| The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for | | | | The material is 11-12 mils thick, making it durable |
| a protective cover is the application. Tarpaulins | | | | and tear resistant. |
| come in a variety of weights, thicknesses, and | | | | Poly Silver Tarp |
| materials. Most people are very familiar with the | | | | A silver tarp is another variety of heavy duty |
| popular poly blue tarps that can be found at most | | | | poly tarp. At 12 mils thick, they are highly rip |
| discount stores. These "blues" are at the low end | | | | resistant. They are also treated to be water, rot, |
| of the quality spectrum and are not intended to | | | | and mildew resistant, and can be used in sub-zero |
| last for very long or handle much stress or strain. | | | | temperatures. Silver tarps are frequently used for |
| At the same time, the blue ploys are inexpensive, | | | | roofing, trailer and RV covers, woodpiles, and |
| convenient, and highly useful for temporary cover. | | | | landscaping. Like the white tarp, a silver tarp |
| If more than that is needed, there are several | | | | offers UV protection and heat sealed seams |
| other varieties to choose from in the poly and | | | | reinforced with rope in the hems and rust |
| vinyl categories. | | | | resistant grommets. |
| Generally speaking, vinyl is stronger than poly, and | | | | Vinyl Clear Tarps |
| more expensive. If you need something that | | | | Vinyl clear tarps are an excellent choice for patio |
| won't be likely to rip or tear, vinyl is a better | | | | and porch enclosures, allowing you to enjoy the |
| choice. At the same time, there are plenty of | | | | outdoors without getting wet. They can also turn |
| times when inexpensive poly will do the job | | | | your RV awning into an instant porch with a view. |
| beautifully and for far less money. Understanding | | | | Unlike many others, clear tarpaulins come in both |
| the various types of both poly and vinyl tarps | | | | poly and vinyl material. Vinyl clear tarps are |
| that are available on the market today will help | | | | available in both 18 oz - 20 mil size and 27 oz - 30 |
| you to select the best product for your needs. | | | | mil size. This means that they feature 18 or 20 |
| Poly White Tarp | | | | ounces of material per square yard and are 20 to |
| The most common use for a white tarp is to | | | | 30 mil thick. This makes them some of the |
| provide long term protection for boats, cars, and | | | | strongest tarps available on the market. Clear |
| RVs. They are also used in landscaping, roofing, to | | | | vinyl tarps are highly waterproof, tear resistant, |
| cover wood piles, and even skating rinks. Unlike | | | | as well as acid, oil, grease, and mildew resistant. |
| the lightweight blue tarp, a white tarp is a heavy | | | | Poly Clear Tarps |
| duty tarp designed to last longer and to withstand | | | | Clear poly tarps are lighter and less expensive and |
| the effects of sun, wind, and rain. A white tarp is | | | | provide less protection than their vinyl cousins. If |
| waterproof, mildew, rot, tear and acid resistant, | | | | you will be painting your home and want to |
| and can handle below freezing temperatures. | | | | protect the furniture or the shrubs, poly is an |
| They are also UV treated for protection against | | | | excellent choice. In those situations, you can save |
| sunlight and to ensure a longer life. A quality white | | | | a lot of money be using poly instead of vinyl. In |
| tarp offers heat sealed edges and the hems are | | | | situations where strength and durability are |
| reinforced with rope. Corners are reinforced with | | | | important, vinyl will give you all the protection you |
| a solid plastic bar, adding strength and stability. | | | | need. |