
Making The Right Choice In Poly Tarps
Common "poly tarps", are among the most versatile of all 'tools',
having a useful purpose on the farm, on a camping trip, in your backyard, at a
fair, or in the industrial yard. Because they are so adaptable, poly tarps provide
excellent coverage anywhere, anytime you need shelter and protection from the
sun, rain, or wind.
The
varieties of polyethylene is extensive. They can be found in a several choices of
weights, sizes, construction design, shapes, and colors to meet specific
needs. Choosing
Poly Tarps - Color:
There
are several colors available, but the most common are blue and green. They are
lighter and less durable than other types, but are also the least expensive. Camouflage
tarps are often used by hunters and campers, but there are fewer size options.
Silver is used for its' reflective characteristic, and is roughly twice as thick
and durable.
- Exposure
Tolerance: Reinforced
polyethylene is water repellant, mildew and rot resistant, and it can be formulated
to resist the build-up and retention of electrostatic charges that may be harmful
to certain sensitive equipment. Most quality polyethylene is treated to provide
UV protection, even more so with silver poly tarps.
- Construction: Standard
design will include sewn or heat-sealed seams, sometimes a rope sewn into
the hem, grommets every 2-3 feet along the edge, and reinforced corners. Tarp
straps allow easy placement of your tarp.
- Fabric Strength: Typical
lightweight materials are 700-800 denier(thread size) material in a 8x8 thread
mesh, with 5-6 mil(thickness) and up polyethylene
laminate on each side. Heavy-duty silver tarps generally have a
14x14 mesh, 1000 denier thread, and a 11-12 mil thick laminate. Obviously, the
greater any of these measurements, the stronger the tarp.
You'll
find that poly tarps are a good multi-purpose choice for weather protection needs. If
you know the size you want, we've put together a poly
tarp comparison chart to help you locate the right size at the
right price. Or you can take a look at the recommended suppliers below.
We've
done the comparisons, and for both quality and price, we recommend Northern Tool
for their great selction of high quality and low price poly
tarps .
Blue and camo poly is a 10x8 weave and 900 denier, while the silver poly is 14x14
and 1000 denier fabric. Strong nylon chords are laminated with a polyethylene
coating that repels water, rot, and mildew. Blue, green, camoflage, and silver
tarps are availabe in sizes from 6' x 8' up to 30' x 60', including several special-purpose
designs. Do a search on their site for "poly tarps". For
More Information: Specialty
Tarps: A quick look at lumber, drain, coil, and machine tarps. Poly
Tarp Sizes: Looking for a specifc size ? Here are 3 quick sources Tarp
Shelters: A better choice for backpackers and light-weight campers. Camo
Tarps: Another popular choice for outdoors men and women. Drain
Tarps: Where to get quick delivery of drain tarps and ceiling leak
diverters. Tarps:
An overview of the main choices in protective tarp coverings: polyethylene, canvas,
and mesh. Mesh
Tarps: The choice when you need airflow and modest shade, and where
water proofing is not required. Canvas
Tarps: A stronger and flame retardant alternative to poly tarps.
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