The Hurricane and Tornado Seasons are expected to be very active this year
The weather is always changing, and it can be hard to accurately predict when a storm will hit. This year is expected to be volatile Hurricane and Tornado Seasons. Actually, the 2022 season has already been quite busy with tornados already. That is why it is important to be prepared and have Storm Tarps on hand before they hit. But with so many different options on the market, which ones should you choose? We are here to help guide you. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of Storm Tarps available and recommend some of the best ones for 2022. Be Ready and Stay Safe this storm season!
Storm Tarps come in a variety of materials, including polyethylene, mesh, vinyl, and waterproof canvas. These covers also come in many different sizes, colors, and weights to both look and more importantly act the part. So, which one is right for you? It all depends on your needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for a tarp to cover entire areas of your home during a storm, then you will need a heavy-duty tarp that is big enough to cover the everything that you want. On the other hand, if you are just looking for a Tarp to cover your car or small outdoor area, then a smaller or lighter-weight tarp might suffice.
It is truly amazing what a rather thin layered crafted material can do to protect your valuable possessions from oncoming storms as well as the aftermaths of these volatile events. A small investment into a couple of Storm Tarps can save you an awful lot of money in the long run by helping prevent and cut down on damage.
The 2022 Hurricane Season is Predicted to be Super Active
An above-average Hurricane Season has been forecasted once again for 2022. According to Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University, the outlook predicts 19 named storms, 9 total hurricanes, with 4 expected to be a category 3 storm or higher expected to be at 130 percent of an average season. The 30-year average for yearly events is 14 total named, 7 hurricanes, and 3 that are major storms. Last year, 2021, was the third most active Hurricane Season in recorded history at 140 percent of the average season. There were 21 total named storms with 7 actual hurricanes of which, 4 were major events. Total damage resulting from last year’s hurricanes was in the neighborhood of $80.6 billion.
The active season is predicted by CSU and Klotzbah because the sea surface temperatures throughout eastern and central tropical Atlantic zones are in an average range, while the Caribbean and subtropical Atlantic water surface temperatures are above normal. Because of the mentioned conditions, it is anticipated that there will be major hurricanes that make landfall along the United States and Caribbean coastlines.
This Year’s Tornado Season is already off to a Rough Start
The Tornado Season in our country is underway, normally lasting from March through June. A report from AccuWeather predicts that the estimate for 2022 to be between 1,350 and 1,475 tornados for the year. The yearly average is 1,253. So far there have been approximately 508 confirmed tornados in the United States this year. In 2021, there were 1,376 confirmed tornados, which was 301 more than in 2020. These tornados last year killed 100 individuals, which was the most since 2011. The 2021 tornado season stuck around until December because of the continued conditions and activity.
Tornados form and occur when warm, humid air runs up against cold, dry air during thunderstorm activity. The situation produces spinning inside the thunderclouds. The spinning conditions can then lower from the clouds and develop into a tornado.
The United States has seen a shift of tornado activity in recent history towards the southeastern portion of the country. This is blowing away from the Great Plains “Tornado Alley” that was designated back in the early 1950’s. This change towards the southeast is occurring because of the continued drought conditions in the southwest along with changes in the jet stream. This also combines with increased warm, humid weather experienced later in the year up in the northern states.
It is not just Hurricanes and Tornados that cause serious problems
As we all have experienced throughout our lifetimes, it does not take Hurricanes or Tornados to cause storm damage. Thunderstorms, heavy winds, heavy rain, or a strategic lightning strike can cause their own issues and do so on an almost daily basis somewhere throughout the country.
Here is a bit of perspective on what the entire world is dealing with. In 2021 the Earth was hit with an amazing $329 billion dollars in weather disaster damage. This was the third-costliest year on record behind 2017 ($519 billion) and 2005 ($351 billion).
Storm Tarps as a Prevention
As Benjamin Franklin first stated in 1736, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Storm Tarps as a level of defense before a storm strikes, can possibly assist in saving the day. A securely and properly administered Storm Tarp can help shield against heavy winds and the flying debris that can occur as result. In addition, these covers can protect against the driving rains that result during Hurricane, Tornado, and other storm activity. Many of the Storm Tarp products are resistant to mildew, rot, and other contaminants and hazards. This built-in protection allows the Tarps to be applied to building, roofs, and other structures for longer periods of times especially with vacant facilities, rentals, vacation homes, and second residences.
Helping put a limit on Existing Damage
No matter what you do, sometimes when a storm hits it can hit hard. If damage occurs, one of the first and most important things to do once the danger has passed is to quickly and securely cover the damaged areas. This helps eliminate additional and further damage from rainwater, the sun’s rays, and wind along with infestation of animals, insects, birds, and people.
Following the initial storm event, it is often the secondary or following occurrences that cause more damage than the original episode. Make sure that you get the exposed and vulnerable areas under control and covered as quickly as possible once the weather conditions and the structure are determined to be safe to work with. It is this subsequent damage that can happen to an area that is not protected which can lead to potential insurance claim issues.
Your insurance company, on most occasions, will want you to make these vital and temporary repairs including using Storm Tarps to secure the damage and prevent further loss even before the insurance adjuster inspects the property. First of all, you need to contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claim process and have the damage inspected. A couple of additional valuable suggestions on this include taking pictures and documenting the damage before applying any Tarps or making your own repairs. It is also quite worthy to keep your receipts for any items that you purchased for these repairs, including the tarps, because you may be entitled to be reimbursed by the insurer.
How to choose the Best Storm Tarps
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous types of Storm Tarps available. What is best for you depends for on your needs and situation. Here is a listing of some of the more effective covers for prevention and the limiting of further damage once there is an issue:
Hurricane Tarps
A Hurricane Tarp is a general description for tarps and covers that will securely cover your roof, structures, materials, and supplies from storm issues. These are durable, lightweight, and very easy to handle and apply. The stereotypical Hurricane Tarp is the Blue Poly Tarps which are manufactured with multiple layers of plastic material inserted with grommets (eyelets) that are positioned in the hems around all four sides for a secure and easy tie down of the covers. It is these blue tarps that you most commonly see on roofs and other structures covering damage following a storm, during repairs, and with new construction projects.
An additional effective and popular Hurricane Tarp is the Hurricane Barrier Mesh Tarp. This type of cover is a very durable tarp that is crafted with a 95 percent closure weave that is very slightly perforated to help allow a safe amount of air and water to pass through the material. The Hurricane Mesh Tarp protects from heavy wind, excessive rain, and flying debris.
Poly Tarps
As mentioned previously, Poly Tarps, the blue ones, are usually the kind of tarp that comes to mind when you think of Hurricane Tarps. Poly Tarps tally about 56 percent of all Tarp sales. These extremely economical covers are manufactured with polyethylene compounds (PE) that create a very lightweight, 100 percent waterproof, and quite strong product. Property owners, contractors, and insurance companies find this style the most cost friendly tarp along with being extremely easy to handle while delivering the needed protection against rain, wind, sun, dirt, debris, and pests on a short term basis. Poly Tarps also resist against UV rays, tears, abrasion, and mildew. There is a huge variety of Poly Tarps on the market providing a wide range of features for whatever is necessary for your Storm Tarp such as size, color (you are not obligated to just the blue tarps), thickness, material weight, and options on some products such as reinforced and fire retardant. Poly Tarps have grommets (eyelets) installed that are spaced equally around the entire perimeter for fast, easy, and secure tying down of the Storm Cover.
Hurricane Barrier Mesh Tarps
Also discussed earlier, Hurricane Barrier Mesh Tarps have Hurricane in the name so these must be an effective Storm Tarp. Yes, they are! Constructed with 20 Mil thick 95 percent closure black trampoline mesh that has a lightweight yet extremely strong with a material weight of 7.9 ounces per square yard. This material construction is perforated allowing both a safe amount air and water to pass through protecting the structure while keeping the cover effective. These are made with sturdy brass grommets spaced every 12 inches around the perimeter for the best tie down and securing possible. The Hurricane Barrier Mesh Tarps protect your windows, doors, roofs, and other structures from the driving rain, heavy winds, and flying debris. They are available in a wide assortment of sizes including custom options all to help ensure you cover whatever it is that you need to protect.
Vinyl Tarps
Vinyl Tarps are a very popular, strong, and versatile cover ideal for Storm Tarp applications. This classification of Cover is offered in a range of categories for light, medium, heavy, and super heavy duty usage and for longer periods of time. Most Vinyl Tarps are 100 percent waterproof providing tremendous protection pre and post storm while always holding up to UV rays, mildew, liquids, grease, oil, acid, tears, and abrasion. For specific needs, Vinyl Tarps are available with a variety of specialty features such as fire retardant, coated, Neoprene, Hypalon, and Clear Vinyl. Vinyl Covers are offered in a wide selection of effective sizes, material weights, thicknesses, and colors. Custom sizing is a popular option for many people.
Waterproof Canvas Tarp
An excellent option for many Storm Tarp applications, Waterproof Canvas Tarps are manufactured from silicone coated polyester threads that deliver a 100 percent waterproof material that is also breathable, a huge benefit when airflow and anti-condensation is a necessity for the cover while also protecting against UV rays, mildew, rips, tears, and abrasion. This type of Waterproof Canvas Tarp is at least two to three times stronger than the traditional canvas fabric that is on the market. This style of Canvas Tarp is available in wide variety of sizes, colors, and fitted with strong grommets for secure tie down for the storm applications. Custom options are also offered for Waterproof Canvas Tarps.
Drain Tarps / Leak Diverters
Drain Tarps also known as Leak Diverters deliver protection inside buildings and facilities to protect structures, furniture, computers, equipment, areas, and personnel from roof leaks and broken pipes. They are simple to install by connecting the sturdy D-rings in the corners with basic connectors such as rope, zip ties, wire, or bungee cords to the ceiling or other structure. These specialty Tarps capture water from the leaks and drain through a common 3/4” garden hose into a container or safe area. Drain Tarps / Leak Diverters are offered in Poly and Vinyl material versions including the Anti-Static Vinyl version that is both resistant to static and fire retardant, great for protecting computers, electronic equipment, servers, and other valuable gear. These tarps are offered in a number of common and effective sizes.
Fabric by the Yard or Roll
If you make your own Tarps or have projects that require the materials mentioned above (Poly, Vinyl, Clear Vinyl, Waterproof Canvas), they are available by the by the Yard and Roll to be quickly shipped to your physical address. For the exact amount or for stock purposes, you can purchase the amount of material that you require for protecting your house, building, equipment, or supplies from the hazards of storms.
Custom Tarps
A large inventory of the Storm Tarps described so far in this article are present for the standard sizes that are common to these situations. On the other hand, you may have special dimensions that you need created. As for many of the fabrics mentioned, Custom Tarps and Covers can be made to your specifications. Through the convenient Custom Size Tarp Builder app or by submitting a print or drawing, your special Storm Tarp can be crafted to your exact specifications and features.
Be Proactive and Stock Up
Be it hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or other storms, there is no area that is totally in the clear. It is always a good idea to have these durable and protective Storm Tarps on hand for when the need arises and especially when storm damage does occur. You know, when there is a major storm event the local hardware stores and big box outlets have a limited inventory and they are going to sell out of whatever they have immediately while online ordering is going to take a few days at best. Stock up well in advance and be prepared!
Tarps Now is The Storm Tarp Supplier
Are you ready? When you are looking for Storm Tarps to protect your possessions form hurricane, tornado, or other major storm damage or you need Tarps or Accessories for other purposes, Tarps Now is your supplier. Please Give us a call today at (888) 800-1383 or email sales@tarpsnow.com with any questions or inquires. One of our experienced, friendly, and helpful tarp team members located at our Michigan headquarters is happy to speak with you and assist in finding you the right tarps for your needs.
Tarps Now specializes in the manufacturing, distribution, and sales of Standard Sized Tarps, Storm Tarps, Industrial Machine Equipment Covers, and Athletic Field Tarps to a wide range of materials specifications along with Custom Made Tarps and Covers. We are pleased to offer a wide selection of covers and tarps direct from the factory to businesses and consumers throughout North America.
