The Material Guide of Tarpaulin (2024)

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About us
- Company Profile
- Factory Overview
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- Our Service
- Project Gallery
  - Fence Projects
  - Edge Protection Project
- Happy Clients
- Global Distribution
Solutions
- Scaffolding
  - Ringlock Scaffold
  - Cuplock Scaffolding
  - Kwikstage Scaffolding
  - Aluminum Scaffold towers
  - Heavy Duty Euro Shoring Posts
  - LVL Timber Plank
  - Brick Guards
  - Scaffold Netting
    - Debris Net
    - Fire Retardant Containment Mesh
    - Fire Retardant PVC Mesh Sheet
  - Scaffold Tags
- Formwork Solutions
  - H20 beam
  - Shoring Prop
  - Plywood Formwork
- Edge Protection
  - Concrete Edge Protection
  - Steel Structure Edge Protection
  - Stair Edge Protection System
  - Formwork Edge Protection
  - Compression Post
- Fall Protection
  - Safety Nets
  - Guardrail System
  - Personal Fall Protection
- Construction Fence
  - Temporary Fence
  - Pedestrian Barrier
  - Orange Construction Fence
  - Temporary Chain Link Fence
- Weather Protection
  - Keder Roof
  - PVC Tarpaulin
  - Snow Tarps
  - Shrink Wrap Roof
  - Keder Roof Sheeting
  - Reinforced poly sheeting
Knowledges
- Blog
- FAQs
- Download
- Import From China
Contact

Welcome To APAC BUILDERS EQUIPMENT

Temporary Roof

Hello, I am Pieter Zhang, founder of APAC. I have been in the site safety products business for 14 years and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge about site safety products from the perspective of a Chinese supplier.

introduction

Tarpaulins, also known as “tarps,” are easy to set up, versatile, and highly durable. The tarps have an extensive history. People in earlier ages used tarps made from different materials such as cotton, canvas, metal, polyester, plastic, and nylon. During the period of 1400 to 1600, tarps were used mainly by sailors. They used tarps made from pal to ensure the safety of their goods while traveling via sea route.

During the period of 1600–1900, tarps were also used by inland people to protect their goods while traveling. And people started using them as tents in the 1700s. From 1900 to the present day, the tarps industry has significantly developed.

Tarps of various styles are available on the market and are suitable for a variety of situations. They are mainly used for campgrounds, flatbeds, construction sites, etc. These include traditional, mesh, automatic, and waterproof tarps. The interesting thing to know is that they are differentiable easily. It is due to weaving patterns and different materials.

Different Materials of Tarpaulin

The primary use of tarps is to cover goods or build a particular space. People also use tarps to protect their goods or spaces from extreme weather conditions. Depending on the uses, tarps are made from different kinds of materials.

It can be said that tarp materials are the basis for making a selection for the type of tarp. The best tarp material depends on your needs and the specifications of the tarp.

Now, different materials are used to make high-quality tarps, let’s explore some most commonly used materials for tarps:

1. Canvas

A canvas tarp gives you protection from water as well as sun rays. Canvas material further exists in several forms, cotton duck material is also used for tarp manufacturing. It is a robust and heavy material that is given a wax coating. The wax coating aims to provide a water-resistant layer to the canvas. You must note that it requires periodic wax coating for long-term protection from water.

People also use a specific type of dye to make canvas tarps water-resistant.

Let’s explore some of its pros, cons, and applications.

Advantage

Cotton canvas tarpaulin is manufactured from natural fibers. Therefore, there are fewer chances of damage from intense temperature weather.
It is a breathable material that prevents moisture from building between the covered object and the tarp.
Since it is a heavy material, it also gives protection against wind.

Disadvantage

It is not a waterproof material naturally, but it needs a periodic wax layer for waterproof properties.
The color of the canvas fades away when it is dyed.

Application

It can be used as a cover.
Groundsheet.
Tarmacadam cover.

2. Nylon

Nylon is also one of the most commonly used materials for tarp manufacturing. Nylon material is known for its strong strength-to-weight ratio. The higher elasticity factor also plays a massive role in stretching the tarps. And the best part to know is that it is highly durable.

They are also known for their waterproof abilities. These features make the nylon tarps ideal for long-term uses. This one also consists of advantages, disadvantages, and applications like other materials.

Advantage

Readily available in the market.
Fire retardant properties.

Disadvantage

Less protection against extreme weather conditions.

Application

Temporary shelter.
Transportation industry
Keeping things clean
Covering damaged areas

3. Polypropylene Tarpaulin (PP)

This tarpaulin is a propene polymer tarp. Polypropylene is just an alternative name used for polymer tarp. You must know that these tarpaulins are more similar to the tarps that are manufactured from jute. But the best part to know is that they don’t allow any water to pass through the sheet.

Advantage

Highly waterproof tarp.
You can get some types of polypropylene tarps at a relatively cheaper cost.
These tarps are best known for their waterproof properties.

Disadvantage

These tarps are designed in such a way that you can’t keep them in constant sunlight for years.

Application

Shelters or tents
Creating privacy
Blocking winds
Catching water

4. Polyethylene Tarpaulin (PE)

Polyethylene tarpaulin is also known as ethylene polymer tarp. You must know that these tarps are also known as poly tarps. But you should also have an idea of the fact that these are not the most robust kinds of tarpaulins. Most manufacturers make these tarps from low-density polyethylene. But there are also some manufacturers using high-quality ones.

The first type is weak tarps, while the second is a more flexible and stronger option. Let’s dig into some fantastic pros, cons, and uses of polyethylene tarpaulins.

Advantage

Waterproof
Lightweight
Good heat and cold resistance
Good chemical stability
Maintain flexibility at low temperatures

Disadvantage

You may be unable to use these tarps for hard-wearing or extensive uses.

Application

A cover but not for a longer time duration.
Covering tents as a temporary shelter.

5. Polyvinyl Chloride Tarpaulin (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride tarpaulins are known to be a strong option as compared to those made from polyethylene. These tarps are designed in such a way that you can get them for extended use in extreme weather conditions. Some manufacturers also use PVC lamination to construct Polyvinyl chloride tarpaulin from polyester.

Advantage

Waterproof
Less prone to tears and rips.

Disadvantage

Polyvinyl chloride tarpaulin is not a breathable option.

Application

These tarps are mainly used for heavy-duty applications.

CONCLUSION

Tarpaulins are used as a shelter or cover when you want to save your construction site from various conditions. But you must ensure that the tarp you are using is made from high-quality materials. And choosing the right quality tarpaulin is highly dependent on which manufacturer or supplier you choose.

Contact Us now if you want to buy a tarpaulin made from high-quality raw material. We ensure our customers successfully protect their goods and sites with our best-quality tarps.

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FAQs

What is the material used in tarpaulin? ›

A tarpaulin (/tɑːrˈpɔːlɪn/ tar-PAW-lin, also US: /ˈtɑːrpəlɪn/) or tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene.

Read On ›

How to check tarpaulin quality? ›

Tarpaulins are graded and measured by GSM (Grams per Square Metre). This is basically a measure of the weight and thickness of the material from which the tarp is constructed. The higher the GSM number, the heavier, thicker and more robust the tarpaulin.

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What is tarpaulin made by? ›

Tarpaulins are sheets made out of polyethylene, cotton canvas, jute, etc.

What is the difference between tarp and tarpaulin? ›

Tarp is usually lighter and not coated, while tarpaulin is heavier and often made from canvas or another thick material that's been treated with a waterproof coating.

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What is the best quality tarpaulin? ›

Shalimar is the brand leader in HDPE Tarpaulin and is the most wanted brand in India for domestic, commercial as well as industrial use.

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What is the best grade of tarpaulin? ›

Tarpaulin Grades

Grade	Grams per Square Metre (gsm)	Typical Use
Lightweight	80 gsm	Covering garden furniture, wood-stacks, building materials, as a ground sheet
Standard	170 gsm	Covering building goods and tools, and ongoing or unfinished ground-level building projects
Heavy duty	270 gsm	As a temporary roof covering

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What is the best thickness for tarpaulin? ›

Consider the purpose of your poly tarp to determine the appropriate thickness. If you need a tarp for light-duty applications like covering furniture or providing temporary shade, a thinner tarp with a lower mil count, such as 6 or 8 mils, may suffice.

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How thick is a good tarp? ›

The actual thickness of tarps is measured in mils (1 mil is 1/1,000 of an inch). The larger the number, the thicker the tarp. Lightweight tarps (often blue in color) are 5 to 6 mils. Heavy-duty tarps, on the other hand, can be 20 mils and thicker.

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What color tarp is the strongest? ›

Dark blue, grey, or black tarp colors are the strongest and the heaviest. This is because they often are treated with UV coating. So it helps protect them from any sun damage. In addition, the dark tarps absorb heat better, allowing them to remain calm.

What is stronger than tarpaulin? ›

Vinyl tarps are heavier in their nature and thus used in more heavy-duty operations. Vinyl has higher density and is remarkably strong. It is resistant to abrasion, tearing, mold, mildew, and wind whip. With higher thicknesses, vinyl can withstand super harsh weather for long exposures.

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What is the formula for tarpaulin? ›

Since the tent is in a conical shape, the area of tarpaulin = the curved surface area of the cone. where, Slant height, l = √(r² + h²), h is the height of the cone. The length of the tarpaulin can be calculated by dividing its area by its breadth.

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What is the strongest tarp material? ›

Tarps made mostly of polyethylene are more durable, stronger, and have a more waterproof ability as compared to other types of material like canvas. Nylon ground covers and polyethylene mesh tarps are more lightweight and allow shade from the sun while still being breathable.

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Is a tarp 100% waterproof? ›

Since tarps are generally used as a protective material, they will mostly be produced with water-resistant features. However, not all tarps are waterproof! Given the different uses for tarps, it's essential to find out if the tarp you own, or are eyeing to buy, is really waterproof or simply water-resistant.

Get More Info Here ›

What do Americans call a tarpaulin? ›

(US usually tarp) (a large piece of) heavy waterproof cloth used as a covering.

What kind of plastic is tarpaulin? ›

A tarpaulin is a sheet of strong, flexible, waterproof or water-resistant material, such as polyethylene, canvas, or polyester coated with urethane. Plastic tarpaulin is a polyethylene film available in a variety of textures and colors.

Is tarpaulin a polyester? ›

Canvas used to be the material of choice for tarps, but with the development of polymers, vinyl and polyester have become the material of choice for tarp manufacturers.

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Is polyethylene tarpaulin toxic? ›

Non-Toxic Nature

One of HDPE's significant safety attributes is its non-toxic nature. During the polymerization process, the chemical composition ensures that harmful additives or by-products are not introduced, making HDPE a safe choice for various applications.

Is tarpaulin same as PVC? ›

If you take the word literally, boat tarpaulin is often reinforced PVC: a polyester fabric coated underneath and on top with PVC, more popularly known as "truck hood tarpaulin" and in the industry as bisonyl. That PVC is also available uncoated(without that polyester interlayer), but then it's called pure PVC film.

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