What to Consider When Buying Tarpaulin for Your Travels

What to Consider When Buying Tarpaulin for Your Travels

Traveling is fun until you experience sweltering heat or getting drenched in rain. To protect yourself and whatever you are carrying, you should consider heavy-duty and waterproof tarpaulins. Tarpaulins can be used on flatbed trailers during travel. Aside from these, tarpaulins can also help keep dust, debris, and dirt off items.

Basically, tarpaulins can cover anything. It is imperative that you know what to consider when buying tarpaulin for your travel so you can make an informed decision at the end of the day.

Types of tarpaulin
There are many types of tarpaulin that you can choose from. This is somewhat confusing but as soon as you know the types, you can easily identify what you need. The types of tarpaulin include:

  • UV protected tarpaulin: as the name suggests, this tarpaulin provides protection
    against the harmful UV rays.
    • Flame retardant tarpaulin: this tarpaulin is treated with a chemical that can slow down if not repel fire.
    • Blue tarpaulin: this tarpaulin is water resistant having reinforced edges.
    • Black mesh tarpaulin: this is useful for protecting the gardens from wind, frost and sun damage.
    • Insulated tarpaulin: this tarpaulin is utilised to insulate areas from cold or heat.

Types of materials used
You should also determine the tarpaulin materials. Tarpaulin materials include:

  • Polyethylene tarpaulin: this is a plastic-based synthetic polymer, which is usually
    inexpensive but tough. It is also a versatile material and waterproof.
    • Canvas tarpaulin: this refers to a closely woven fabric, which is made of synthetic or natural fibers. It can soak spilled liquids like paint.
    • Mesh tarpaulin: this is manufactured from nylon threading, which allows the water and wind to flow through.

Thickness of tarpaulin
The next thing to consider is the thickness. The thickness is gauged in millimeters. The thickness of the tarpaulins ranges from 0.10 to 0.40 millimeters. Keep in mind that the thicker the tarpaulin, the more heavy duty it is. During travel, you need a heavy-duty tarpaulin that can withstand exposure to the elements.

Mesh count
Mesh count indicates the strength of the tarpaulin. Remember that the higher mesh count, the stronger the tarp is. Mesh count actually provides a general indication of the thickness of the material. This, in turn, influences the weight and the protection of the tarp.

Cut and finish size
You have to know about the difference between cut size and finish size. Cut size describes the initial size of the tarp when manufactured. The finished size can be shorter than the cut size by 7.6 to 15.2 centimeters. You need to make the distinction so you can choose a properly sized tarp.

Method of securing the tarpaulin
Finally, you should consider the method of securing the tarpaulin. There are various methods of securing like straps and rope. When you secure the tarp, you should check that all grommets work properly.

As a shopper, you need to know things about tarpaulins before purchasing one. For easier shopping, you can start with grizzly tarps. There are many considerations but once you understand it, you can choose easily.