When shopping for Tarps, there are several important factors to consider. These Covers serve a wide range of purposes, from protecting property during bad weather to safeguarding equipment in storage. They come in various materials, including canvas, vinyl, clear vinyl, polyethylene, and mesh, and are available in different sizes, thicknesses, and with features like waterproof and fire resistance. In this blog post, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Tarps to help you make informed purchase decisions.
Tarpaulins, or "Tarps," are versatile tools with more protective applications than many realize. While major retailers like Home Depot, Menards, and Harbor Freight only offer basic Poly and Canvas Tarps for general use, specialty online retailers like TarpsNow.com provide a much wider selection of Tarps, Covers, and Industrial Curtains with enhanced protective features.
Popular and Frequently Asked Questions for Tarps
The following section covers frequently asked questions from those purchasing Tarps, Industrial Curtains, and Tarp Accessories. We aim to provide helpful information and guidance to ensure you choose the right Tarp products for your specific or general requirements.
What are Tarps used for?
Tarps are highly versatile tools made from durable materials such as canvas, vinyl, clear vinyl, polyethylene, and mesh. Their uses range from covering supplies, equipment, vehicles, and outdoor areas to protecting sports fields, floors, and even roofs. When hung vertically, a Tarp can serve as a temporary or permanent wall, partition, barrier, or curtain. Clear Vinyl Tarps are especially popular for providing visibility while protecting against rain, snow, wind, and cold in areas like porches, patios, decks, and entryways. Tarps are also useful in landscaping for covering and transporting materials, in camping for tents and shelters, in industrial settings for protection, and for offering shade, privacy, and security when used on fences. For cold weather protection, insulated tarps are available to safeguard possessions, structures, and spaces. Additional features like fire retardancy and waterproof ensure Tarps meet specific protection needs. These Covers are essential across various industries, including residential, construction, demolition, landscaping, trucking, manufacturing, shipbuilding, oil production, and agriculture. Their adaptability and durability make them a valuable asset in numerous applications.
What types of fabric are Tarps usually made of?
The best Tarp material depends on its specific use, as Tarps are not a one-size-fits-all tool. For waterproof protection, Vinyl, Polyethylene (Poly), and Waterproof Canvas Tarps are excellent choices. If you need a lightweight, cost-effective option for general coverage, Poly Tarps are often preferred. For breathable coverage, Canvas Tarps work well, while Mesh Tarps are ideal for shade or lightweight protection. Clear Vinyl Tarps or Clear Poly Tarps are perfect when visibility or sunlight is needed. It is important to choose a Tarp that aligns with the material's features and the demands of your requirements.
What size do I need in a Tarp?
You should get a Tarp that properly covers your possessions, vehicles, supplies, and structures, including irregular shapes and sections, without excess material. Of course, you want a Tarp that has enough coverage to fulfill the needed protection, not leaving anything uncovers, At the same time, too much extra fabric can become a hazard, getting caught in the wind or tangled in nearby equipment or with people. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your belongings, spaces, or people. At Tarps Now, our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with any questions and help you find the right tarp size for your needs. Call us at (888) 800-1383 for expert guidance.
How do secure my Tarp?
Properly securing your Tarp is crucial for effective protection without putting stress on the cover. Most Tarps come with built-in grommets, metal eyelets along the edges, which provide secure attachment points. Use these grommets with fastening tools such as zip ties, bungee cords, ropes, rubber straps, or hooks to anchor the Tarp firmly to the surface or structure, ensuring it stays in place and offers optimal coverage.
Are all Tarps Waterproof?
It is essential to understand that not all Tarps are waterproof. Some are simply water-resistant, while others provide minimal protection against water. If waterproof is important for your needs, make sure the Tarp is clearly designated as "waterproof." A Waterproof Tarp offers complete protection against water infiltration. Materials like Polyethylene and many Vinyl Covers are fully waterproof, ensuring reliable coverage for what is underneath. Additionally, Waterproof Canvas Tarps are available, offering both water protection and breathability, which helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup beneath the Tarps.
Can Tarps be used as tents or temporary shelters?
Tarps are often used as simple alternatives to tents and other makeshift shelters, such as lean-tos and fly tents. Made from waterproof materials like polyethylene, waterproof canvas, and vinyl, these Tarps are ideal for camping, tent building, and shelter creation. A fly tent can also act as a protective outer layer for an existing tent, offering additional defense against rain, snow, wind, cold, debris, pests, and falling branches.
How do I clean and maintain my Tarps?
When applying Tarps, proper installation and usage are crucial. Secure the Tarp by fastening it through the grommets to prevent it from coming loose or being blown away by wind. Avoid over-tightening, as this can cause grommets to tear out and damage the tarp. Regularly inspect your Tarps for wear and tear, and make necessary repairs promptly to maintain their effectiveness. Most Heavy Duty Tarps can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, but always check the care instructions for specific cleaning needs. Some Tarps may require special cleaners or protectants. Ensure the Tarp is completely dry before storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan. Following these simple guidelines, along with using Tarp Accessories and Maintenance Products, will help extend the life of your Tarp. Taking good care of your Tarps is an investment that will pay off by providing long-lasting protection for your possessions.
Are there different types of Tarps for different uses?
When purchasing a Tarp, it is important to choose one that meets your specific needs. Tarps come in various materials such as vinyl, clear vinyl, canvas, and polyethylene, each offering unique features and benefits. Common specialized options include Waterproof, Fire Retardant, Anti-Static, Insulated, Reinforced, and Temperature Resistant Tarps. Be sure to identify the type of protection you require and match it with the appropriate Tarp features. If you need assistance, the Michigan-based Tarps Now customer service team is ready to help at (888) 800-1383, ensuring you find the best cover for your needs.
Can Custom Tarps be created?
Yes, Tarps Now offers the option to customize many of our stock size Tarps. Basic rectangular and round shapes can be easily ordered through our Custom Tarp, Custom Covers, and Custom Industrial Curtains apps. For more unique shapes and requirements, we can create custom covers based on your prints and diagrams.
What does UV Ray Resistance mean for Tarps?
A wide range of Tarps on the market are specially designed to withstand UV rays. They are treated to protect the material from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, which helps prevent UV-induced deterioration. These treatments enhance the Tarp's durability, ensuring it remains effective over time. Additionally, the shade provided by these Tarps protects the items, structures, and individuals they cover.
Are Flame Resistant / Flame Retardant Tarps common products?
A variety of Tarps are available, designed specifically for fire retardant and flame-resistant applications. These Covers meet several fire safety standards, including NFPA 701 (large scale), CPAI-84, CAN/ULC S-109-M87, ASTM E-84 (Class A), California State Fire Marshal, and CSFM Title 19. Popular Flame Resistant Tarps and Flame Retardant Tarps are offered in materials like poly, canvas, vinyl, and mesh.
What are the strongest Tarps?
Choosing the strongest Tarp for your needs depends largely on its intended application. It is crucial to match the Tarp's purpose with the specific type designed for that use. For example, a Mesh Tarp with its porous material is not suitable for waterproof applications. Start by clearly defining the Tarp's intended use, then determine the necessary strength. Key indicators of strength include the material's thickness and weight, usually measured in ounces per square yard. A higher weight indicates a denser fabric, which generally translates to greater strength and durability.
What colors are available for Tarps?
Tarps come in a range of colors, depending on the specific product. Some Tarps, like the water-resistant Canvas Tarp, are available in a single color such as olive drab. Others, such as the Awning/Marine Canvas Tarps, are offered in up to 12 different colors, while the 18 oz vinyl tarp comes in eight colors. Some colors, like orange, are used for safety purposes, as seen in orange safety netting. Details about color options can be found in the descriptions of these Tarp products.
What are Grommets?
Grommets, also known as eyelets, are round metal fasteners used to reinforce and encase holes along the edges of Tarps, Covers, and Industrial Curtains. They are essential for securing and anchoring these Covers to surfaces or structures with various fastening options like bungee balls, zip ties, cords, rubber straps, and hooks. When fastening a Tarp, it is best to use all available grommets to distribute tension evenly and prevent undue stress on the fabric. Grommets are typically spaced evenly to ensure consistent and safe tension. Grommet Kits are also available for creating or repairing grommets on existing Tarps or those do it yourself projects.
What are Heavy Duty Tarps?
Heavy Duty Tarps encompass a wide range of products and are made from various materials, including vinyl, clear vinyl, Hypalon, neoprene, polyethylene (poly), canvas, mesh, and nylon. Despite differences in weight, all these Tarps are designed to provide robust protection and serve multiple purposes effectively. Heavy Duty Tarps are used across numerous industries and applications. Typically, a Tarp is classified as "Heavy Duty" if it has a thickness starting at 12 mil (0.012 inches). However, the thickness can vary significantly depending on the material. For example, Heavy Duty Tarps can be up to 24 Mil thick, Heavy Duty Canvas Tarps may reach 30 Mil, heavy Duty Hypalon Tarps can go up to 35 Mil, and Heavy Duty Neoprene Tarps may reach 40 mil. Mesh and Vinyl Tarps can be as thick as 50 mil, making them ideal for demanding applications requiring exceptional strength.
What Tarps are best used for Trucks and with Freight?
An assortment of Heavy Duty Truck Tarps is available to meet the diverse needs of cargo transported on the open road. These Covers are made from durable materials like vinyl, clear vinyl, and mesh, and are essential for keeping shipments intact, clean, and dry. Some Truck Tarps also come in various colors, which can enhance safety, branding, and aesthetics. Specialized Truck Tarps include Flatbed Tarps, Steel Truck Tarps, Coil Truck Tarps, Lumber Truck Tarps, Heavy Duty Machinery Tarps, Smoke Tarps, and Refuse Transfer Trailer Knitted Tarps. These Tarps feature sturdy grommets and D-rings for secure tie-downs, which help protect cargo and prevent the Tarps from flapping in the wind.
What do Tarps Cost?
Tarp prices will vary widely, from just a few dollars to several thousand, depending on factors such as the type, material, features, and especially the size. Think of a Tarp as an investment in protecting your valuable assets, resources, spaces, and people. A Tarp provides versatility and strong protection exactly where and when you need it. Rather than focusing only on the initial cost, consider the long-term savings it offers through the protection it provides.
How do I know what Tarps is best for my use?
If you have questions about the best Tarps for protecting your belongings, spaces, or individuals, you are not alone. At Tarps Now, our dedicated and knowledgeable team is available at (888) 800-1383 to help answer your questions and find the perfect solution for your needs.
How can I order a Tarp?
To purchase Tarps, simply visit the TarpsNow.com website, select your desired products, and add them to your cart on the product pages. A wide variety of popular and practical Tarp sizes are readily available. For Custom Tarps, you can use the Custom Tarp Builder apps to tailor your Tarp to specific needs. If you require more unique or specialized designs, you can also submit prints and sketches for a manual ordering procedure. And, of course, if you have any questions or need help with anything, please contact us at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com.
Quality Customer Service
We take great pride in our exceptional customer care, evident in every interaction with our customers. A significant part of the Tarps Now team is devoted to our extensive customer service department, which operates entirely in-house from our headquarters in St. Joseph, Michigan. This dedicated team of professionals is knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to assist.
Our primary goal in customer service is to address and resolve customer concerns effectively. This includes educating customers about our products, providing guidance on their use, and answering questions from start to finish, with follow-ups as needed. Tarps Now excels in offering efficient support through various communication channels, tailoring our approach to meet our customers' preferences. Some of the effective customer service channels we provide includes telephone, email, the contact us form, asking questions through the Tarps Now website, and social media.
120% Price Protection for Tarps
At Tarps Now, we are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service while offering the most competitive prices and highest quality for all items on our website. We achieve this by using premium materials, purchasing in bulk, securing favorable shipping rates, and maintaining efficient operations. Our commitment to value is supported by our 120% Price Protection policy.
Shop with confidence, knowing that every product on our site is covered by this guarantee. If you find the same item online at a lower price within a week of your purchase, we will credit you the difference and add an additional 20% of that difference to your account as a thank you.
To qualify for a price protection adjustment, the lower price and product must be verifiable online and available for immediate shipment from an authorized dealer. Please note that adjustments are limited to one item per customer.
The price we match must be for an identical product, including model, size, color, grade, weight, materials, and manufacturer. The comparison should also account for any applicable taxes and shipping charges. Unlike some competitors, we ensure transparency by avoiding hidden fees or additional charges that could affect the final price.
Once we verify that the identical product is available at a lower net delivered price, we will credit your account with 100% of the price difference plus an extra 20% of the difference to show our commitment to your satisfaction.
Tarps Now is the Answer for Tarps, Covers, Industrial Curtains, and Tarp Accessories
It is our hope that this article has answered your questions. If you need further help with Tarps, Covers, Industrial Curtains, or Tarp Accessories, please feel free to contact Tarps Now at (888) 800-1383 or email us at sales@tarpsnow.com. Our knowledgeable and friendly team at our Michigan headquarters is here to assist you with any inquiries about our products or anything else you might need. Tarps Now is your premiere source for Tarps, offering both high quality products at great prices with outstanding customer service.
