Pros and Cons of Canvas Tarps vs Plastic Tarps

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key differences between canvas and plastic tarps to help you decide which type best suits your needs. Both materials are important in keeping contents dry and protected from the elements. However, each type has its own distinct set of advantages and disadvantages to consider when selecting.

Material Properties of Canvas and Plastic

Canvas Tarps

Canvas tarps are constructed from a durable fabric that can withstand demanding conditions. Most canvas for tarps uses a polyester or cotton blend woven into a twill pattern that resists tearing. This allows canvas Tarpaulins to endure years of exposure to the elements without showing signs of wear.

Plastic Tarps

Plastic tarps consist of lightweight polyethylene plastic molded into a flexible sheet. This material provides an effective barrier, sealing out all moisture when the tarp is new. While completely waterproof, plastic lacks the breathability of canvas. This means condensation can form underneath if the tarp is not properly ventilated. Plastic is also more brittle in cold weather compared to the supple flexibility of canvas.

Usage Scenarios

The appropriate application heavily influences whether canvas or plastic suits your needs better. Here are some common scenarios:

Short-Term Projects

For temporary covers lasting weeks or months, Plastic Tarpaulin generally provides the best balance of strength and value. Their low costs also make plastic practical when materials may get damaged or lost. Examples include protecting materials during construction or waterproofing an area for a season.

Outdoor Storage

For seasonal items like lawn equipment, pool structures, and patio furniture, canvas allows proper venting to reduce mildew and rotting over winter. Plastic cannot breathe as needed here.

Long-Term Outdoor Covers

Any cover staying put for years requires durability. Canvas excels here with its longevity even in constant weather exposure. Boat, RV, and vehicle covers withstand more wear and tear from wind and bad conditions than plastic can. The canvas holds tight under strain without degrading.

Heavy-Duty Industrial Uses

Harsh job sites dealing with abrasive surfaces, chemicals, and rigorous handling demand only the toughest tarp. Canvas withstands these punishing environments better than plastic, retaining strength while plastic quickly shreds. Examples include material storage and grain silo covers.

Environmental Impact

Beyond economic considerations, the environmental friendliness of canvas vs plastic tarps also deserves acknowledgment.

Decomposition Rates

Plastic tarps take a long time to break down in landfills, potentially hundreds or thousands of years. All that time, toxic chemicals leach into the soil and water sources as plastic degrades.

Reusability

The sturdy construction of canvas enables repeated reuse. Damaged tarps often find second lives in other applications rather than going straight to the dump. Plastic less robust loses functionality fast with even minor cracks or holes.

Recycling Options

While recycling initiatives now exist for plastic films, most municipal programs do not accept soiled used tarps. Canvas Tarpaulin can go into composting or be upcycled with more flexibility at end-of-life.

Pollution Impacts

Producing plastic demands non-renewable fossil fuel feedstocks and energy-intensive manufacturing processes that also release pollutants. Canvas production relies largely on renewable plant fibers grown without pesticides or fertilizers that contaminate watersheds.