A tarpaulin, often shortened to Tarpaulin, is a piece of water-resistant or waterproof material used to protect objects, vehicles, work areas, and more from rain, sunlight, snow, or wind damage. Tarps are most commonly produced using materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, vinyl, or canvas, and their sturdy yet flexible nature makes them very useful for temporary shelters and covers.
Some key characteristics of tarps include:
Waterproof or water-resistant upper layer to repel liquid water
Reinforced stress points around holes for ropes or tie-downs
UV protective coating when made of plastic materials like PVC or polyethylene
Breathable option available with cotton or vinyl-coated canvas tarps
Heavy-duty options for construction use are typically 1,000 denier or higher
Temporary cover solution that is cost-effective compared to permanent structures
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, tarps are one of the most durable and weather-resistant tarps available. Their sandwich construction uses a PVC coating bonded between two fabric layers, making them highly waterproof yet flexible. Some key advantages of PVC tarps include:
Excellent water resistance
PVC tarps can withstand constant exposure to rain and snow without leaking or absorbing moisture. The tightly woven fabric repels over 99% of water.
Strong and tear-resistant
The triple-layer composite make-up gives PVC tarps exceptional puncture and tear resistance to withstand wind, debris, and equipment without damage.
Superior UV protection
Built-in UV protectant prevents sunlight from degrading the pliable PVC over time, giving PVC tarps a long lifespan of 5-10 years.
Potential drawbacks are that PVC tarps are non-breathable, so condensation can form underneath if multiple people or objects are sheltered. They are also more expensive than other options like canvas. However, for applications that require maximum waterproofing and durability with no maintenance, PVC remains the top choice.
Canvas Tarpaulins
Canvas tarps offer a breathable alternative to PVC with their porous cotton or polyester weave. Some characteristics of canvas tarps include:
Breathable fabric
The cotton/poly blend allows moisture and heat to escape, preventing mold growth under the tarp. This makes canvas preferable for shelters.
Softer texture
The natural fabric feels more comfortable against the skin compared to plastic materials.
Affordable option
Canvas tarps provide good value at a lower cost than PVC or other non-porous synthetics.
Other Types (tarpaulin materials)
Polyethylene (PE) tarps
Polyethylene (PE) tarps are made from woven polyethylene plastic fibers. They excel at flexing and handling twisting without cracking like PVC can. Heavy Duty Tarpaulin is lightweight, translucent, and more weather-resistant than canvas but less so than PVC.
Vinyl tarps
Vinyl tarps share properties with PVC such as excellent water resistance and flexibility. They use a thinner plastic material, making vinyl tarps more affordable than PVC but also less durable overall.
Polyester
Polyester tarps provide a non-porous waterproof alternative to canvas using a tightly woven polyester fabric with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. While lighter than canvas, they still absorb water over time in heavy rains.
Spunbond
Spunbond polypropylene is a fabric created by bonding melted polypropylene fibers into a non-woven material. It produces ultralight, strong tarps that are water-resistant and breathable like canvas. However, polypropylene degrades more quickly from UV light exposure compared to woven materials.
Choosing the Right Tarpaulin Material
With various material options, selecting the appropriate tarpaulin requires consideration of several key factors:
Intended use
Will the tarp be used as a temporary roof, vehicle cover, event tent, etc.? Consider needed water resistance, strength, and size.
Budget
Materials like PVC are the most expensive while canvas and polypropylene are affordable options.
Durability needs
How long must the tarp last? High-traffic areas require strong, puncture-resistant materials like PVC or vinyl over lighter weights.
Weather resistance
Tarps covering objects long-term demand maximum waterproofing from heavy rain. Breathable options work better for shelters.
UV exposure
PVC stands up best to sunlight degradation over weeks/months, while other plastics and canvases deteriorate faster.
Condensation management
Breathable tarps like canvas and polypropylene prevent mold growth under humid, enclosed shelters.
Weight & portability
Lightweight polypropylene excels for backpacking whereas PVC handles heavy-duty construction use.
As an example, a car storage canvas tarpaulin prioritizes long-term water resistance from seasonal rain and snow over breathability or weight. PVC provides excellent protection from light condensation under the tarp.
Meanwhile, an emergency rain shelter values breathability, packability, and affordability over maximum water resistance. Here, a silicone-treated canvas or polypropylene tarp strikes the right balance.
By carefully considering applications and priorities, homeowners and professionals alike can select the ideal tarpaulin material for any project. Flexibility is key to getting the most value and longevity.
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