Tarps or Tarpaulin is extremely versatile for multiple uses. It is usually a heavy-duty canvas fabric that is treated with chemicals to make it resilient to the elements like wind and water. It can also be made with PVC or other material that is similarly durable. The fabric used will depend on the qualities that the manufacturer wants in the tarp. Most manufacturers will use waterproof fabric but all tarps are designed to be water resistant whether the base fabric is waterproof or not. Nylon is a common choice as it is cost effective. Another common choice is polyethylene fabric, a synthetic fabric that is weather resistant and durable. Tarps go through chemical processes and they can be designed to have specific uses and strengths. Because these products are made chemically, they can be designed with specific uses in mind. The fabric or polyethylene fabric is woven together (different strands sewn in a manner usually common to the weaving process) to create a tarp that is extremely strong and resilient.
Now, to make it even more durable and heavy duty, sheets of the woven and treated tarps is layered and bound together. Sometimes the single layer tarp is left as is if this is required. More often than not sheets of tarp are bound together as this makes a tarp much stronger. The sheets are sewn together and fused with heat at the edges. This usually occurs as the tarp is being sized and cut according to specific measurements. After this, the tarpaulin manufacturer will colour the tarp if necessary and cover it with protective films and wax. The tarp may get another chemical layer to make it even more durable, waterproof and sometimes flame retardant.
The tarp is now ready to fit a specific purpose. The tarp manufacturer will cut a pattern of holes with eyelets into the tarp for ropes or stakes to be used to secure it for any purpose. This makes it easier to use for tents, marquees, covering trucks or any other application.
Cargo hauling is made much easier with tarps as they serve a dual purpose of protecting your cargo as well as securing it to your truck or train. It is natural for cargo tarps to get damaged however and it is essential to repair these tarps as quickly as possible to avoid damage to your cargo.
Tarps have so many uses in construction, transport, gardening, farming and event planning but not many people realize a sheet of tarp is actually one of the handiest things you can have around a house. Having an outdoor function and it unexpectedly starts raining? If you have a tarp on hand you can easily use the eyelets and some rope to attach the tarp to a part of your house as a temporary shelter so you can still use your outdoor space. You can use your tarp to cover items stored outside that need to be out of the rain as well. A tarp is ideal to place over a children’s sandpit so the rain (and pets) do not get to it. You can use one to treat roof leaks. You can use tarp as a ground, floor or carpet cover for simple clean-up after doing light building work, sanding or painting. A tarp can also be used to temporarily cover roofs or anything else during renovations or repairs. You can also make a makeshift shade for plants that require shade or warmth in cold weather. If you really need a screen and can’t get something appropriate for privacy or rain protection, a tarp can be used quite easily. You can use a tarp to protect your car, equipment, bikes etc from the rain and snow if you have no other shelter.
While tarps are very resilient and hardy they do need to be taken care of and cannot be misused just because they are durable. In fact, with proper care, the durability of your tarp will remain and the tarp will be in good condition for many years. Do not leave your tarp near sharp objects or stretch it over anything by applying unnecessary pressure. Warm or hot water can actually compromise the wax coating on your tarp as well so try to avoid them. High-pressure cleaners can also do lasting damage to your tarp. Do not use detergent or bleach on a piece of tarp and ensure you only use a soft bristled brush to clean it. Make sure you also dry your tarp completely after it is wet or in contact with water as constant moisture can lead to mould, fungus and mildew which is difficult to get rid of once spread.
Even if you do your best to take care of your tarp, it can still get damaged. What can you do to repair your tarp if this does happen? If you have a small tiny hole or tear a simple tarp repair tape will help in the short term. Ideally, you want to send it in for proper stitches and bonding with a tarpaulin manufacturer who is experienced with repairing faults as soon as possible. Small tears can lead to big tears, which can eventually make your tarp unusable. It is also advisable to get the areas where there is the most stress (like eyelets and stitching) reinforced regularly. If you find little tears or openings starting up, get your stitching and bonding reinforced. The best place to get your tarp maintained and repaired would be a tarp supplier. There are many tent and tarp suppliers in Johannesburg and Pretoria that manufacture and repair tarpaulins.
This post was brought to you by Cargo Tarp and Net. Cargo Tarp and Net is a leading tarpaulin manufacturer in Gauteng, South Africa. We manufacture tent and tarps in Johannesburg. Our tarpaulin prices are the most competitive in South Africa and we are one of the major tarpaulin suppliers in Gauteng to the transport and tent manufacturing industry. We also offer the best tarpaulin prices in South Africa. Our high-quality tarpaulins are also available for sale in Pretoria.
Recent Comments