Poly Tarps Cover and Protect the World

 

 

Poly Tarps, or tarpaulins, have proven themselves to be one of the most widely used and versatile tools found around the world. Made of nylon cords that have been weaved together and then coated with polyethylene (the origination of the word "poly" in "poly tarps"), the cheaper of these tarps are generally found in shades of blue or green and are made from a single sheet of polyethylene fiber, while more heavy duty poly tarps are silver or black and are made up of several layers.

Poly tarps are quite effective at keeping out the natural elements and are easily adapted to many different situations, which explains their popularity around the world. They can be found in use all across the United States and Europe, protecting homes and crops from sudden sand storms in the Middle East and helping those in tropical areas protect themselves during hurricanes and other natural disasters.

We see tarps used most often in the United States for construction and recreation. Poly tarps vary in size and can easily be cut to a needed shape and still remain relatively sturdy, making them ideal to cover cars, boats or to protect gear when traveling through a rain storm. They are often found on construction sites, protecting soft lumber from possible scratches or gouges coming from flying debris. Importers and exporters often use poly tarps as large dividers for their cargo, as several tarps can be strung together to reach from floor to ceiling even in a large cargo ship.

Farmers in all regions have been known to cover hay and other easily damaged crops with tarps, as the tight weave of the polyethylene fibers is excellent for keeping even the smallest amount of water from slipping through and rotting the straw. Poly tarps have been keeping farms from losing millions in destroyed goods since their creation.

Perhaps one of the most interesting uses for a poly tarp is in the way it can bring humanitarian aid in the midst of natural disaster. It is under these particular circumstances where the versatility of a poly tarp really shines through. During a natural disaster where homes have been destroyed and people suddenly find themselves exposed to the elements, poly tarps can be used to build temporary shelters, keeping out rain, wind and even heat. As it can be used to cover straw and grains, tarps can also be used to protect what is left of a local food supply. It can be used to patch holes in homes and buildings that are still standing and can even be sliced up to be used as makeshift bandages or even slings. And once the disaster is over and the crisis has passed, the tarps can be used to gather the belongings that have survived.

The simple, sturdy construction of poly tarps is what allows them to be so useful in so many different situations. Strong, versatile and adaptable, when it comes to finding uses for these tarps, the possibilities are endless.

About the Author

Tarpaulin expert Bob Page has worked in the tarps industry for over twenty years and has gained a wealth of experience in the tarpaulin industry. For more information, go to http://www.tarpaflex.com/ for information about silver tarps go to http://www.tarpaflex.com/acatalog/Silver_Heavy_Duty_Poly_Tarps.html

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Cover Tarps Q&A

Can you patch a pool cover?

My hubby and I have a fairly new pool cover(tarp) that we just removed from our pool - we noticed a rip in the middle of it. can this be patched? How do I do it?

Not to worry your new cover is going to be perfectly fine. Tears in a cover are a completely normal occurrence. Just like with the pool liners they also make patch kits for the covers. They are simply called winter pool cover patch kits. Most are just strong self adhering styles like a peel and patch. Most pool stores that sell winter covers also offer these. You may have to wait till closing season though as they are sometimes seasonal items for the pool stores. If you have a hard time finding them you can always get them at my online store. They are about $9.

where would I buy a car cover/tarp.?

My moms birthday is July 11th... She has an '84 MGB (an older little sports car) convertible that she keeps in our garage. She has a car cover on it now, along with a lot of towels because of all the holes in it. The engine's broken but she wants to keep it and she's looking for someone to fix it up. Anyways, I need to buy her a new car cover/tarp by July 10th. She would really appreciate it, I know... The only places I've found these on is online stores where they have to be shipped... I'd like to buy one in an actual store,. Any suggestion on where?!?! Ha, please help me find one, thanks!!!

I see them at auto parts stores everywhere. Pep Boys, Autozone, etc.

Depending where you live, there might be an automotive accessories store that carries them. Check your yellow pages.