Tarpaulin Storage Folding, Rolling and Hanging Methods

A tarpaulin, commonly referred to as a tarp, is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant, or waterproof material. Tarps are typically made from polyethylene, vinyl, or canvas and serve various protective coverage needs. Some common uses of tarps include construction site covering, event tents, truck bed liners, pool covers, and tarpaulin storage.

Why store tarps properly?

There are several key reasons to use appropriate folding, rolling, or hanging methods for tarpaulin storage:

Prevent Damage

Storing tarps loosely or wrinkled can lead to wear and tear of the material over time from exposure to light, dirt, and moisture. UV light from unfiltered sunlight is especially damaging for tarps.

Maintain Water Resistance

The water-resistant coatings on Tarpaulins must be preserved to keep the tarp effective when needed. Folding or rolling tightly protects these important coatings.

Organization and Accessibility

Tarps stored haphazardly can become tangled and difficult to locate quickly for use in various weather conditions. Proper storage keeps tarps organized and easy to retrieve.

Extend Tarp Lifespan

When done correctly, flexing materials like polyethylene or PVC under folding or rolling pressure does not harm them as it would if left unwrinkled and bunched. Structured storage elongates a tarp's usable life.

Prevention of Mold or Mildew

Loose, piled Heavy Duty Tarpaulin can accumulate musty smells from trapped humidity against the material. Dry, ventilated storage inhibits mold and mildew growth that damages tarps.

Hanging storage of tarps

For many households and workplaces, hanging tarps utilize available wall or rafter space efficiently for tarpaulin storage. Here are some effective hanging methods:

By grommets

Use S-hooks, large binder clips, or carabiners to connect the tarp's metal or reinforced grommets directly to hanging poles, ropes, or wall hooks spaced every 2-4 feet.

Over ropes

Secure ropes lengthwise between two anchor points like rafters. Drape folded or rolled tarps along the rope, grouping by size.

On racks

Install vertical poles securely in the rafters or wall studs and drape the rolled or folded tarps over horizontally, suspending them off the floor.

With straps

For loose hanging, run wide straps like poly or bungee cords through the grommets and over supports above, cinching the tarp neatly against the wall or poles.

Tarp folding methods

There are several effective folding styles appropriate for different-size tarps used in tarpaulin storage:

Standard fold

For a rectangular tarp, fold lengthwise down the middle into a long strip. Then fold in thirds widthwise. Continue folding like an accordion until it is a manageable size.

Modified fold for thicker tarp

With thicker tarpaulin, fold lengthwise in half then fold each long side in toward the middle and top. crease well. Then fold the whole thing in half lengthwise again.

Compact rolling fold

Roll the tarp tightly inward from one edge while folding it inward simultaneously. Roll tightly like a sleeping bag shape for durable rolling that resists unfolding.

Grommet folding

For tarps with grommets along edges, fold each edge in toward the middle until it is doubled over on itself. Then accordion folds as above. This folding technique allows grommets to nest inside folds instead of being caught on exterior surfaces.