Inexpensive and widely available, poly tarps have the reputation of being durable, waterproof and tear resistant. Tarps are generally made of two materials: polyethylene and canvas. Unlike traditional canvas tarps, polyethylene tarpaulins are highly versatile, flexible and sturdy. This makes them good for both light use as well as heavy applications heavy duty tarps.
Poly tarps are available in different colors and sizes. Price usually depends on the size particularly since most users require a custom fit for their boat, house or garden project. This is more so in case of vehicle covers, where an exact fit is recommended. Poly tarps are also used extensively for storage, outdoor activities and agriculture needs.
Durability is a basic criterion of selection for poly tarps, but one also needs to consider the nature of the application that the material is intended for. Light uses are usually specific to outdoor activities such as fishing or camping, but when a harsh activity is aimed at, then, durable heavy-duty poly tarps are a must.
Always choose tarps that have been fortified in a specific manner to fit your requirements. For instance, poly tarps that are used to cover cars must be made with UV resistant material, those used for outside cover of a barbeque must be fire resistant etc. If you need to use poly tarps for covering your car or for your boats, make sure that they are breathable so that the moisture trapped within these covers can evaporate without leaving ugly stains or forming mildew.
The life span of the covers made from poly tarps can be significantly extended if the materials are secured and well tied down. The important thing here is to follow the installation instructions carefully and to use all the items included in the package properly. Periodical verifications of the condition of the cover are also recommended particularly if the tarps have been exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Thus, for superior load support you may need tarps with special reinforcements and grommets that are placed at a specific distance from each other. Closely placed grommets distribute the pressure of the tarps and thus ensure safety and longevity. These grommets must also have additional reinforcements.
Color availability also makes poly tarps ideal for all sorts of special applications. Thus, tarps can function very well for marking safety areas. This is usually the case when people use brightly colored models like red, blue or yellow, and such patterns will clearly send the danger warning as they are more easily visible. For landscaping applications, it is possible to use camouflaged tarps that blend in with your surroundings. The military also make extensive use of poly tarps for camouflage reasons; the material is considered ideal particularly for the simulation of specific combat exercises. Moreover, camouflage poly tarps apply to fishing, hunting and paint ball games, serving not only for functional purposes but also creating a feeling of environment friendliness.
Tarps are often intended as wind protections, though the manufacturers do not guarantee them for use in any kind of weather. Therefore, you may not be able to benefit from the warranty in case a more violent weather-related incident occurs and damages the poly tarp cover. However, make sure that you have a clear idea of the manufacturer’s policies regarding this before buying tarps.