Some of the most common tarpaulins, particularly in industrial settings, are canvas tarps. Canvas tarps are utilized in a vast array of applications since they are made specifically for each client’s needs. Here are some crucial facts you should know about custom tarps made from canvas if you need a tarp and are thinking about using it as your material of choice.
Many of customers laud canvas for its resilience as well as its minimal impact on the environment. Unlike PVC or poly tarps, canvas tarps are made entirely of cotton duck fibers (which are made using either polypropylene or polyethylene). This improves their environmental friendliness while preserving the durability and adaptability for which our tarps are mostly known.
If you are considering purchasing canvas tarp for your business, there are plenty of things you should know. In this article, we explore the most important things you need to know before you go ahead and purchase a canvas tarp for your business. Let’s delve into them.
1. They come in various sizes
There is no one-size-fits-all tarpaulin, as you should be aware. You can select from the several sizes offered, or even better, have yours specially manufactured for a better fit, because different tarps cater to diverse demands, be it for residential, industrial, or commercial purposes.
2. They come in different grades
Canvas tarps are available in a range of grades, from light to heavy-duty, just like vinyl flatbed truck tarps. Even though tarpaulins are frequently advertised as being robust and long-lasting, they are divided into various grades. It merely indicates that one tarp can handle a certain volume of stressors while the other can resist more severe circumstances.
Heavy-duty canvas tarps are the best choice for industrial settings where loads may be subjected to hazardous elements such specific chemicals and extremely hot or cold temperatures. Although the typical trucker rarely needs heavy-duty canvas, it is available for those who do.
On the other hand, lightweight tarps are perfect for making quick shelters. These are the more practical, affordable, and quick fixes for issues like leaky roofs, quick garage coverings, or vehicle covers.
3. There is a difference between waterproof and water-resistant
The phrases waterproof and water-resistant are frequently confused, if not mistakenly thought to mean the same thing by many. A waterproof tarp provides complete protection from water damage whereas a water-resistant tarp may survive water entering the material. You’ll need to determine which feature is most appropriate for your needs based on your intended use.
The canvas tarps are waterproof, as you can see when you look at them. Wax is applied to the material after manufacture to assist it resist moisture. The material is not entirely waterproof, though. This is intentional. Canvas is intended to be used since it is a permeable material. Much of its breathability is lost if fabric is made waterproof. A waterproof canvas tarp can be obtained if you absolutely need one.
4. They come in different colors
Another important thing you need to have in mind is that these tarps come in various colors. There are many distinct tarp hues, some of which are influenced by the US tarp color scheme, which we’ll discuss in a moment. Tarps come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, blue, and many more. You might want to choose a lighter color depending on what you plan to use your tarp for.
Your tarp’s color determines more than just its anesthetic appeal. Black absorbs almost all of the visible spectrum, while white reflects every color back at you. In summary, white and light-colored tarps reflect heat much more effectively than black and dark-colored tarps, which actually absorb heat.
The lightest hue is what you want if you’re utilizing a tarp as a backyard awning. You may have seen that a white tarp reflects light through it if the material is thin enough, thus you would be correct in thinking that a dark tarp lets less light through.
That is why you can see more light while looking up at the underside of a white tarp than you would on the underside of a black tarp. However, this does not imply that it is allowing additional heat to enter. Choose light colors if your tarp will be used to shade your family during a picnic or to cover a boat or RV that isn’t in use.
Choose darker hues if all you’re attempting to do is block UV rays and keep it as far away from something as you can.
5. Tarps come in different shapes
Tarps actually come in a variety of shapes to suit various intended applications. You might find different shaped tarps to be more or less useful depending on what you’re doing (camping, building, etc.). These don’t inherently affect the tarp’s functionality, but it should be noted that depending on where you place them, certain shapes don’t offer as much wind resistance or rain ingress resistance. Let’s look at a couple of them.
Some of the most common shapes include diamond, rectangle/square, hexagonal, etc. You merely need to pick what you’ll need. Remember that not all tarp shapes will work for your project. The majority of tarp manufacturers can also provide custom tarps if you require a specific number of tie-down points on a single tarp.
6. They require a bit of care
Due to its slightly higher maintenance requirements than vinyl, canvas is not the most popular material for truck tarps. Let’s face it: Every flatbed truck driver is aware that maintaining the quality of his or her vinyl tarps doesn’t require special care. Vinyl is resilient and can take a lot of abuse. But canvas is a different story. Tan canvas tarps are more prone to mold growth and are simpler to break. Therefore, even though you don’t need to touch them with white gloves, you still need to apply a canvas tarp with more care and pay close attention to how dry it is before folding.
