Tarps That Will Weather The Elements
Tarps are easy to find, but they are not all made of the same material. Some tarps have more features that make them more resistant to weather. When choosing a tarp for outside use, it is best to consider many factors. 1. Waterproof or water resistant. Tarpaulins made of poly material should be 100% waterproof if they are properly made. Look for heavy duty tarps with 30 mil coating or more. For water resistant canvas tarpaulins, the best choice available is heavy weight cotton based tarps that has gone through a wax process to make it repel water better. 2. Most tarps have grommets that should be rust-resistant if the tarp is going to be used outside in the weather. There are several types of metals that are rust resistant, and the type of metal may not be indicated be in rust free steel or plastic. As long as the grommets are described as rust free, you should be fine. 3. Mildew. It is best to get mildew-resistant poly heavy duty tarps, especially in moist climates. This will help save the items you have stored under the tarp, as well as the tarps themselves. A mildewed tarp is not a pleasant sight and it deteriorates quickly. In the case of poly tarps mildew can be removed by washing the tarp. 4. Rot. Rot goes along with mildew, but is more extensive. Tarps can rot from moisture and from age. Poly Tarps are rot proof Whether you have green tarps, blue tarps, yellow tarps, or orange tarps, it is important that the tarps do not rot away when they are used in the weather. If they do, they might get holes in them or shred, and they will become unusable. 5. Sun. White tarps, silver tarps, and yellow tarps are naturally reflective. However, most colored tarps should have U.V. protective coating. This keeps the tarpaulin looking new. It also keeps the tarp strong and durable because it has not dried out and weakened. 6. Wind. The wind can make short work of cheap, poorly made tarpaulins. To get a tarp that will last in high winds, look for a tear resistant heavy duty tarp. Poly ropes embedded in the hems also makes tarps more durable in the wind. 7. Cold. A poorly constructed tarp will become brittle in frigid temperatures. It will crack and the poly material will break up. To combat this, some tarpaulin manufacturers have made a special type of tarpaulin that will hold up to Arctic temperatures. Look for this type of heavy duty tarps if you live where it gets cold. When you are looking for tarps that will weather a storm, it is best to check out the claims of the manufacturer. If a tarp is promised to be mildew resistant, rot proof, or have strong rust free grommets, it should live up to those promises. A respectable tarpaulin vendor will stand by its merchandise.About the Author:
Bob Page has worked in the Tarps industry for over twenty years and during that time has gained a wealth of knowledge of the tarpaulins community.Bob can be reached on 239 919 2923 or email bob@tarps-togo.com http://http://www.tarps-togo.com/home.php
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tarps That Will Weather The Elements