clear Vinyl Tarps are often used as curtains or temporary walls to protect outdoor living areas from rain, snow, wind, and cold weather while providing clear views. These Tarps are also ideal for covering materials and equipment that you want to keep visible. Clear Vinyl Tarps usually come in 20 and 30 Mil thicknesses, with a fire retardant option available for the 20 Mil thickness.
Canvas Tarps
Known for their heavy duty and durable nature, Canvas Tarps are perfect for covering outdoor equipment or large items and areas. They are breathable, preventing moisture from getting trapped underneath. Canvas Tarps come in various types, such as waterproof, water-resistant, fire retardant, awning, marine, and boxing ring covers. Other popular Canvas Tarps are Drop Cloths/Painters Tarps, Duck Canvas Tarps, and Utility Bags and Totes.
Mesh Tarps
Mesh Tarps feature a strong and lightweight fabric that provides shade against the sun while allowing air to pass through. They offer some protection from the elements and are often used as Shade Tarps, Windscreens, and Privacy Screens. Mesh Tarps are also suitable for specific Truck Tarp applications. These come in different shade protection percentages, colors, and special uses, including fire retardancy and Hurricane Mesh Barrier Tarps.
Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps
Economical and durable, Poly Tarps are waterproof, rot-resistant, and UV-resistant, making them ideal for covering roofs, structures, outdoor equipment, supplies, and acting as a ground cover. They are extremely lightweight and easy to handle.
Carefully consider the fabric, material weight, features, and durability in selecting the best choice for your specific tasks and requirements.
Properly Installing Tarps
Properly securing and installing your Tarp is crucial, even if it is the perfect fit for your task. Most Tarps come equipped with evenly spaced grommets along the entire perimeter, situated within the hems. These grommets serve as attachment points for securing the Cover to structures and other locations using ropes, zip ties, bungee cords, clips, or hooks. Connecting every grommet or as many as possible is the best practice.
Maintaining the right tension on the Tarp is important to avoid straining the grommets and the Tarp material. Excessive tension can lead to grommets being pulled out and potentially compromise the fabric's integrity. Keeping the Tarp taut ensures it remains steady during windy conditions, preventing damage and keeping precipitation and dirt from progressing underneath and limiting the protection.
Here are some essential considerations when using Tarps:
1. Select an appropriate size that adequately covers the items or areas you need to protect. Avoid selecting a Cover that is too small, as it will not offer complete coverage, and refrain from choosing one that is too large, as it may create a nuisance or pose safety hazards from loose material.
2. Maintain the right level of tautness on the Tarp. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the grommets and material.
3. Secure the Tarp at all points using ropes, zip ties, bungee cords, or other suitable fasteners.
4. Be mindful of the weather forecast. If high winds are expected, take precautions to prevent the Tarp from blowing away, causing damage, or getting entangled in objects.
5. By adhering to these recommendations, you can ensure that your Tarp serves its purpose effectively and provides the protection you need for your belongings or designated areas.
Occasionally Inspect Your Tarps for Damage and Wear
To make sure your Tarps perform their intended function effectively, it is essential to conduct regular inspections for signs of damage and wear. Check for tears, holes, compromised fabric, and broken grommets, as these issues can lead to additional damage, water seepage, or other problems. Regular inspections allow you to maintain your tarps in excellent condition and proactively limit and prevent any potential issues in the future.
Common Tarp Repairs
To prevent any damage discovered during inspections and restore your Tarp to proper working conditions, it is highly recommended to promptly mend issues like tears, rips, holes, abrasions, compromised material, and damaged grommets. Tarp Glue and Tarp Tape are available for many of these repairs, while Grommet Kits and Accessories can be used to fix broken or missing grommets. It is crucial to utilize all grommets when tying down the Cover to ensure its proper functioning and maximum protection. If the Tarp is beyond reasonable repair, consider replacing it with a new one as soon as you can.
With a small amount of care and timely maintenance, your Tarp will last for a long time. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use Tarp Tape or Tarp Glue to mend small tears and holes.
- Replace missing or broken grommets with new ones. Grommet kits are available in various metals and sizes to match your Tarp needs.
- Always tie down the Tarp securely, utilizing all available grommets. This practice will prevent further damage and provide the valuable protection necessary.
Grommet Kits
Grommets play a crucial role in securing your Tarps, and having the ability to repair, replace, or add new ones is important. Grommet Kits are available specifically for this purpose, allowing you to repair and replace damaged grommets on your Tarps or add new ones to existing Covers or when creating new ones. These kits come complete with grommets, washers, a hole cutter, and a setting die, providing all the necessary tools to work perfectly with grommets. The Grommet Kits are offered in common Tarp grommet sizes, including #2 (3/8" diameter hole), #3 (7/16"), #4 (1/2"), #5 (5/8"), and #6 (13/16"). You also have the option to purchase grommets separately, as well as individual tools, if needed. With these comprehensive kits and components readily available, you can easily maintain and customize your tarps with the required grommets, ensuring they remain secure and functional for all your needs.
Tarp Repair Tape
Tarp Repair Tape is specifically designed to patch rips and tears, reinforce stress points, and prevent new issues from arising in your Tarps. These tapes are formulated with a strong adhesive glue to ensure durability and longevity. They are suitable for use with poly, vinyl, and canvas fabric Tarps and Covers. Available in various colors, Tarp Repair Tape seamlessly blends with the materials they repair. With the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, these tapes are highly resistant to water, moisture, acids, chemicals, oils, and UV exposure. Their versatility extends beyond Tarps, making them valuable tools in residential, service, construction, manufacturing, boating, and camping applications. Whether you need to fix tears in a Tarp or reinforce stress points in an Industrial Curtain, Tarp Repair Tape offers reliable and effective solutions.
Tarp Glue / Tarp Cement
Tarp Glue and Tarp Cement offer outstanding quality and bond strength, making these perfect for bonding vinyl and various Tarp fabrics like neoprene and canvas. These versatile adhesives can also be used with other materials such as rubber, leather, metal, glass, and tile. The glue/cement dries rapidly, achieving a strong hold within just two to five minutes. They are designed to withstand the elements, as they are waterproof and resistant to weather, extreme temperatures, oil, and grease. Available in pint, quart, and gallon options, Tarp Glue and Tarp Cement provide reliable solutions for a wide range of bonding needs.
Seam Sealer
Many Tarps available on the market are crafted from waterproof fabrics, making them suitable for use as Waterproof Tarps. However, some products may have seams where water can seep through when puddled on the seam areas for an extended period. To address this issue, a fast and easy-to-apply solution called Seam Sealer is available. This product effectively protects and prevents sewn seams from leaking. It works well with various materials, including cotton, cotton blends, polyester blends, and synthetic threads. Aside from Tarps, Seam Sealer is commonly used for boat covers, awnings, tents, backpacks, bags, and totes. This product comes in a convenient 4-ounce bottle, making it a practical choice for keeping your Tarps, outdoor gear, and fabrics waterproof and leak-free.
Cleaning Your Tarps and Covers
Ensuring your Tarp remains clean is essential for extending its lifespan and maintaining optimal protection. Regularly brush off dirt, dust, and debris, and promptly remove standing water to prevent potential issues and keep it in top condition. In cases of significant dirt build-up, using a hose can be effective. For more thorough cleaning, warm water and mild dish soap usually suffice. Alternatively, you can opt for specialized Tarp Cleaners and Tarp Protectants designed explicitly for this purpose, providing even better results.
After cleaning the Tarp, thorough drying is recommended. You can achieve this by laying it out on a flat surface or hanging it on a line in the sun. Periodically flipping it over during the drying process ensures even and quicker drying while also preventing permanent creases or wrinkles. By following these cleaning and drying practices, you can ensure your tarp remains in excellent condition, providing reliable protection for an extended period.
Tarp Cleaner
Tarp Cleaner is an all-in-one, multi-surface formula designed for various Tarp fabric surfaces, including vinyl, clear vinyl, polyethylene, nylon, and mesh. Not only that, but it is also safe for use on vehicle interiors, car covers, and RV awnings. This versatile formula is a powerful weapon against dirt, oil, grease, coffee, ink, and other stubborn stains, making it perfect for thorough cleaning. With Tarp Cleaner, you can rest assured that your materials will be restored to their former glory without any oily or greasy residue. It helps prevent fading and cracking, restores lost colors, and acts as a potent UV ray blocker, ensuring long-lasting protection. Available in 16-ounce, 32-ounce, and gallon sizes, this user-friendly cleaner can be easily sprayed on and wiped off, making your cleaning tasks a breeze. Say goodbye to stains and hello to refreshed and like-new surfaces with Tarp Cleaner.
Tarp Protectant
Tarp Protectant is an ideal indoor/outdoor solution for preserving and enhancing Tarp products like vinyl, clear vinyl, and polyethylene, as well as rubber and fiberglass materials (please note that it is not suitable for canvas). This advanced formula provides comprehensive protection against fading, discoloration, UV rays, and cracking, effectively restoring and revitalizing dull surfaces. Tarp Protectant goes the extra mile by creating a protective barrier that repels smudges, dust, dirt, and stains, ensuring your tarps stay cleaner for longer. What sets this formula apart is its 100 percent grease-free, silicone-free, and petroleum-free composition, making it safe and non-toxic for both you and the environment. This hassle-free, rinse-free formula can be effortlessly applied and quickly wipes dry, leaving a pleasant, non-greasy, and odorless finish. Say goodbye to worrying about greasy residues or unpleasant odors. Tarp Protectant comes in convenient 16-ounce and 32-ounce spray bottles, as well as economical one-gallon and five-gallon refill containers, offering you a range of options to suit your needs. Preserve the beauty and longevity of your tarps with Tarp Protectant today.
Storing Tarps
Properly storing your Tarps when not in use is crucial for their longevity and optimal performance. To ensure their continued effectiveness, follow these simple storage tips:
1. Clean and Dry: Before storing your Tarps, ensure they are clean and completely dry. Any moisture left on the Tarp could lead to mold or mildew growth during storage.
2. Folding or Rolling: Tarps can be folded or rolled up neatly for storage. This prevents creasing and keeps them in good shape.
3. Dry Atmosphere: Store your Tarps in a dry atmosphere, preferably indoors, to protect them from moisture and potential damage caused by weather elements.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Keep your Tarps away from direct sunlight and high heat sources, as prolonged exposure to these elements can lead to material degradation.
5. Avoid Contaminants: Store your Tarps away from potential contaminants such as oil, chemicals, or sharp objects that could cause damage.
6. Elevate from the Ground: Avoid storing Tarps directly on the ground to prevent moisture absorption and potential mold growth.
By following these straightforward storage guidelines, you can keep your Tarps in excellent condition for years to come. Proper storage is a critical aspect of Tarp care, ensuring that they remain ready for use whenever you need them.
Providing not only the Products, Tarps Now delivers the Help In Caring for your Tarps
When it is time to purchase Tarps, look no further than Tarps Now, your one-stop shop with the largest selection available. We offer a wide range of covers to meet your specific needs. Not only that, but we also provide an extensive collection of Accessories and Products designed to care for and maintain your valuable tarps along with exceptional customer service.
Our dedicated team of experts at our Michigan headquarters is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. You can rely on their experience, friendliness, and helpfulness to guide you through your purchase and applications. To get in touch with us, call (888) 800-1383 or email sales@tarpsnow.com. We cannot wait to connect with you and fulfill all your Tarp needs!
