Tarp Weights for Securing Tarpaulin in Wind

When transporting or securing a tarpaulin in windy conditions, proper weighting is essential to prevent the lightweight fabric from flapping or blowing away. Tarps are an affordable way to provide temporary shelter or cover for a variety of situations like construction sites, livestock shelters, equipment storage, and more. However, their effectiveness depends on keeping the tarp securely in place

Types of Tarp Weights

There are several common types of homemade or commercial tarp weights suitable for securing tarpaulin in windy conditions:

Sandbags

Durable sandbags are an inexpensive DIY option for tarp weighting. Simply fill sturdy fabric sacks three-quarters full with damp sand. The moisture prevents dust but allows reopening and refilling of the bags as needed. Position the sandbags along Heavy DutyTarpaulin edges and corners.

Bucket Weights

For a more long-lasting weighted alternative, fill five-gallon plastic buckets nearly to the top with a concrete mix or poured concrete. Allow to fully cure before use. Paint the hardened concrete buckets a bright color like safety orange so they remain visible under tarps or in low light. Drill drainage holes in the bottom so rainwater doesn’t collect and compromise the concrete over time.

Commercial Tarp Weights

Prepared Clear Tarpaulin weights available for purchase offer compact portability. Products like StormBlanket weights filled with pea gravel include attachment points and handles for secure placement and easy maneuvering in windy conditions. Their uniform shape allows for maximizing weight per unit.

Proper Placement of Tarp Weights

The correct positioning of tarp weights is essential to combat wind at all angles of attack and securely anchor the tarpaulin. Some general guidelines for effective weight distribution include:

Corners First

Begin by weighing down each corner of the tarp. Place weights approximately 3 feet inside the outer corner to prevent flapping while still holding the corner firmly in position. This formation establishes a strong anchored starting point for the rest of the tarp.

Weight Along Edges

Distribute additional weights evenly all along the outer exposed edges of the tarp. Pull the tarp material taut between each weight to eliminate billowing and maintain a smooth surface. Leaving gaps of no more than 5-6 feet between edge weights helps control flutter.

Weight In Strong Gust Zones

Depending on the tarp shape and surrounding terrain, vulnerable zones prone to increased wind turbulence may need extra reinforcement. Ensure open ends of L-shaped covers, single-sloped planes facing prevailing winds, and other wind funnels receive doubled corner weights or closely staggered interior weighting.

Tying Weights to Tarps

Securely fastening tarp weights directly to the tarp fabric is crucial. Use strong knot types and rope lengths tailored for wind resistance and tarp flexibility:

Knot Options

Non-slip knots like the square knot or taught-line hitch work best to cinch weights tightly without undue stress on Tarpaulin materials. Test that knots will not ease or come untied when exposed to vibration.

Rope Lengths

Opt for ropes measuring at least 5 feet but no more than 7 feet between weights and the tarp. Longer lines risk twisting and tangling in breezes while shorter spans don't allow for shifting adjustments under high winds.

Attachment Points

Ideally, connect knots around available grommets or reinforced rings stitched into the tarp. In the absence of loops, carefully thread ropes through triple-wrapped slits cut into tarp edges or corners to distribute pressure across a wider area and prevent tearing.