A tarpaulin or tarp is a very common thing that you could easily spot around. These protective sheets have myriads of applications and are manufactured as per the requirement. They are made up of different materials like canvas, water-resistant, plastics, etc. In Australia, it is also called as hootch. This is a military slang for tarp. Tarpaulins have grommets at each of its cornet which helps in attaching it to the desired place. You can suspend them from a roof, prepare a tent or create a covering for your desired thing.
Well, buying a good quality tarpaulin ensures that it lasts longer, but it does need some maintenance. In this blog, we unfold different types of tarpaulins and what are its uses along with its maintenance tips.
Tarp Materials and Uses
Canvas Tarpaulins:
These are carved out of treated canvas and are best for those who are looking to cover equipment, cargo, supplies present at farms, etc. An important point to note about these is that they are treated with oil and wax, so they might leave a stain on your car. Hence, it is not a good choice when it comes to covering the vehicle.
Treated tarps ensure that they resist water, while the untreated tarpaulins fail to do so. Thus, they are prone to get wet and cause damage to the equipment or stuff covered with it.
Clear PVC Tarpaulins:
These are made up of sheer material and are see-through. They are a good choice for curtains as they resist water, can stand the wind and at the same time allows light to penetrate through it. They are perfect for covering the deck or patio during the winter.
Iron Horse Polyester Tarpaulins:
They are sturdier than the canvas tarpaulin. However, if you fail to take care of them, then it can get ripped. So, regular maintenance will enhance its life.
Mesh Tarpaulins:
These come in a variety of materials, some allow blockage of 90% of sun rays, guaranteeing complete shade, while there are others which block only 5% of the sun rays and UV rays. These are designed in a manner that it allows the air to pass through while keeping away the debris, and hence, are very useful for swimming pools.
Care and Maintenance Tips:
If you want to keep the tarps in a good condition for long, it is important that you should take proper care of them. Here are the ways to make the tarp last long.
Use it for the right purpose:
It means that you should use the right type of tarpaulins for its dedicated usage. For example, mesh tarpaulin is apt for swimming pools. If you will choose canvas tarp for a swimming pool, then the wax and oil from it can seep into the water of the pool. If you want to use the tarpaulins for covering furniture, then you should not use the untreated canvas tarp as it can leave a stain on the furniture.
Repair the damage:
You must store the tarpaulins carefully, check if all the grommets are in place, look for a sign of tear, hole, or rips. If left unattended then this can damage the tarpaulins further. Make sure you fix the grommets, replace it and to protect it from water damage, make sure that you cover the tarp while storing it.
Tear Mender:
When you purchase a tarpaulin, make sure that you also buy tear mender. Tarps can develop cracks or rips over a period of time. The tear mender is kind of waterproof cement which is used to mend fabric. This works, and you can seal the ripped parts on the tarps instantly.
Conclusion
Even if you buy the best quality tarpaulin from the market, it is prone to wear and tear and some unwanted damage. To ensure that these lasts long, it is important that you must take care of the same. The golden rule is that you must store the tarp when it is not in use. While storing it make sure that it is dried and properly folded. This will increase the lifespan of tarps.
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