What is Tarpaulin
Tarpaulin, commonly referred to as Heavy Duty Tarpaulin, is a material made from either woven polyester or vinyl coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is flexible, waterproof, and durable. Often shortened to tarp, tarpaulin has several uses for both personal and commercial applications.
There are different types of tarpaulin materials depending on the intended use:
PVC-coated polyester - This is the most common type used for general-purpose tarps. It is waterproof, tear-resistant, and has good UV resistance. PVC-coated polyester tarps are flexible, durable, and more affordable than other options.
Vinyl tarps
Made from 100% vinyl, these tarps have excellent chemical resistance and are more puncture-resistant than polyester types. However, vinyl is less flexible in colder temperatures compared to polyester.
Canvas tarps
Constructed of heavy-duty cotton or polyester canvas, these tarps are very strong and durable. Canvas tarps are best for withstanding abrasion in high-use environments but are more expensive than PVC-coated polyester or vinyl.
The most common uses of tarpaulin for businesses include protecting vehicles, equipment, and materials from rain, dust, debris, and UV light. Tarpaulins provide flexible coverage for outdoor stockpiles, partially enclosed structures, and temporary work areas.
Thread and Seam Types:
The thread and seams used to construct a tarpaulin also influence its durability. PVC-coated polyester and vinyl tarps typically use monofilament polyester thread for seams. This thread resists damage from UV rays and cracking better than cotton.
Canvas tarps commonly have a locked twill seam, which is a triple-stitch construction ideal for heavy-duty use. The dense stitching distributes forces across the seam to reduce tearing.
Fabric Weight Ratings:
As mentioned, tarp materials vary in overall weight and thickness. A 6oz or 150g/m2 tarp will be more durable than a 4oz or 100g/m2 lightweight option. Heavier fabrics withstand weathering, abrasion, and loads for longer before breaking down.
However, heavyweight tarps are less flexible and more difficult to install. The right balance depends on the pressure, elements, and time an application requires protection for.
Fire Retardancy:
Some Canvas Tarpaulin contain fire-retardant additives, while others do not. Be sure to verify a tarp's fire resistance is adequate for your needs, especially around anything flammable or in enclosed areas with ignition sources.
Tarps treated with chemical fire retardants are more expensive but may be necessary to meet building codes or comply with industrial standards.
Reinforcement Options:
For extra durability, some tarps have reinforcements in high-stress areas like corners. Common options include:
Vapor-bathed poly tarps - Corners are dipped in plastic during manufacturing for added thickness.
Reinforced hem tapes - Heavy-duty vinyl or poly tapes are sewn along hem edges to prevent tearing.
Guy ropes/grommets - Enables tensioning and anchoring tarps securely using attachment points.
UV Resistance Rating:
UV rays from the sun can degrade plastic over time. Look for a rating of 1000+ hours to ensure a tarp maintains flexibility and waterproofness for a long period of outdoor use.
Low-Temperature Performance:
At very cold temperatures below freezing, plastic tarps may become brittle while canvas will retain flexibility. Consider a tarp's minimum operational temperature for use in frigid climates.
Additional Layers:
Some heavy industrial tarps feature additional scrim or coating layers for optimum chemical resistance, puncture prevention, or moisture absorption/wicking. These multi-layer tarps extend durability but add to the price.
When selecting a tarpaulin for business uses, carefully evaluating your specific needs and operating environment is key. Consider the following factors:
Purpose of Use - What is the intended coverage or protection for? Vehicles, equipment, materials, work areas, etc. This determines suitable size options.
Weather and UV Exposure - Tarps for outdoor use require high UV resistance. Harsh areas necessitate more heavy-duty materials resistant to all climates.
Environment and Surface Type - Smooth indoor floors or abrasive outdoor lots/plant materials? Industrial areas with chemicals require specialized coatings.
Frequency of Use - Tarpaulins covering items used infrequently can be lighter duty than those for daily high-traffic applications subjected to frequent installation/removal.
Budget - Balance upfront costs with the needed lifespan and functionality. Cheaper tarps may need replacing more often.
Anchoring/Attachment - Confirm a tarp has reinforced carry handles, grommets or pocket designs for easy securement like bungee cords or ropes.
Fire Resistance - Compliance with building/industry codes may necessitate fire-retardant-treated materials.
Cleaning/Maintenance - Consider ease of cleaning and repairing any damages that may occur over time and usage.
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