These lightweight tarps provide excellent temporary protection against water and sun damage under many circumstances and conditions. They are frequently used to protect furniture and flooring when painting is being done. However, there are specific limitations to the ways blue tarps should be used. Understanding the specific applications for which they were and were not designed helps consumers be sure they are selecting the appropriate tarp for their need.

Long Term Cover

Blue tarps were not designed for long term cover. These tarps are intended only for use as temporary covers. They are lightweight enough to be easy to use, but they cannot provide long term protection. If an item must be covered for more than two or three months, a heavy duty tarp would be a better choice. A heavy duty tarp is made with more fabric and is thicker, making it more durable and weather resistant.

Unlike lumber tarps, or a heavy duty tarp, the blue material will begin to break down after a relatively short period of time due to exposure to sunlight and extreme weather. While blue tarps provide excellent short term protection under most circumstances, they should never be counted upon to last for extended periods of time, or to withstand rough treatment or severe weather. Sharp Edges

Blue tarps should also not be used to cover loads or materials with sharp edges, such as steel wire, concrete, rocks, tree branches, or glass. The material used to make these tarps is simply not designed to withstand that sort of treatment. As wind moves the tarp against any sharp edges, the material will rip and tear, exposing your items to sun and rain.

If something with sharp edges needs protection, lumber tarps can provide that protection without requiring you to build a structure. Lumber tarps are specifically designed for use over wood piles and for covering truck loads of lumber. Their heavy gauge material and heat-treated seams are better able to withstand the rough nature of the materials they are covering. A more heavy duty tarp will resist tears from twigs and branches, keeping your wood dry and secure. There are many varieties of lumber tarps and other heavy duty tarp products to choose from, depending upon the application.

Disposal

Most people make the mistake of throwing their damaged or worn out “blues” in the trash. But these tarps are actually made out of polyethylene plastics and can be recycled in the same way as your plastic soda bottles and milk jugs. As handy as these lightweight tarps are, they won’t last forever.

Realistic expectations and an understanding of a material’s capabilities can help ensure that your possessions are kept clean and dry in any condition by using the proper tarp for your application.

Chris Harmen writes for MyTarp.com, where customers can get high quality tarps at affordable prices. Among the many types of tarps to choose from are blue tarps for temporary protection, lumber tarps or a heavy duty tarp for longer term protection and durability.

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Treatments

Many tarpaulins are waterproof, mold, mildew, and rip resistant, and they offer UV protection. High quality covers are generally made with double-stitched and heat treated seams and feature rust resistant grommets. A lumber tarp will often feature rope sewn into the hems to provide extra strength and durability.

Poly

The most popular tarps are blue and made from polyethylene mesh and treated with a polyethylene coating. These are your least expensive and least durable products. They work well when protecting floors and furniture from paint splatters, and they provide short term protection for lawn furniture and vehicles. When a lightweight poly tarp isn’t enough, heavy duty poly tarps are a good option as they are stronger and lighter than canvas, making them especially useful when you need something more durable.

Canvas

Canvas is made from cotton and then treated with chemicals that make it water, mold, and mildew resistant. Unlike the blue or clear varieties, canvas is designed for outdoor use only. While canvas is breathable, the wax and dye in the fabric can rub off, making it an ideal cover for construction equipment, but a poor choice for the family boat or RV. Also, due to the potential for tearing, canvas is not recommended to secure vehicle loads.

Vinyl Vinyl tarpaulins are made from vinyl or PVC material, making them stronger, and more expensive, than canvas or poly. Vinyl tarps are commonly used by truck drivers to secure loads and to cover materials that may be susceptible to rain or sun damage during shipping. Vinyl is far more tear resistant than canvas or poly, making it the ideal choice for a lumber tarp. Lumber tarps made from vinyl coated polyester fabrics are widely used by professional truckers to cover their cargo loads.

Vinyl is also used to create clear tarps that provide excellent cover and protection from the elements when camping or traveling by RV. A clear tarp can turn a miserable weekend into a cozy family get together simply by creating a see-through porch from your RV awning. A clear tarpaulin is also an excellent choice when you need to keep an eye on whatever it is that you are protecting.

Mesh

Mesh tarps are loosely or tightly woven or vinyl coated, which makes them perfect for tennis courts, wind screens, privacy fences, and to secure truck loads. Mesh can also be used to protect fruit trees and bushes from being destroyed by birds.

Using the right high quality tarps can protect your investment in many household and work related situations. A lumber tarp can secure your cargo load for trucking companies and professional truck drivers. A clear tarp can rescue a rainy weekend, and canvas makes excellent cover for heavy equipment. The range of uses is practically limitless, especially when you know enough to order the right tarp for your needs.

Chris Harmen is a writer for MyTarp.com, where customers can get temporary or long term protection from a variety of durable lumber tarp or clear tarp products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_A._Harmen