Whatever the field: professional (industrial) or private, making the right choice of a protective tarpaulin generally depends on various criteria. To help you make up your mind if you need to, we have put together some criteria for choosing a tarpaulin.
We can mention, among others, the surface to be covered, the material or the object to be protected, the material of manufacture of the tarp, its degree of resistance, and the color. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about tarps and their use.
The material and purpose of the tarp
Determining the purpose or use of the tarp is very important before making a choice. In other words, choosing a particular type of tarp depends mostly on the need. Is it for outdoor use, indoor use as a cover, or industrial use (protective tarpaulin for goods, raw materials, or machinery. For this reason, it is strongly advised to find out what materials the tarp is made of.
For example, PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene tarpaulins are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. However, tarpaulins made from synthetic or natural fibers can only be used for outdoor areas. In fact, they are usually used as mulch films.
The degree of resistance and the level of waterproofing
The degree of resistance and the level of waterproofing are also part of the criteria that must be taken into account. Let’s take some examples. PVC tarps are both waterproof and weatherproof. This is why they are used to protect cars from rain, especially since they can last up to 15 years or more. The same is true for polypropylene and polyethylene tarps, except that they can also be used to solve roofing problems or to build a garden greenhouse.
Types of work to be done and the final result
For site work, PVC tarps are most commonly used to cover and protect the ground. On the other hand, bubble covers are to be preferred for the construction of a mirror pool. They are strong in insulating character. In other words, its isothermal property allows the bubble cover not only to capture the sun’s rays but also to retain heat. Therefore, the pool water can be warmer or cooler even at night, not to mention that it helps to reduce evaporation of the pool water as well as protect it from possible impurities that may come from outside. Note that there are also solar protection covers.
Furthermore, it is preferable to opt for a dark-colored cover, such as black or dark green, to bring out the mirror effect of a pool.
The size and weight of the liner
According to experts, the weight of a liner is expressed in grams per square meter and applies to all types of tarps. The grammage starts from 60 g/m2 and easily exceeds 400 g/m2 for more demanding uses. A high grammage indicates increased strength and weight, which is important for a tarp subject to outdoor weathering. So if you’re undecided, go for a heavier weight to ensure you don’t go wrong!
As for the size, you can choose according to your needs. For example: for a wood log tarp, you can choose between a 2 x 8 m tarp and a 1.5 x 6 m tarp. For a roof tarp, choose either a 5 x 8 m or an 8 x 12 m tarpaulin, etc.
Final thoughts
Some tarpaulin manufacturers, especially those who specialize in the manufacture of industrial tarpaulins. Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about industrial tarps and their use.