Heavy Duty Tarpaulins: Materials Make The Difference

Heavy Duty Tarpaulins are extremely versatile, with everyone from truck drivers to farmers to entertainers and homeowners using them for a variety of purposes. They can protect merchandise, create shade, keep out dust and grime, protect you and your property from the elements, and prevent flyaways if you're hauling products across the country. We offer a variety of colors and materials, including white, clear, and black tarps, each designed for a specific purpose. Understanding the benefits and limitations of the various materials commonly used to manufacture these versatile coverings will help you choose the right style for your application.

How Heavy-Duty Tarps Are Defined

There are three common types of tarpaulins: light, medium, and heavy duty. These categories are determined by how strong the tarpaulin is and how weather-resistant it is. The definition can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so don't assume the "heavy duty" material from one manufacturer is comparable to the heavy-duty version from another manufacturer. Consider details that would make the material truly heavy-duty instead. Features like solid brass grommets around the edge will stand up to years of wear and tear, and materials like canvas duck are best for heavy duty use. It is also important to consider the weight of the material. Look for two numbers on the label - the MIL number (the thickness of the material) and the denier (the density of the fibers). Higher numbers for either of these features indicate heavy-duty tarps.

Canvas Tarps

Canvas is one of the most popular materials on the market for tarpaulins. You can also find silicon-treated versions made of polyester canvas rather than cotton, but they are made from a strong canvas material, usually a cotton duck. There are plenty of advantages to canvas tarps, including breathability, mildew resistance, and durability. They are water resistant, which isn't the same as waterproof. In many applications, you'll find these on construction sites and as painters' drop cloths because they work well in windy conditions, protect delicate surfaces, and blot up moisture without allowing it to seep through. If you're protecting furniture for moving, canvas tarps are an excellent, scratch-free choice.

Poly Tarpaulins

In addition to being lightweight, polyethylene Tarpaulins are completely waterproof and made from synthetic materials. In many instances, they are colored on one side and silvered on the other side, with silver and black tarps being among the most popular. These are a great choice when you're looking for waterproof protection that is lightweight and durable at a reasonable price. For added flexibility, some polyethylene coverings feature an embossed, diamond grid pattern that makes them stronger while being very pliable and resistant to even the coldest temperatures.

Nylon Alternatives

Nylon tarpaulins come in a strong mesh weave that's particularly well-suited for providing shade rather than blocking light completely. They make very good windscreens, diffusing the flow of air as it passes through the mesh and slowing it down. You'll often see these used on tennis courts and outdoor tents as well as in horticultural applications where shade is needed by wind and rain need to get through.

PVC Tarpaulins

When you need a protective covering that's clear or translucent, consider PVC Tarpaulins, which are made of a clear, waterproof plastic that is very resistant to tearing and abrasion. These are often used to divide rooms or provide shelter in outdoor tent applications, as they break the wind and are extremely resistant to mildew, grease, oil, and even acids.

Does The Color Matter?

While you can order tarpaulins in several popular colors, consider your application when ordering. Black tarps in any material will generally keep the sun out better than any other color, so they are a good choice when you want to prevent fading of the covered materials. They also absorb heat, however, so white may be a better color for outdoor event tents. Greens, blues, and other natural shades are popular for athletic areas and in parks, while truck drivers and industrial users often order tarpaulins in their company colors for a professional look.

The most important thing to keep in mind when ordering heavy duty tarps is that there are a lot of options, from cotton canvas tarps to nylon mesh. If you aren't sure which product is best suited for your needs, talk to a reputable online retailer who can explain the various options to you in more detail so that you end up with heavy-duty tarps that are perfect for whatever job you have in mind.