If you know about tarpaulins, you must know about vinyl tarps and how they are popular amongst their users. Ever since this material was invented, it has been a fan-favorite product because of its versatile use and extended durability.
However, when it comes to the application of this material, have you ever wondered, “What are the best uses for vinyl tarps?” Or “Where can you use this tarpaulin to enjoy its best value?”
We are sure these questions crossed your mind. Here is a list of all the uses of vinyl tarps so that you know where they are best suited and where they are not.
Table of Contents
What is a Vinyl Tarp? What Makes Vinyl Tarp Unique?
Vinyl tarp is one of the strongest tarpaulins available. Made from a combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with synthetic fabric (like polyester or nylon), this material is exceptionally strong, thick, and durable. It is specially designed to offer superior protection from water and weather alike. Be it heavy rainfall or extremely strong wind, this plastic fabric will keep the things underneath safe and dry.
Unlike many other tarpaulins available in the market, vinyl tarps are 100% waterproof; they don’t allow any water or moisture to pass through to ensure superior water protection.
Moreover, as this fabric is thick (usually 16 MIl and above), it can withstand even the most harsh weather conditions for a long period without falling apart. It offers incredible durability to the users.
Another aspect that makes vinyl tarp unique is its ability to resist fire and chemicals. This material doesn’t melt due to fire and chemical exposure and ensures safety.
Difference Between Vinyl and Poly Tarps
Even though vinyl and poly tarps look and work similarly to ensure protection from the elements, there are some significant differences between them.
For instance, while vinyl tarpaulins are made from polyester fabric coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly tarps are made with woven polyethylene that is coated with polyethylene laminate. Because of their manufacturing material, vinyl tarps are strong, more durable, and suitable for heavy-duty applications. On the other hand, poly tarps are lighter, thinner, and perfect for lightweight use.
Also, even though both these tarpaulins are waterproof, vinyl tarps provide superior sun protection, while poly tarps can resist a moderate amount of UV. It also gets rigid in cold weather conditions.
Related: Difference between coated and laminated tarps
What Are Vinyl Tarps Used For?
Vinyl tarps have versatile uses. From covering your goods and commodities to making a tent or canopy, you can use this material for various applications. Here are some of the most common uses of vinyl tarps for your better understanding:
Residential Applications
Even though vinyl tarps are heavy-duty tarpaulins, more often than not, they are used for residential applications. From various outdoor projects to home improvements and protecting valuable items, the use of a vinyl tarpaulin at home is versatile and efficient. You can use this material to cover outdoor furniture, swimming pools, firewood piles, and other items to protect them from the elements and subsequent damage.
Vinyl tarps can also be used to make structures like tents and canopies or for temporary repair works (wall or roof leak).
Construction Projects
Construction sites widely use vinyl tarps for various purposes. Be it covering the building’s raw materials, making temporary roofs, or covering the structure for safety, this material is a “must-have” for construction projects. It can also be used as temporary walls or ground covers for safety and protection.
That’s not all. Because of its anti-static properties and fire-retardant feature, a vinyl tarpaulin is used in welding, grinding, or sawing, too.
As vinyl is a strong and durable material, it keeps dirt, dust, buildup, and the elements at arm’s length from the things it is covering.
Get Your Custom Vinyl Tarps Manufactured Today
Transportation
The transportation industry uses vinyl tarps in numerous ways. For starters, they use this material to cover goods, commodities, and even waste during transit. While the tarpaulin protects the goods from water, wind, dust, and dirt, it keeps the waste from scattering on the road during transportation.
Because of their safety feature, vinyl tarpaulins are used to carry goods and other things from one place to another without any harm or damage.
Agricultural And Farming
Vinyl tarps have a significant role in the agricultural sector. This material is used in every step of the farming process to ensure the utmost protection and safety. To start with, a tarpaulin can be used to protect the seeds, crops, and even the soil from the elements. When these are covered with a tarp sheet, they won’t be affected by the elements and get damaged easily.
Farmers also make shelters with tarps to keep the livestock safe and protected from the environment. These sheds are also used by the farmers to rest while working in the field.
As vinyl tarpaulins are strong and flexible, they are also used to cover farming tools and equipment so that they don’t get dirt, rust, or any other types of impairments.
Outdoor Landscaping
Vinyl tarps are used extensively in the outdoor landscaping process. Because this material is waterproof, weather-resistant, and resistant to wear, tear, and punctures, it can be a great choice for ground protection; it doesn’t let water and moisture pass through and cause soil erosion.
A vinyl tarpaulin is also used to create a covering for plants and gardens and protect them in adverse weather conditions.
That’s not all. If you have landscaping with outdoor furniture, you can cover them with a tarpaulin and shield them when the weather is changing.
Outdoor Recreational Uses
Vinyl tarpaulins are also used for many fun outdoor activities. You can make tents, canopies, shelters, pergolas, or any other shaded areas with this material for parties, picnics, sports events, and other types of outdoor activities. It will ensure protection against sun and rain and keep the shades dry and comfortable.
In addition to making structures outdoors, you can also cover the ground with a tarpaulin to not only protect the soil but also to make your event area look good.
If you are planning to watch a movie outside, use a special type of tarpaulin to make a movie screen and enjoy it all together.
Industrial Use
It doesn’t matter if it is a manufacturing, fabrication, welding, or machining industry; a vinyl tarp is useful across industries because of its several benefits: it protects materials, employees, workspace, and others during the operational process.
Besides protecting goods and people from dirt, dust, debris, and elements, tarpaulins also provide resistance against chemicals, acids, and flames (which are very common in some industries) for enhanced safety. This material is also anti-static, and therefore, it won’t build or let static electricity pass through the surface for top-notch protection.
Storage Use
Vinyla tarpaulin is an excellent option for storage applications. As this plastic fabric is flexible, durable, and waterproof, it can be used to cover things in storage and protect them from any type of damage.
It can actively protect machinery, tools, boats, furniture, vehicles, and anything you can think of from dirt, dust, rust, and other contaminations efficiently.
Moreover, as there are fewer chances of wear, tear, and punctures, weather and moisture cannot pass through the tarp surface to impair the stored items.
Military Applications
Due to its strength, versatility, and durability, a vinyl tarp is an important accessory in the military. From creating waterproof shelters and covering equipment and machinery to creating camouflage and providing cargo security, the military uses it in every step for their utmost protection against any unpredictable situations.
Marine Applications
The marine industry uses a vinyl tarp in several different ways. One of the most common uses of this material in this industry is covering cargo on ships to protect them from rain, wind, and sea spray during transport. Even though seawater has a high salt content, the tarpaulin still remains intact because of its resistance capabilities.
In addition to covering the cargo, a vinyl tarp is also used to protect various marine equipment from seawater; it creates a protective barrier and doesn’t let the tools and equipment endure rust and damage.
This industry uses tarpaulins as boat and dock covers, too.
Athletic Fields and Gymnasiums
Whether it’s a baseball field, gymnasium, or even a boxing ring, vinyl tarps keep the athletic fields and gymnasiums protected and clean. When used as a ground cover, ground cover, a tarpaulin keeps the floors and grounds dry and clean and also prevents soil erosion (on fields). It is also used as a shelter on the fields to avoid the elements and keep the players and staff safe.
Camping and Hiking
Vinyl tarpaulins are extremely useful during camping and hiking trips. From making tents, shelters, and ground covers to protecting gear from the elements, the application of this material is vast.
Storm Protection
Heavy-duty vinyl tarps are a life-saver during and after a storm. This material helps to cover your home, garden structures, and anything outside to protect them from wind, rain, snow, and flying debris.
Vinyl tarpaulins are also useful for after-storm protection and repairers. You can cover the affected areas before and during repairs so that they don’t suffer from any further damage until you repair them.
Artistic And Creative Uses
Although vinyl tarpaulins are mainly intended for heavy-duty applications, they are also very useful in the arts and creative industry. If you want to install outdoor art, create a safe studio setting, or make an artistic stage backdrop, this material will be the perfect fit. It can not only repel the elements but is also easy to clean for your ease of use.
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Different Types of Vinyl Tarps Available
There are different types of vinyl tarps available in the market. While you may know about some, the others are as popular. Here is a list of all the vinyl tarpaulins available so that you can learn about them and find the most appropriate one that fits your needs.
Basic Vinyl Tarps
Basic vinyl tarps are the types of tarpaulin that are used every day. From covering firewood piles to shielding patio furniture, grills, and other ordinary things, this material is used regularly to protect it from wind and rain.
Usually made from lightweight materials, the basic vinyl tarp is the perfect choice for lighter and simpler applications.
Clear Vinyl Tarps
As the name suggests, a clear vinyl tarp is a transparent tarpaulin made from high-quality PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It is specially designed to provide incredible protection against the elements while letting the light pass through. Although this material is transparent, it is 100% waterproof, strong, and exceptionally durable.
Another thing about clear vinyl tarps is that they are flexible, even in cold weather. The combination of strength, durability, and flexibility makes it the right choice for various industries, including greenhouses, outdoor entertainment, marine, and construction.
Coated Vinyl Tarps
Made by coating synthetic fabric (mostly nylon or polyester) with a layer of vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), the coated vinyl tarp is a heavy-duty tarpaulin with exceptional strength. It can withstand heavy pours, harsh weather, UV, and others and keep the things underneath dry and safe. Also, because of its strong build, this tarpaulin is resistant to wear, tear, and abrasions to ensure durability like none other.
Be it for covering a truck, making a tent, or shielding a building structure, coated vinyl tarps are used across industries for various applications.
Laminated Vinyl Tarps
This type of tarpaulin is lightweight yet strong and durable. As it is made by bonding multiple layers of vinyl material, it ensures strength and can withstand adverse weather conditions efficiently. Be it water, UV, or snow, this material will endure the environment without failing.
Also, as it has a strong bond, the laminated vinyl tarp is wear and tear resistant and won’t suffer from damage anytime soon.
Because of its durability and lightweight, it is the right material for banners, temporary covers, and lighter-duty applications.
Fire Retardant Vinyl Tarps
A fire retardant tarp doesn’t mean that it is fireproof. A fire retardant vinyl tarp is a specialized tarpaulin that is coated with special chemicals to resist combustion and reduce the spread of flames. This material ensures safety against fire while also withstanding various weather conditions to ensure the utmost safety for what’s underneath it.
Fire retardant vinyl tarps are usually made from different types of materials, thicknesses, and weights. Depending on your needs, you can choose the fire-retardant tarp for top-notch safety.
Anti-Static Vinyl Tarps and Anti-Static Drain Tarps / Leak Diverters
Approved by California Fire Marshal and NFPA-701 compliance, the anti-static vinyl tarp is a very special type of fire-retardant tarpaulin. This tarp is treated with various types of chemicals to provide protection against static electricity; this material not only blocks static electricity from passing the tarp surface but also prevents any buildup to ensure top-quality safety. For its safety measures, this tarpaulin is mostly suitable for covering sensitive electrical equipment.
Besides static electricity, this tarpaulin also resists water, sun, and other elements for added protection.
There is yet another variety of anti-static vinyl tarp: the high-tech Vinyl Drain Tarp / Leak Diverter. It is a specialized type of tarpaulin that can catch and divert leaking water to protect electronics like computers and others.
Vinyl Tinted Welding Screen Panels
This type of vinyl tarp comes with a protective barrier to provide enhanced safety during welding works. It is coated with special types of chemicals to resist harmful UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared) radiation, sparks, and debris generated during welding operations. This material is usually transparent to ensure high visibility for the welding works.
Awning / Canopy Vinyl Tarps
Various types of vinyl tarps can be used for awning/canopy covers. As awnings, pergolas, canopies, boats, tents, and curtain walls are usually outdoor structures, these tarps have high UV resistance and are 100% waterproof. They are also capable of blocking the elements for the utmost safety of the things/people underneath the tarp.
Vinyl Truck Tarps
Vinyl truck tarps are generally heavy-duty vinyl tarpaulins used to cover trucks or cargo transports. They are used to protect tools, machinery, equipment, or any other type of goods on the truck from the elements. As they are heavy-duty, these tarps are waterproof, weather-resistant, and can keep dirt and debris at bay during transits.
These vinyl tarpaulins often come with reinforced edges, heavy-duty grommets, or D-rings to tie them securely with the truck for added security during transportation.
The truck tarpaulins are not only heavy-duty and resistant to the elements, but they are durable, too. You don’t have to worry about compromising the integrity of the products covered with these types of materials.
Camouflage Vinyl Tarps
This type of tarpaulin is extremely heavy-duty and comes with a camouflage pattern to blend effortlessly into various outdoor environments. It doesn’t matter if you want to use it for military tents, truck covers, or any other industries; this vinyl tarp will keep you protected not only from the elements but also from any prying eyes.
Camouflage tarps are usually 100% waterproof, resistant to wear and tear, and can repel mold, mildew, oil, and grease efficiently.
Outdoor Movie Screen Vinyl Tarps
This tarpaulin is specially designed for outdoor movie setups. Typically 18 Mil thick, the movie screen vinyl tarps are white and have a black block-out layer on the back to eliminate light from passing through; this ensures the best image quality and viewing.
This type of vinyl tarp comes in several different sizes to fit your versatile outdoor movie setup perfectly.
Vinyl Pool Cover Tarps
Vinyl pool cover tarps are 100% waterproof and resistant to wear and tear. They are also usually larger in size to cover the whole pool area effectively. These tarpaulins not only cover the pool to keep it clean but also help to retain heat, reduce water evaporation, and prevent accidents while not in use.
Military Vinyl Tarps
Military vinyl tarps are heavy-duty tarpaulins used for various military applications. From making tents and shelters to covering military trucks while carrying goods and troops, the use of this material in the military is undeniable.
Because they are intended for heavy-duty use, this type of vinyl tarp is super strong, durable, and versatile. They are 100% waterproof and can endure even the most adverse environmental conditions without falling apart.
Hypalon Tarps
Hypalon tarps are extremely durable and weather-resistant tarpaulins made from Hypalon (a type of synthetic rubber); this material is exceptionally strong and durable, and therefore, it can withstand harsh weather conditions without suffering from any damage. Not only enduring the elements, but because of their strength and longevity, Hypalon tarps can resist chemicals and UV exposure to keep the goods underneath them safe and dry.
Neoprene Tarps
As the name suggests, neoprene tarps are made from neoprene (a type of synthetic rubber) to provide incredible durability, flexibility, and resistance against the elements. As this material can ensure harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, wear and tear, and various chemicals, it is suitable for extremely heavy-duty outdoor use.
Custom Vinyl Tarps
Custom vinyl tarps are tailored according to your unique needs. From the type of materials you require to the size, color options, designs, and even grommets, you can customize the tarp to suit your demands. Just ask the seller, and they will prepare the perfect customized vinyl tarp for you.
Marine-Grade Vinyl Tarps
Marine tarps are fully waterproof and wear and tear resistant to ensure the utmost safety of your goods and commodities. These tarps are typically used in marine coastal areas or marine environments to protect boats, docks, and other things from drenching in water. As these tarpaulins are heavy-duty and super strong, they also resist UV and harsh weather conditions to keep goods and people dry and safe underneath them.
How To Choose the Right Vinyl Tarp for Your Needs?
As there are several types of vinyl tarps available, it might be a bit difficult for you to choose the right type of vinyl tarpaulin for your specific needs. Here is a simple guide to help you pick the most suitable vinyl tarpaulin:
Determine the Intended Use
Find out the reasons you need to buy a vinyl tarp. This will help you to narrow down the options and find the best tarpaulin for your needs.
Consider The Durability And Strength
While some vinyl tarps are meant for heavy-duty use, others are suitable for lightweight applications. Choose the durability and strength of your tarp according to your intended use.
Look For Waterproof and Weatherproof Features
Whether the vinyl tarp is resistant to the elements is extremely important. If it can’t provide protection against changing weather conditions, UV, and others, what’s the point of buying it?
Size Matters
Make sure to get the right-sized vinyl tarpaulin so that you can use it efficiently. A too-short or too-long tarp might be difficult for you to use.
Consider The Weight
For easy portability and flexibility, the weight of a vinyl tarpaulin matters. Depending on your intended application, choose the weight of the tarp.
Keep In Mind Your Budget
Vinyl tarps are usually a bit higher priced. Keep a flexible budget to buy your required tarpaulin in no time.
Maintenance of Vinyl Tarps
One of the common questions that hits users’ minds is, “How long do vinyl tarps last?” Well, generally, vinyl tarpaulins are durable and last for a long time. However, with a proper maintenance routine, this material can last for over ten years.
After every use, make sure to clean and dry the vinyl tarpaulin thoroughly. This will remove all the dirt, dust, and water particles from the surface and keep mold growth, bad odor, and any other types of damage at arm’s length.
Also, don’t forget to fold and store it correctly. Wrong folds can crease the surface and result in breakage and damage.
A little care and attention can keep the tarp intact so that you can use it for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do vinyl tarps last?
As they are built strong and durable, vinyl tarps can last from 5 to 10 years or more, depending on how you use and maintain them.
What are the disadvantages of vinyl tarp?
A bit heavier in weight, expensive, and not environmentally friendly are some of the most common disadvantages of vinyl tarps.
Why is vinyl tarp so expensive?
Vinyl tarps are usually expensive because of their strong build and durability. Also, as they are heavy-duty tarpaulins, their prices are a bit high.
Are vinyl tarps eco-friendly?
Vinyl tarps aren’t eco-friendly. As this material is made from plastic and synthetic materials, it doesn’t decompose in the environment.
Can vinyl tarps be used in cold weather?
Vinyl tarps are strong and weather-resistant. You can use them even in extreme cold conditions for protection and safety; this tarpaulin won’t crack or get damaged anytime soon.
Can vinyl tarps be customized?
Vinyl tarps can be customized. In fact, this type of tarpaulin is now available in custom sizes and other custom features like grommets, reinforced edges, colors, and thickness to meet your specific needs.
Where to Buy the Best Vinyl Tarps From?
Vinyl tarps are available in different types from various manufacturers. However, not all of them are made the same. If you want to buy the best quality and most durable vinyl tarpaulins, don’t hesitate to contact Tarp PVC. We make top-quality vinyl tarps with exceptional strength and durability. You can also order customized vinyl tarp from us!
