Tarps are cloth sheet which is used as a cover on the ground to protect belongings and people from rain or sunlight. A waterproof tarp also saves these items from getting wet or damp in the event of misty weather. Since tarps are available in different styles, designs, and colors, they can be chosen based on the specific needs of individuals.
Tarps come with water-resistant coatings that prevent any leakage of moisture through them. The coatings also keep tarps solid and sturdy under all conditions – strong winds, heavy rains, and hailstorms – so they do not tear apart easily.
The Following Factors Should Be Checked Before Buying Tarps:
Type:
There are three major types of tarps available in the market: poly tarps, vinyl tarps, and canvas tarps. While poly tarps are not durable and may tear apart during a storm or windy weather, vinyl tarps offer more protection from water leakage. However, these tarps lose their strength in colder climates because of their flexible nature.
Canvas tarps have excellent resistance to harsh climatic conditions, but they are heavy in weight and costly compared to other types of tarps. Hence for home use or carrying purposes, lightweight poly tarps can be bought depending on preference and budget.
Size:
Tarps come with different dimensions; hence you should check what size would be perfect for your needs. For instance, if you need a tarp to cover a picnic basket, you may choose one with dimensions of six feet in length and 4-5 feet in width. On the other hand, if you are looking for tarps covering an area of 10×15 feet, then buy tarps that are 15 x 18 feet or larger.
Thickness:
Tarps vary when it comes to thickness if you are looking for tarps for harsh weather conditions, select tarps made of thick cotton fabric because thinner tarps can tear apart easily during storms.
Grommets:
Grommets make tarps more versatile because they give tarps loops or holes through which ropes can be threaded for additional. For example, grommets can be used to hang tarps on a clothesline or for suspending tarps from poles.
Coating:
Coated tarps are more preferable to uncoated tarps because they have a water-resistant property that keeps the possessions under tarps dry and moisture-free. However, tarps with impregnated coatings work even better because these provide additional protection from ultraviolet rays of sun, snow, and rainwater.
Reinforced Corners:
For tarps covering large areas, reinforced corners make set up easy by giving extra material along the edge for staking or sewing down. These corners also prevent the tarp from flying away during windy conditions.
Weight Of Tarp:
The weight of tarps depends on the type and thickness of the cloth used. If tarps made from cotton are too thick, they may weigh more compared to tarps made from lightweight nylon or polyester. On the other hand, tarps made with lighter materials tend to provide less protection from water leakage and breaking apart during a storm.
Waterproofing:
Tarps should have a coating that keeps them waterproof for protecting items under them against rain or windy conditions. However, this property does not mean that your possessions will stay dry in every circumstance; therefore, tarps should be paired with materials like plastic sheeting or garbage bags for maximum absorption of rainwater.
Other Properties:
Other than these factors, tarps may be checked based on sturdiness, color, portability, and price.
Price:
Tarps are available in different prices ranges depending on the type, size, weight, waterproofing property, etc. However, tarps that are too cheap or expensive are not worth buying because it is difficult to judge the quality of tarps by looking at their price tags alone. Hence tarps can be bought after carefully considering all factors mentioned above.
So basically, go for tarps with the high thickness (ideally impregnated), UV protection, and coated/impregnated ones should have good tear resistance. Black tarps will heat up in sunlight while lighter colors reflect more light; therefore, keep this in mind when purchasing tarps.
Also, tarps with grommets have multiple uses, and tarps that come with loops for tying tarps to trees, poles, etc., are also a good choice. Make sure your tarp comes with reinforced corners for a secure fit and a better water protection factor.
Due to their lightweight, you can easily carry around tarps made from lighter materials, but these may not be the best options when the going gets tough because they can tear apart due to sudden weather changes or rough usage. So if you ask me, go for tarps made from medium to heavyweight cotton as they provide greater UV protection tear-resistance and thicker tarps offer better insulation, thereby protecting your possessions from rainwater seepage as well windy.
Conclusion:
As long as tarps are made from good quality materials and come with the properties mentioned above, they will serve their purpose well without letting you down. Other than this, if you want to use tarps for a long period of time, then make sure you maintain them properly because tarps that are not maintained can become damaged very quickly. So tarps should be cleaned, dried, and folded carefully after every use, even if there is no visible dirt or damage on them. If tarps are stored improperly between uses, dust particles may stick to them, causing discoloration over time. Hence tarps should be kept in dry places that are free of moisture formation, humidity, or dampness.
