The Surprising Benefits of Tarpaulins You Never Knew

Materials and Uses

Tarpaulins, often simply called "tarps", are durable sheets of plastic or rubber material used to cover objects and things for protection from the elements and weather. They come in a variety of materials such as polyethylene and vinyl-coated polyester. Common uses include covering vehicles, boats, equipment, building supplies and outdoor areas needing temporary shelter. Their lightweight and flexible nature make Heavy Duty Tarpaulin versatile yet strong covers for outdoor storage and projects.

Protection from the Elements

Keep Rain and Snow Off

By using tarps to shield items from precipitation, you can prevent damage that moisture and water could cause if left uncovered outside. Tarps provide an inexpensive way to keep firewood, tools and supplies dry when not in use.

Provide Shade in Sunny Weather

In addition to rain protection, tarps are effective at blocking sun exposure. You can create shaded areas for outdoor activities or break times by stretching a tarp overhead and staking it in place. This extends use of patio or yard furniture on hot summer days.

Shield from Wind Damage

High winds during storms pose risks like toppling furniture or blowing away loose items stored outside. Tarps help outweigh lightweight objects and offer resistance against strong gusts when tied down securely.

Preserving and Protecting Items

Cover Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

By covering upholstered outdoor couches, chairs or ATV/equipment with tarps when not in use, you prevent fading and damage from UV light exposure over time. This extends the lifespan of expensive outdoor items.

Store Firewood and Building Materials Outside

Tarps are a simple way to keep wood, bricks, shingles and other outdoor building materials covered and protected from seasonal weather when not in immediate use. The tarp will shield the materials from water damage that could otherwise compromise quality.

Protect Landscaping Materials Like Mulch or Soil

Similar to covering wood piles, Tarpaulins UK are effective at covering bulk landscaping materials like mulch or bags of potting soil outside, preventing them from getting too wet or blown around by wind prior to use in the garden.

Cover Vehicles and Machinery Outside

Tarps safeguard paint jobs and upholstery on cars, trucks, boats, lawn mowers and outdoor equipment from sun-fading and water spots when not in the garage. A tarp is less expensive than full car covers.

Temporarily Repair Structures

Cover Damaged Roofs

During roof repairs, tarps provide an immediate fix to seal openings and deflect water intrusion until permanent shingles can be reinstalled. This prevents further structural damage inside the home.

Seal Openings in Walls or Fences

Similarly for damaged exterior walls or fences with gaps, tarps can cover the vulnerable areas as a temporary barrier against elements leaking through until proper repairs are made.

Create a Temporary Shelter

In emergency situations like bad storms or power outages, tarps tied to trees or poles offer fast, portable shelter from rain, wind and sun. Camping tarps also double as temporary outdoor structures for activities and events as well.

Customizable and Versatile

Many Standard Sizes Available

Whether you need a small drop cloth or something to span a wide trailer or boat, tarps are manufactured in an array of standard dimensions from 4ft x 6ft to 20ft x 100ft and larger industrial grades.

Easy to Cut, Sew or Tie to Size Needed

While pre-cut sizes suffice in many cases, Canvas Tarpaulin can easily be altered through cutting or sewing seams to fit oddly-sized loads without wasting excess material. They're also simple to secure in place with grommets or ropes.

Reinforce with Ropes or Straps for Heavy Items

For heavier lifts like trucks and construction materials that could test a tarp's tensile strength, additional reinforcement with tie-down straps, bungee cords or ropes provides safe anchoring. Tarps remain secure during transportation.

Use Grommets for Drainage and Tensioning

Tarps outfitted with durable brass or plastic grommets allow water run-off and facilitate tightening tarps down tightly over loads for better weather protection. The positioning of grommets helps control water flow.

Affordable Protection for Most Budgets

Cheaper than Permanent Structures

Compared to installed patio covers, garage doors, sheds or roofs, tarps offer protection at a fraction of the cost for temporary needs and projects on a budget.

More Durable than Other Covers or Tarp Materials

A quality polyethylene or vinyl tarp will stand up to weather for several seasons of repeated use, outlasting thinner plastic sheeting that degrades more quickly with sun exposure.

Lifespan of Several Years With Proper Care and Storage

When not in use, storing tarps in a dry, cool place folded or on a roll preserves their lifespan. Basic cleaning and patching of minor cuts extends time before replacement is needed. With care, tarps can reliably serve protection needs for 5 years or longer.

Environmentally Friendly Material

Made From Recyclable Plastics and Rubber

While not entirely "green", tarpaulin materials like polyethylene can be recycled at the end of their use-phase through various programs. This diverts waste from landfills.

Reduce Waste by Extending Life of Items

By shielding possessions and building supplies from weathering, tarps help prolong the usability of those items so they don't degrade as quickly. Fewer early replacements means less manufactured materials are needed over time.

Reusable Alternative to One-Time Plastic Sheeting

As a durable, multi-use cover, a tarp is a more eco-friendly choice than thinner single-use plastic sheets that must be continuously replaced and disposed of. Tarpaulin make efficient use of materials.