Poly Tarps

Guide to Using Poly Tarps

A poly tarp is ideal for many applications. Poly tarps and various types of ripstop tarps are used to cover materials and supplies placed outdoors.  All poly tarps are made to be a solid sheet of material and should be 100% waterproof.

The color of a tarp does not  usually do not signify any particular grade of thickness but blue and brown poly tarps are classified as economy poly tarps within the industry. Light duty poly tarps are more often used as temporary covers, they are often used in ongoing construction projects and landscaping. Roofers will also use the light duty poly tarps for temporary coverage until the roofing job is complete. The white colored tarps are often used during the winter for skating rinks because they give a clean, white appearance once the water freezes. White poly tarps are also used a lot in the warmer months to reflect the light and absorbs less heat. 

Poly tarps are general purpose covers, but they still have their limitations. Poly tarps are not the best for applications that require breathability. It would be best to check out our line of canvas tarps. These covers are not as thick as other tarps. So for situations that require a thicker cover, check out our vinyl tarps page.

For trucking needs, poly tarps are not the best option. Other varieties are more suited for this purpose because an ordinary poly tarp will likely get torn by the wind when transporting goods. Check out our truck tarps for this kind of applications.

There are locations that require the use of tarps but the risk of fire is present. Poly tarps should not be used because they burn easily. We recommend the use of fire retardant tarps for such applications.

Qualities of a Poly Tarp

Poly tarps are a laminate of woven polyethylene strips (core) and polyethylene sheets (bonded to the surface). With this combination, a poly tarp will not easily stretch or tear. Poly tarps are also treated against ultraviolet rays. Once a tarp receives this treatment, it becomes resistant to wear caused by the heat of the sun and the elements. This is the treatment that makes the poly tarp long-lasting. You can use poly tarps outdoors frequently regardless of constant exposure to damaging agents. UV treatment also maintains the water resistance of the tarp. Rain or shine, we recommend poly tarps as your go-to for temporary cover needs.

Please note that even with UV treatment, the service life of a tarp will depend on the area where it is used. The hotter the climate, the shorter this tarp would last. Poly tarps can last longer in the northern parts of the USA and Canada. On the other hand, they will wear out faster in hotter areas including Arizona, Florida, Southern California and Texas.

Poly tarps have arctic flexibility. When exposed to freezing conditions, these covers can still do their jobs well. Poly tarps are also waterproof so the item covered will stay dry under snowy and rainy conditions.

Poly tarps are also rope reinforced along the hems. The combination of woven core and the rope reinforcement prevents tearing and ripping. Grommets are also placed so you can easily tie down the tarp when necessary.