The intro
You can put in more effort and time than you normally do, as well as spend more money and set up your campsite, shelter, or construction project, only to have your Tarpaulin rip, leak, or disintegrate on the first evidence of bad weather. Sounds frustrating, right? Choosing the right tarpaulin is no small matter because it has great discomfort, safety, and success for the project.
In this guide, you will find out everything about those characteristics that have to be prioritized while purchasing tarpaulin. Be it for camping, farming, construction, or emergency preparedness; these basics will help you avoid some costly mistakes during those times when memories are made, and usually bring you closer to investing in a tarp that takes the test of time.
Importance of Right Selecting Tarpaulin
Tarpaulins may look simple, but design, materials, and features make all the difference. For example, a lightweight poly tarp may be all you need for a backyard BBQ but worthless on a high-wind camping trip. On the other hand, if you’re using the tarp for very light cover, it’s worse to have such a heavy, industrial-grade tarp for the application just wasting your money.
The right tarp protects against:
- Rain, sun, snow, and wind
- Prolongs life for your equipment and supplies
- Versatile with multiple functions
- Save you from repeated purchases because it will last longer
Could leave you exposed to the elements-or worse, ruin your precious equipment or destroy an important project. For this reason, it is really important to know what sets apart a good tarp from a bad one before you hit the “buy” button.
Material Quality: The Backbone of Every Tarp
When matter gets to durability, the material is everything. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to different materials. Here, letís break things down:
Polyethylene Tarps
The vast majority of all such tarps are woven plastic strips coated for waterproofness.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Completely waterproof
- Not very expensive for the majority
- Available in many thicknesses and grades
Appropriate for: Short-term activities, camping trips and temporary covers.
However, low-quality poly tarps degrade quickly under UV exposure or heavy use, so always look for the UV-treated options.
Canvas Tarps
Canvas tarps come from cotton or a cotton blend and are somewhat breathable, two unique features one doesn’t often find in tarpaulin.
Advantages:
- Pretty strong and tear-resistant
- Type of breathing (prevents moisture building up underneath)
- Can work as eco-friendly materials for some options
- May be treated for water resistance
Best for: Covering equipment, long-term shelters, and the use of moderate climates.
The one disadvantage? Canvas tarps tend to be heavier and more costly up-front than poly tarps.
Vinyl Tarps
In reality, vinyl tarps are meant for their heftiest burden-shifting and are made from polyester fabric coated in PVC. It is indeed an industrial tough strongest grade.
Advantages:
- Extremely high durability and longevity
- Resistant to chemicals, grease, and UV rays
- Completely waterproof and tear-resistant
Best suited: Heavy construction projects, agriculture, marine applications, and for extreme weather.
Indeed, the only real drawback is that they tend to be on the rather expensive and heavier side; hence they’re not very portable for casual use.
Thickness and Weight: Finding the Right Balance
Many people do not pay attention to these two features at the time of purchasing a tarpaulin; however, thickness and weight have an important role to play in deciding how strong and durable your tarp will be under the real-world setting.
What Does “Mil Thickness” Really Mean
Tarpaulin thickness is usually described in mil thicknesses: One mil = one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch). General rule of thumb:
- 5-8 mils: Lightweight tarps good for temporary covers
- 9-12 mils: Medium-duty appropriate for camping and general outdoor use
- 13+ mil: Heavy-duty tarps designed for difficult weather conditions, construction, and protection outdoors for extended periods.
Pro Tip:
Always select a tarpaulin with at least 10 to 12 mil thickness for camping and rough outdoor environments, which will prevent tears and leakages.
All about GSM Ratings
Some manufacturers even refer to GSM (Grams per Square Meter) instead of “mils” to indicate density in a tarp. The higher the GSM, the thicker and stronger will the tarp be:
- 90-120 GSM: Lightweight tarps
- 120-180 GSM: Medium-weight tarps
- 180-250+ GSM: Heavy-duty tarps
Look for GSM ratings on product labels especially if they shopping internationally to compare quality fast.
Waterproof and UV Proof
You may think that Clear Tarpaulin are all waterproof, but they are not. In understanding these two features, purchases will save a lot of pain in storms or drying out in the sun.
Totally Waterproof Tarps versus Waterproof Tarps
- Waterproof Tarps: Total water penetration prevention. Great for camping, marine activities, and wet climates.
- Water-Resistant Tarps: Can protect from light rain but would eventually allow water in when exposed for longer periods and heavier rains.
For shelter or gear protection with a tarp, then choose fully waterproof tarps. Water-resistant are ideal for temporary or indoor covers.
The Function of UV Protection
Sun is a silent killer to tarpaulins. UV rays destroy tarp materials after a while, causing its brittleness and cracking. Look for tarps tagged as:
UV Treated: Mean the tarp has additive to prevent UV degradation.
UV Protection means it’s durable and safe from UV rays, which, coupled with durability, often lengthens the lifespan. A UV-treated tarp lasts 2-3 times longer under direct sun as compared to an untreated tarp.
Choose the right tarp size and shape, just as you choose the right material.
Standard Sizes and Custom Options
Some of the common tarpaulin sizes include:
- 6×8 feet
- 10×12 feet
- 12×16 feet
- 20×30 feet
For those specific needs (like covering a large piece of equipment or creating a unique shelter), many companies offer custom-sized tarps.
Pro Tip:
Always buy a tarp slightly longer than the area you would cover. You can always tie back or fold any excess, but a tarp that’s too small leaves you open.
Square vs Rectangle vs Specialty Shapes
- Square Tarps: Best for symmetrical shelters such as a simple overhead cover.
- Rectangular Tarps: Ideal for long or asymmetrical objects such as boats or stacks of wood.
- Specialty Shapes: Some tarps come shaped like triangles or hexagons, ideal for specific camping setups like hammock shelters.
The right shape can make setup easier and more secure, especially for windy or rainy conditions.
Grommets and Reinforcements
Some small things make a huge difference. Small as they are, grommets and reinforced edges could be all the difference they can make in the usability and life of your tarp.
Importance of Strong Grommets
Grommets are simply the metal or plastic rings around the edge of a tarp where you attach ropes or bungee cords. If the grommets are weak, they often tear away, rendering the tarp useless and the cover setup impossible.
Make sure to buy a tarp with:
- Rustproof grommets (especially for outdoor use)
- Evenly spaced (18-24 inches apart is ideal)
- Double layer of reinforcement around the area just around the grommet for additional strength
Reinforced Edges and Corners
The tarpaulins, especially in windy conditions, experience the most stress around their edges and corners.
Look for these in your tarps:
- Heat sealed seams
- Double-stitched hems
- Rope-in hems (where a rope is sewn into the hem for added tension resistance).
Reinforced edges greatly reduce the chances of tearing and also add to the durability of this product. Thus, it is a wise investment.
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