What is a Tarp Used For
Tarp is short for tarpaulin. They are large sheets of flexible waterproof material. They were originally tar-covered fabrics used as cover ups on ship decks. Nowadays, tarps have many diverse uses, from waterproofing roofs to camping shelters. They are available in multiple materials, varying in size and thickness.
Types of Tarp Materials
Polyethylene
Polyethylene tarps, also called poly tarps, are the most popular type of tarp. They are made by weaving polyethylene strands together. There are two types of poly tarps. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) tarps.
HDPE tarps are stronger and more resistant to tearing. They are fully waterproof and will not leak or rot. They are also UV resistant and flexible enough to cover irregular shapes.
LDPE tarps are not as strong, but may be sufficient for light-duty applications. They are also waterproof but not as flexible compared to HDPE. LDPE is also considered more eco-friendly since it is made from recycled materials.
Polyethylene Tarp Uses
- Widely used at construction sites to protect equipment and materials from rain and debris.
- Used when camping as a ground cover, shelter or rain catcher.
- Used as wind breakers by tying them to trees, rocks or even your car.
- Used when gardening and farming to cover crops, hay and equipment.
- HDPE tarps are specifically used for waterproofing things like fish tanks, pond linings and swimming pool covers.
- LDPE tarps are commonly used in the rainy season for packaging and storage.
Vinyl Tarps
Vinyl tarps are made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are known for their extreme durability and are used in tougher environments where maximum protection is needed. They are generally thicker and heavier than Polyethylene tarps.
Vinyl Tarp Uses
- They are the go-to tarps for covering trucks or trailers to shield luggage from rain and snow.
- They are used to protect heavy machinery in industrial settings.
- In an emergency, they can be used as temporary window coverings in case of a window breaking.
- They are also used as greenhouse covers since they allow a little bit of light to pass through.
- They can also be used for outdoor events as they provide a reliable temporary shelter.
Canvas Tarp
Canvas tarps are made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend fabric. They are thick, strong, lightweight and resistant to tearing. Canvas is a breathable fabric, preventing the accumulation of moisture underneath. They are water-resistant but not waterproof. This means they will repel light moisture, but if water pools on top, the fabric will soak up and leak. Compared to poly tarps, cotton canvas tarps are more expensive but they do tend to last longer, making them cost-effective in the long run.
Canvas Tarp Uses
- They are used for artistic projects as painting canvases. They also make a durable drop sheet for artist studios.
- The breathable nature of canvas makes it a good choice for covering things that have a tendency to rot such as firewood.
- They are used in landscaping to protect trees during the winter.
- They are affordable and versatile enough for use when camping or sailing to make a shelter or sail.
- They are useful for covering outdoor stationary items like parked cars. You get some added longevity if you choose a canvas tarp that has been treated for UV resistance and waterproofing.
Tarp Size Guide
- Small Tarp (6-10’ length): These are good for solo travelers. They can be used for emergency shelter or gear protection. You can make a hammock or rain catcher too. They are lightweight, compact and easy to carry. They can cover smaller outdoor items like bicycles and generators.
- Medium Tarp (10-16’ length): These are good sizes for covering a car. They can also be used when traveling with a group of 2–3 people. They can make for temporary wind-breakers by tying them between 2 trees.
- Large Tarp (16-25’ length): They cover large vehicles, gardens, farmland and swimming pools. You can even get exact sizes (like 12x20’) to fit carport and shade canopies.
- Extra Large Tarp (25’+ length): Larger tarps tend to be preferred for long-term solutions. These are big enough to be used for creating temporary shelters for disaster relief. They are also used in making temporary roofs for large outdoor tents. They are commonly used to waterproof entire roofs of buildings.
Tarp Thickness Guide
- Light-Duty (5-8 mils): These are best for temporary covers. Good for protecting furniture during painting projects, or covering firewood for short periods.
- Medium-Duty (10-12 mils): These offer more durability. They are best for tasks like covering decks, boats, or creating temporary shelters. They can handle some wind and rain.
- Heavy-Duty (14-20 mils): These are ideal for heavy-duty use in construction sites or transportation. Best for protecting equipment in harsh weather. They have good tear and puncture resistance.
- Super Heavy-Duty (20+ mils): These are the thickest and strongest tarps. They are designed for extreme weather conditions, industrial applications and long-term use.
Tarp Features To Look For
Reinforced Hems
A regular tarp edge can be prone to tearing under tension. Reinforced hems add an extra layer of material to strengthen the edges.
Rust-Resistant Grommets
Most tarps come with grommets so that they’re easier to tie. Choose tarps with rust-resistant grommets, ideally made of brass or galvanized steel. These will withstand harsh weather conditions without corroding or breaking. The spacing of grommets will also affect how well you can secure the tarp. Look for tarps with grommets spaced every 12-24 inches along the hem and get good quality ropes to tie it down.
Self-Adhesive Tarps
Self-adhesive tarps can simply be stuck onto a surface. They do not need to be tied like regular tarps. They are best for waterproofing roofs and terraces. These tarps will not require any additional accessories like ropes or sandbags.
Finally, make sure you are clear about what the tarp will be used for and purchase one accordingly. Double check that you have the right material, size and thickness to suit your needs.