| Poly Tarps also known as Polyethylene protection, | | | | covering is installed to prevent the grommets from |
| are constructed of multiple mesh fabric layers which | | | | pulling through the fabric. The corners of the fabric |
| are then coated by polyethylene sheets. Each | | | | are subject to the most tension under harsh |
| manufactured cover is distinguished by the fabrics | | | | conditions. Furthermore, during the grommet process |
| mesh count and mil. The mesh count is determined | | | | a perimeter rope is added before the fabric is folded |
| by the number of threads used per square inch. For | | | | back on itself and then laminated to create the hem. |
| example, a cover rated at a 10 x 10 mesh count | | | | The combination of the perimeter rope and hem add |
| would typically have 10 threads per inch in both a | | | | great strength to the edges of the fabric. |
| vertical and horizontal direction. The tarps thickness is | | | | Poly Tarps are used for a variety of different |
| determined and measured by the mil or thickness of | | | | applications. Some of the most common uses are but |
| the coating (1 mil =.001 inch (1/1000). The larger the | | | | not limited to roof and building covers, hurricane |
| number; the thicker and more heavy duty the Poly | | | | protection, canopies, truck covers, privacy tarps, field |
| cover will be. Regular duty Tarpaulins are typically | | | | covers, shade protection, hay storage, lumber |
| rated at 6 mils and are commonly used for | | | | covers, gym floor covers, fire retardant tarpaulins |
| temporary coverage from the outside elements. | | | | and boat covers. Tarps are the preferred cover for |
| Heavy duty tarpaulins can range from 12 to 23 mils in | | | | multi-purpose applications due to their strength, |
| thickness and are the preferred cover for canopy | | | | durability and price. Polyethylene covers are |
| frames. | | | | commonly found to be UV treated, waterproof, |
| Poly Tarps are often referred to as P.E. covers and | | | | mildew and rot resistant, contain sun blocking |
| are sold in either pre-cut sizes or by the roll. In | | | | materials and contain fibers that resist arctic |
| addition, there are several available sizes, colors and | | | | temperatures. UV treated poly covers have a special |
| thicknesses. It is important to note that the actual | | | | chemical treatment that is applied at the time of |
| size of the tarpaulin will be 4 to 6 inches smaller in | | | | manufacturing which helps protect the fibers from |
| each direction than the size listed on the package. | | | | prolonged sun degradation. Polyethylene material in |
| This is referred to as the cut and finish size. The | | | | and of itself is naturally waterproof. |
| difference in the size is the result of the grommet | | | | The tightly woven fibers and laminated layers of the |
| application process. Grommets are the brass, | | | | Poly Tarp results in a durable and waterproof product |
| aluminum or metal rings lining the poly tarps and are | | | | that is very dependable in wet environments. Due to |
| used to aid in the attaching of the cover to the | | | | the fact that polyethylene is a natural waterproof |
| canopy frame. The spacing of the grommets will | | | | material it is also very resistant mold, mildew and rot. |
| vary from one manufacturer to another. Generally, | | | | In addition, Polyethylene performs very well in |
| spacing of the grommets will be between 18 to 36 | | | | freezing temperatures, resisting the negative effects |
| inches. Shorter spacing of the grommets gives | | | | of cold weather. Most Poly Tarpaulins consist of |
| strength to the fabric and helps aid in the prevention | | | | three layers however, an additional sun blocking layer |
| of extreme movement that is associated with | | | | can be found in the silver or grey colored poly |
| tearing. | | | | covers. Due to the sun blocking layer, silver tarp |
| In addition to grommets, Tarps have several | | | | provides total shade and protection from the |
| features that help reinforce the overall strength of | | | | elements. |
| the fabric. On each corner of a triangular plastic | | | | |