Tarps: Different Kinds and Selection Criteria A tarp is a sheet of strong, flexible, water-proof or water-resistant material. It can be crafted from cloth-like canvas or polyester coated with polyethylene or polyurethane. Tarps are one of the most innovative and practical innovations known to man. They are used for providing protection from rough weather conditions like sunlight, strong winds and rain. Industrial tarps are used for protecting pallets, machinery and building materials from exposure to sunlight, rain and other environmental factors.
Kinds of tarps Poly tarps: These tarps are moisture-resistant, light in weight and cost-effective. They comprise of cross-woven strands of polypropylene, polyethylene (PE) or other kind of polyolefin plastic.
Canvas tarps: A canvas tarp is made of a closely-woven flax, cotton or hemp cloth. These tarps are heavier compared to polyethylene ones and offer better resistance to wind.
Mesh tarps: Mesh tarps are generally made with vinyl, polyethylene or canvas material woven and threaded to a screen-like form. The tarps make way for partial passage of light and wind and this makes them suitable for site barriers, construction sites, golf greens coverings and awnings.
Vinyl tarps: Vinyl tarps are crafted from vinyl coated polyester and are generally coated with flame-retardant PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Compared to polyethylene tarps, vinyl tarps are more heavy duty in nature and are utilized for added protection. They are abrasion resistant, waterproof and resistant to corrosion.
Selection criteria for tarps To select tarps, you need to conduct an analysis of their specifications that are vital to their application. Consider features like strength, abrasion resistance, water-resistance, strength and multiple other features.
The strength of a tarp accounts for its capability to hold together when faced with forces. The strength of a tarp changes depending on the weaving design and material. Strength comprises wind resistance or the ability of a tarp to resist breakage or tearing from strong winds. Water-resistance and waterproof is a vital feature for tarps to offer protection from moisture and rain. This is the reason why waterproof canvas tarps are quite popular. Distinct tarps offer distinct levels of protection, from little resistance to fully waterproof. The corrosion resistance feature of a tarp helps in determining how well a tarp resists corrosion from UV light and materials like mildew, acids, oils and greases. Abrasion resistance accounts for a tarp’s resistance to splitting and tearing owing to sharp edges and points. Vinyl and canvas tarps are tend to be more resistant to abrasion compared to the polyethylene ones.