Tarpaulins

What are the different types of tarpaulins available?

At Tarpaulins Direct, we stock a wide range of different tarpaulins to cater for any needs, whether that be for personal use, farming or industrial use, boating, or anything in between. This includes lightweight, medium and heavy  duty tarpaulins to keep your items and property safe, weatherproof and secure.

How do I choose the right size tarpaulin?

To measure the right size tarpaulin for your project, you’ll need to make sure that the coverage extends slightly beyond the edges of the item, so that complete coverage is provided. We provide a wide range of different tarp sizes, so whatever you need our tarpaulins for we’ll definitely have one to suit your needs.

Are your tarpaulins weatherproof and durable?

Yes, all of our tarpaulins are designed to withstand the elements. They are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials to protect against rain, wind, and sunlight.

What are tarpaulins made of?

Tarpaulins are typically made from durable, waterproof materials such as polyethylene or PVC. These materials give plenty of strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors for the tarpaulin in question. Polyethylene tarpaulins are often more affordable and lightweight, making them suitable for general-purpose use. PVC tarpaulins are more robust and resistant to tears and punctures, so for heavy-duty applications they are ideal.

What are tarpaulins used for?

Tarpaulins are versatile and have a wide range of uses. They are commonly used for covering and protecting items from the elements, such as outdoor furniture, vehicles, and construction materials. In agriculture and farming, tarpaulins are often used to cover crops and farm equipment, create temporary shelters, and control pests. For individuals, they are also popular for camping and outdoor activities, providing a good degree of shelter from both the rain and the sun. Tarpaulins are also used in industrial settings for covering machinery, creating temporary workspaces, and protecting against dust and debris. As tarpaulins are weatherproof and durable, and come in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes at great value prices, they are an essential tool for both individuals and businesses.

Are tarpaulins flammable? What about UV resistance?

Tarpaulins can vary in their flammability depending on the material they are made from. Polyethylene tarpaulins are generally more flammable than PVC tarpaulins, because PVC tarpaulins are often treated with fire-retardant chemicals to reduce their flammability. Regarding UV resistance, both polyethylene and PVC tarpaulins can be treated with UV inhibitors to protect them from the sun's harmful rays. At Tarpaulins direct many of our tarpaulins are UV-resistant, please check the individual product pages and specifications on our website for more details.

If you’re looking for a specifically fire-resistant tarp then we stock the Flexi Tarp Expert - Flame Retardant (150gsm) which has been manufactured to be flame retardant, according to EN 13501-1 class B standards.

Can I recycle tarpaulins?

Recycling tarpaulins can be a bit challenging due to the materials they are made from; Polyethylene and PVC tarpaulins are sometimes not accepted in standard recycling programs. However, there may be specialised recycling facilities that can handle these materials in your local area. Before disposing of a tarpaulin, consider the following options:

• Check with local recycling centres to see if they accept tarpaulins.
• Look for specialised recycling programs that handle plastic tarpaulins.
• If recycling is not an option you may be able to repurpose the tarpaulin for other uses, such as creating a temporary shelter or covering items in your garden.
• If the tarpaulin is in good condition, you might like to consider donating it to a local charity or community group that may find it useful. Doing a Google search for upcycling in your local area may help you to find other people or organisations who may be able to make use of the tarpaulin (s)

Can a tarpaulin be used as weed control?

Yes, a tarpaulin can be used as an effective method for weed control. By covering the soil with a tarpaulin, it’s possible to block sunlight, preventing weeds from germinating and growing. This method is particularly useful for large areas where weeding by hand would be especially time-consuming. To use a tarpaulin for weed control, you can do the below:

• Choose a heavy-duty tarpaulin, to ensure it stays in place.
• Clear the area of any existing weeds and debris.
• Lay the tarpaulin flat on the ground you’d like to control weeds for, ensuring it covers the entire area.
• Secure the edges of the tarpaulin with weights or stakes, to stop it from blowing away.
• Leave the tarpaulin in place for several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the weed problem. Over time, the lack of sunlight should have a positive effect on preventing weed growth.

How to clean and repair tarpaulins

Cleaning and repairing tarpaulins is essential for maintaining their durability and effectiveness. You can do so with the checklists below:

Cleaning tarpaulins

1. Remove any loose dirt or debris with a soft brush to avoid scratching the tarpaulin, if you have one.
2. Use a mild detergent and warm water to scrub the tarpaulin gently.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the tarp to air dry completely.
4. When cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the tarpaulin.

For repairs, follow these steps:

Repairing tarpaulins

1. Inspect the tarpaulin for any tears, holes, or damaged areas.
2. Use a patch kit specifically designed for tarpaulins to repair small tears or holes.
3. For larger tears, you may need to use a heavy-duty adhesive or sewing kit to reinforce the area.
4. Ensure the repair is secure and waterproof to maintain the tarpaulin's effectiveness. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your tarpaulin and ensure it continues to provide reliable protection.