| Tarpaulins are an inexpensive way to protect your | | | | sound and breathability is needed. These products |
| property and your privacy. They come in so many | | | | work best when covering supplies, equipment, and |
| sizes, shapes, materials, and thicknesses that it can | | | | construction projects. While they are water resistant, |
| be difficult to determine which style is best for your | | | | they are not waterproof. Also, the waxes, dyes, and |
| situation. There is far more to tarpaulins today than | | | | chemical treatments used make them inappropriate |
| the common blue variety used for quick temporary | | | | as vehicle covers. They are also not allowed as load |
| cover. By knowing what qualities to look for, you can | | | | covers on public streets and highways. They last |
| select the best product for your needs. | | | | longer than most other types of tarpaulins when |
| When shopping for a tarpaulin of any size, it is | | | | properly cared for. |
| imperative that consumers understand the difference | | | | Versatile Vinyl |
| between cut size and finished size. Cut size is the | | | | Vinyl tarps offer superior performance for extended |
| measurement of the initial piece of fabric before it is | | | | periods of time, which is why they are frequently |
| stitched. The finished size is the actual size of the | | | | used to cover athletic fields, to manufacture truck |
| completed product. Since high quality tarpaulins | | | | tarps, and as tents and canopies. Vinyl truck tarps |
| feature double stitched hems, there is a significant | | | | can withstand the rigors of highway winds and heavy |
| difference between these two sizes. | | | | rain. They can even function properly at |
| Characteristics Of Quality | | | | temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. For |
| There are some characteristics common to all high | | | | excellent indoor protection, laminated vinyl works |
| quality tarps, whether they are for temporary use in | | | | especially well, though it is not recommended for |
| the backyard or as commercial truck tarps. High | | | | below freezing temperatures. Flame retardant |
| quality products feature fire retardant fabrics that | | | | laminated vinyl works well as indoor curtains and gym |
| resist tearing and fraying and offer double-stitched | | | | floor covers. |
| seams, heat-welded corners, rust resistant | | | | Notorious Neoprene |
| grommets, UV protection, and are even treated | | | | For the ultimate in coverage and protection, |
| against mold, mildew, and rot. Anything less is a | | | | neoprene not only keeps out the rain and sunlight, |
| waste of money. | | | | but it also provides insulation against the cold. The |
| Popular Blue Poly | | | | chemically inert character of neoprene makes it |
| Most people are familiar with the inexpensive blue | | | | resistant to corrosion. While they are more |
| polys. While they are certainly the least expensive, | | | | expensive, you cannot get better coverage. |
| they are also least resistant to sun and wind damage. | | | | By understanding the characteristics of each type of |
| They provide excellent short term waterproof | | | | tarpaulin available today, consumers can be sure to |
| protection in average or cold temperatures, but they | | | | purchase the product that will best suit their needs. |
| are not meant for long term coverage in any sort of | | | | Breathable canvas, inexpensive poly, and versatile |
| extreme weather. | | | | vinyl offer every sort of protective cover in |
| Environmentally Sound Canvas | | | | products that are easy to use and store, at an |
| Canvas is an excellent choice when environmentally | | | | affordable price. |