Different Types Of Tarpaulins

By Author: rayekahnik
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They are waterproof, strong and flexible and are mainly used to protect anything from the elements such as rain, sun and wind. People have been using tarp covers for more than a century now. Over the years the quality of tarpaulins has improved and still improving as different methods of manufacturing are used to make them stronger and more durable.

Tarpaulins can be used in many different places to protect a variety of things. Typical use for tarpaulins are as a boat cover, car or truck cover, farm equipment cover, machine cover, camping ground sheet, wind protector, privacy wall, picnic mat, roof rack cover, paint shield, haystack cover, pool cover, patio furniture cover, etc.Tarp covers come in a lot of different colours, sizes and shapes. You also get tarps with different thickness and strength so that you can choose one depending on the type of work you need it for. As an immediate guide to the durability of each tarp, you need to find the GSM stated in the advert. GSM is the approximate weight guide and stands for grams per square metre. A basic rule of thumb is the higher the gsm the more durable the tarpaulin. ...
... For example, an economy tarp will be around 80gsm and these are typically used for temporary covers where the stress on the tarp is going to be minimal and short term. The gsm of the tarps will increase through the ranges right up to 540gsm for Canvas Tarpaulins and 560gsm for PVC Tarps, for ultimate protection against the elements. Tarpaulins are usually UV treated to help resist against the sun’s rays and they are treated for mould, mildew and rot thus making them durable and strong enough to protect your valuable items from getting spoilt. Rust resistant eyelet's are also fitted in each corner and spaced approximately every metre along all sides in rope reinforced hems.

Good quality tarpaulins should be100% waterproof, U.V.I. treated,mildew resistant,tear and stretch resistant, washable, shrink resistant andflexible. Typically with tarps, all sizes quoted are approximate industry standard 'cut sizes' of material before being made into a tarpaulin. Therefore expect the 'finished size' to be up to 9" (22cm) shorter both sides to allow for hems and seams in the finishing process.

Tarpaulins are put to so many different uses and subject to different types of Landscape Fabric weather conditions, suppliers cannot predict a lifetime for any specific tarp.