A tarpaulin, commonly referred to simply as a tarp, is a large piece of strong, flexible, water-resistant, or waterproof material used to cover objects, materials, or spaces. Tarps are most recognizable as the versatile protective covers used for trucks and boats or as temporary covers and shelters.
What is a Tarpaulin?
The word "tarpaulin" originated from the waterproofed canvas commonly used aboard ships, which was coated with tar or pitch. Modern Tarpaulins are made from various durable synthetic materials like polyethylene (PE), vinyl-coated polyester, or other waterproof fabrics.
Waterproof Protection
Tarps provide effective coverage from rain, snow, and moisture to keep items or spaces dry.
Durability
When made from quality materials like PE or polyester, tarps can withstand exposure to weather and abrasion for many years.
Versatility
Tarps have a wide range of uses from covering vehicles to creating temporary shelters or tents. Their flexibility allows Clear Tarpaulin to conform to different objects or spaces.
Affordability
Tarps offer protection and coverage at an affordable price point compared to more permanent structures.
Common Tarp Sizes
There is a large variety of tarp sizes available to suit different use cases and amount of area needing coverage. Some common tarp size categories include:
Small Tarps
Ideal for covering small items, providing ground cover, or attaching underneath patio furniture. Small tarps are conveniently portable.
Medium Tarps
A versatile workhorse size that can cover the beds of small trucks, and outdoor equipment, or offer temporary rain shelters for events. 8x10 tarps in particular are frequently used for arts and crafts projects as drop cloths.
Large Tarps
Useful for covering larger vehicles like cargo vans or sections of outdoor areas. 10x12 tarps are a popular size for boat covers or covering stacks of construction materials.
Extra Large Tarps
Massive in scale, extra large tarps are necessary to cover large boats, equipment, construction sites, or create temporary structures. Special care is needed to handle and deploy extremely large tarps.
Tarp Terminology
There are several key terms used to describe parts of a tarp and how it is constructed:
Grommets
Reinforced holes, typically made of metal or heavy-duty plastic, around the perimeter of the tarp. Grommets allow the tarp to be secured with rope or tie-down straps.
Guy ropes
Ropes or cords that are attached to grommets and used to further tension a tarp after it has been deployed. Guy ropes are essential for anchoring Heavy Duty Tarpaulin in windy conditions.
Headers
Thick fabric strips are typically found along the top edge of heavier-duty tarps. Headers provide extra strength and allow the tarp to maintain rigidity when stretched between anchor points.
Hemming
The finished edge treatment around the perimeter of the tarp. Hemming encloses raw fabric edges to prevent unraveling and reinforces the edge for attachment points like grommets.
Hook and Loop Tape
Strips of hook and loop fasteners that can be affixed to tarps. This provides an easy attachment point for securing different sections of the tarp together.
Tarp Material Types
There are several common material types used in tarp construction, each with their strengths and weaknesses:
Polyethylene (PE) Tarps
PE is a very inexpensive, flexible plastic that makes for lightweight yet durable tarps. PE tarps are 100% waterproof and withstand weather very well. However, they are more prone to tearing from abrasion or sharp objects.
Polyester Tarps
Made of woven polyester yarn, these tarps are heavier-duty than PE but still breathable. Polyester tarps are quite durable and resistant to sunlight damage. While not fully waterproof, they dry quickly if they get wet.
Vinyl-Coated Polyester Tarps
Woven polyester fabric is laminated with a thick layer of vinyl plastic on one or both sides, making it fully waterproof from both rain and snow. The coating provides excellent tear and puncture resistance at the cost of higher stiffness.
Canvas Tarps
Traditional tarps were made from canvas (cotton or linen fabric) and treated with linseed oil or tar to be water-resistant. Modern canvas blends are softer than plastic but more absorbent. Better suited for temporary events than long-term outdoor use.
Metalized Polyester Tarps
These feature an ultra-thin metalized coating that reflects 98% of light for increased heat and UV resistance. Ideal for applications requiring heat and sunlight reflectivity over long durations.
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