Tarpaulins or “tarps” are possibly the most versatile tools of all time. From creating camping tents to emergency shelters to temporary roofs – these tarps serve countless purposes. They’re typically used in construction sites, manufacturing plants, and large storage facilities. But, they’re endlessly useful for individual citizens as well.
In 2021, Kentucky tornado victims pleaded with people to supply more tarpaulins to their homes. Why? Because the tarps helped them create temporary roofs shelters and cover the areas of the homes ravaged by the tornado. If you’re a homeowner, a tarp is a must-have item for your garage. Tarps are helpful in all types of crises.
But, how can the average homeowner buy premium-quality clear tarps? It’s simple. There are several sellers of opaque and transparent tarps on the Internet. Finding a reliable tarp seller is the first and the most important step. After that, it’s all about getting tarps that suit your needs and requirements. How to do that? Here’s the Guide
Consider What Size Tarps You’ll Need
If you’re planning to use the tarps to cover flat structures, the measurements are simple. Just perform some simple length by width calculations and order tarps of the right size. These tarps are typically used to cover/protect walls ground surfaces and to create makeshift roofs. But, if your plan is to cover three-dimensional objects, the measurements get slightly more complicated.
You’ll have to assess the depth of the three-dimensional objects you’re planning to cover to get the right-sized tarps. Assess the tarp’s “cut-size” before ordering. The cut size of a tarp is its size before it gets eyeleted and hemmed. This measurement is always slightly lower than the tarp’s actual size. If you’re covering three-dimensional objects, the tarp’s “cut-size” needs to be bigger than the width/length of the objects you’re covering.
Durability Features
Different tarps offer different levels of durability. Some are UV-treated and can block UV radiation from the sun. Some are fire-retardant. Others are water and rot-proof. Typically, tarps made of premium-quality vinyl offer all these qualities. You may not need a UV-resistant tarp if you’re planning to use it only indoors.
But, it’s always better to own UV-resistant vinyl tarps as they’re generally more resistant against all types of weather-related degeneration. The same logic applies to waterproof tarps. They’re more resilient in many aspects compared to non-waterproof or “water-resilient” tarps.
Carefully assess the durability features of the tarps you’re buying. The tarps should also be flexible and stretchable. Look for vinyl tarps with reinforced hems that are also UV-treated. In general, those tarps are the most robust and long-lasting.
The Thickness of the Tarps
Tarps of different thicknesses are graded into different categories. “Heavy-duty’ tarps are the thickest, so they can be used for all types of jobs. Even if you’re not planning to use tarps for tough jobs, owning heavy-duty tarps is always an advantage. These tarps are heavier and harder to store. But, they outlast and outperform thin, lightweight tarps.
Use this guide to go tarp shopping in 2022!