|
Author: John Bri Article source: http://www.diycrew.com/. Used with author's permission.
To many people, "tarp" conjures an image of a crumpled canvas in the corner of the garage, or maybe that shiny blue plastic sheet in the hardware store.
But tarps are the beneficiary of some of the best technology in textile and chemical treatments. And so they have been adapted to many uses, whether at home, in the garden, on a camping trip, in the workshop, in the industrial yard, or on the construction site.
The workhorse of all tarpaulins, there are more color, material, construction, and size combinations in poly tarps than for any other. They are readily available. And as long as you select the right one for the job, tarps provide good protection for almost anything that needs shelter from the elements.
It's no wonder that the common tarp is one of the most versatile of all 'tools'.
Basic Poly Tarps
Blue or green poly tarps are, overall, the least expensive of all tarps. The cheapest ones are little more than a thin sheet of plastic. And like anything else, the cheaper they are, the less durability you'll have.
Basic(but good quality) poly tarps are made using a weave of nylon chord, with a laminate of polyethylene on both sides. Thread size is typically 700-800 denier, and the fabric weight will be between 2- 4 ounces per square yard.
They are waterproof, as well as resistant to rot and mildew. And they provide a good multi-purpose covering that provides basic protection from the elements.
But don't make the same mistake that so many people do: Do not use a poly tarp as a cheap way to cover your vehicle. Polyethylene does not breathe, and the resulting condensation under the tarp is guaranteed to cause you problems. On our web site, you can find much better ways to protect your car, boat or RV.
Heavy-Duty Poly Tarps
In addition to the basic version, there are some much tougher, heavy-duty polyethylene tarps. These heavy-duty tarps are less prone to tears and punctures, and do not get brittle as quickly.
Their strength comes from using a heavier denier nylon thread, and usually with a much tighter weave. This makes the tarp thicker - almost twice as thick - and therefore much longer lasting.
One example is the silver tarp, which is often preferred for its' UV resistance and heat reflective properties. With heavier thread and lamination, these premium silver tarps can be 2-3 times thicker than the standard hardware store variety.
Hems are the greatest point of stress, so the strongest tarps will also have heat-sealed hems, sometimes with a reinforcing rope inside. And there will be more grommets, spaced closer together, to spread the stress more effectively over the entire tarp.
In addition to basic and heavy duty versions, there is a size to meet almost any need. Small 6x8 sheets are available for just a few dollars. At the other end of the spectrum are the over-sized or very large athletic field covers and hay tarps. Need something in between ? Custom sizes are also available.
So the next time you look at that crumpled canvas or shiny blue sheet, you'll know there is more potential there than meets the eye. John Bri is a regular contributor to That Covers It!, a collection of helpful information on a variety of shelters and protective coverings. You'll find tips and sources for tarps, pop-up and garden canopies, garage kits, and covers for your car, truck, boat, and RV.
You can get more information about poly tarps at http://www.that-covers-it.com
The Easy Button
I am having so much fun with the new "Easy Button" marketing campaign from Staples Office Supplies! I especially like the commercial where the teacher asks a s...
To Go or No Go, That Is The Question
A feasibility plan is just that: a written plan that is created for the sole purpose of validating the feasibility of a business idea. Some call it a "Go/No Go"...
Affiliate Program As It Should Be
Every off- or online business has a target of growing its market share. Under all other equal conditions the percent of the market, occupied by a company, means...
How To Begin Your Journey To Success
Becoming successful requires a lifestyle change. It requires that you know where you are going, where you want to be, but most importantly, it requires that you...
When Parents Disagree
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting would be easier if you didn't have to make family decisions? Having a partner that is not in agreement ...
The 10-Step Resume Critique
Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan upon first review by an employer. With that in mind, it is critical that your resume -- your "paper h...
Two Donts for Financial Planners Seeking Free Publicity
You don't need to advertise in a magazine to get publicity... find out how!
Who Should Trade a Mini Forex Trading Account?
Why traders should take a forex mini account, explained by Toby Smitz.
Step-By-Step Guide to Manifest Your Desires
I have been talking about manifestation for a long time.
My intention is to make people be aware of the unlimited
power they have been given since the moment...
Why Some Webcomics (and Some Web Businesses) Are Successful
Take a look at some successful webcomics and see what's working in their business models that can be emulated.
Budget Your Branding
It is very important to regularly monitor your advertising activities in the process of brand building, to realize how much they are contributing to the bottom ...
A Guide to Waterbed Mattresses
If you need a new waterbed mattress, there are a variety of things you should know. For starters, waterbed mattresses come in different levels of firmness. Sinc...
21 Must-Have Web Site Elements
Your Web site should be the cornerstone of your client seduction efforts. The site is your silent salesperson -- the one with whom prospective clients visit bef...
The Power of Why: A Psychological Revelation
90% of all advertising is wasted, because of a simple factor. What is that factor? And why ignoring this advice could be costly to your business.
Cheapest Secured Loans: Save A Fortune On Your Secured Loan
Cheapest secured loans means getting the best interest rates, repayment options and lowest fees on the loans. This essentially requires knowing what you want an...
How to Manage Your Username and Password The Easy and Secure Way
This article presents a free, easy, and secure way to manage your usernames and passwords.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure in which an implant is surgically placed behind each breast. The following article details the procedure, risks and benefits...
Golf Tips – A Good Thinking Head Makes A Better Golfer
Golf is a wonderful game but we all want to improve a little bit more and for some a lot more. There can be many contributing factors as to why you find that yo...
Work that Room, Baby!
Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's something that is a necessity if you want to do business today.
Dads, Life, and Death
It's not easy to stare into the face of death, especially when it involves your father.
The PR Commitment to Small Business
We're birds of a feather, public relations and small business.
Wonderfully compatible and a perfect fit. Usually makes it
easy to commit resources to small bu...
Improve Your Mental Cognitive Abilities
The Connection Between Brain Inflammation, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease ...
Maybe Not Bones, But Hearts...And Worse: The Destructive Power of Simple Speech
Friendships are broken, relationships shattered, reputations ruined...and we still remain desensitized to the destructive power of simple speech! People who wan...
Planning a Fondue Party
Fondue can be an intimate dinner for two or a fun interactive party for a group of friends. When planning a fondue party you should plan for either a sit down ...
|
Print this page