| Selecting the best tarp for your situation is made | | | | RV. Also, due to the potential for tearing, canvas is |
| much easier with a basic understanding of the various | | | | not recommended to secure vehicle loads. |
| materials and treatments available today. Tarpaulins | | | | Vinyl Vinyl tarpaulins are made from vinyl or PVC |
| provide excellent protection when building a structure | | | | material, making them stronger, and more expensive, |
| is not an option, and because each situation is unique, | | | | than canvas or poly. Vinyl tarps are commonly used |
| selecting the proper material can save time and | | | | by truck drivers to secure loads and to cover |
| money in the long run. | | | | materials that may be susceptible to rain or sun |
| Treatments | | | | damage during shipping. Vinyl is far more tear |
| Many tarpaulins are waterproof, mold, mildew, and rip | | | | resistant than canvas or poly, making it the ideal |
| resistant, and they offer UV protection. High quality | | | | choice for a lumber tarp. Lumber tarps made from |
| covers are generally made with double-stitched and | | | | vinyl coated polyester fabrics are widely used by |
| heat treated seams and feature rust resistant | | | | professional truckers to cover their cargo loads. |
| grommets. A lumber tarp will often feature rope | | | | Vinyl is also used to create clear tarps that provide |
| sewn into the hems to provide extra strength and | | | | excellent cover and protection from the elements |
| durability. | | | | when camping or traveling by RV. A clear tarp can |
| Poly | | | | turn a miserable weekend into a cozy family get |
| The most popular tarps are blue and made from | | | | together simply by creating a see-through porch |
| polyethylene mesh and treated with a polyethylene | | | | from your RV awning. A clear tarpaulin is also an |
| coating. These are your least expensive and least | | | | excellent choice when you need to keep an eye on |
| durable products. They work well when protecting | | | | whatever it is that you are protecting. |
| floors and furniture from paint splatters, and they | | | | Mesh |
| provide short term protection for lawn furniture and | | | | Mesh tarps are loosely or tightly woven or vinyl |
| vehicles. When a lightweight poly tarp isn't enough, | | | | coated, which makes them perfect for tennis courts, |
| heavy duty poly tarps are a good option as they are | | | | wind screens, privacy fences, and to secure truck |
| stronger and lighter than canvas, making them | | | | loads. Mesh can also be used to protect fruit trees |
| especially useful when you need something more | | | | and bushes from being destroyed by birds. |
| durable. | | | | Using the right high quality tarps can protect your |
| Canvas | | | | investment in many household and work related |
| Canvas is made from cotton and then treated with | | | | situations. A lumber tarp can secure your cargo load |
| chemicals that make it water, mold, and mildew | | | | for trucking companies and professional truck drivers. |
| resistant. Unlike the blue or clear varieties, canvas is | | | | A clear tarp can rescue a rainy weekend, and canvas |
| designed for outdoor use only. While canvas is | | | | makes excellent cover for heavy equipment. The |
| breathable, the wax and dye in the fabric can rub | | | | range of uses is practically limitless, especially when |
| off, making it an ideal cover for construction | | | | you know enough to order the right tarp for your |
| equipment, but a poor choice for the family boat or | | | | needs. |