A tarp is a large sheet of flexible, strong, water-resistant, or waterproof material such as canvas or polyester, normally coated with polyurethane or made of plastics like polyethylene. Tarps are used in various ways; for example, a truck tarp is used in trucks to cover the loads at the back of the truck as the loads are being transported.
Quality tarps are an important investment for truckers, farmers, or anyone working outdoors. Depending on what to transport, some trackers choose tarps such as flatbed tarps to cover the transported goods. It is necessary to have tarps that can satisfy the jobs they are needed for. It is important to be prepared to tackle jobs using the right tarps. Figuring out the best, most durable and quality tarps might be a bit challenging, but by consulting the right expertise, you can always get the right tarp that fits your needs.
There are several types of tarps, and each tarp is suitable for a particular type of task. This article outlines the types of tarps mostly used in covering equipment. Tarps can be classified into two:
- Heavy-duty tarps: these are tarps that are designed to protect stationary things, typically stored outdoors. Heavy-duty tarps cover hay, machinery, generators, boats, furniture, camping materials, and used patios.
- Truck tarps: These tarps protect and cover the loads on the back of trucks while they are transported. Some tarps are created for a particular type of load, while others are made to protect loads from a particular type of damage. The goods can always be either stationary or in transit.
Types of Tarps
Lumber Tarps
They are the most common type of flatbed truck tarps for trackers and haulers. They are normally used to cover many loads, including lumber. 14 oz or 18 oz vinyl, which are used to manufacture these great tarps, for specific securement, there are three rows of D-rings. One of the major differences between steel tarps and lumbar tarps is their size. Steel tarps are reduced in size than lumbar tarps. Steel tarps are denser than lumber tarps, so steel loads are somehow shorter. That is why 4′ drop tarps are typical for steel tarps, while 8′ are typical for lumber tarps.
Steel Tarps
These types of steel tarps are designed to cover loads of steel during transportation. They are specifically made to haul stacked steel, not steel coils, and are a cost-effective way of meeting safety requirements for hauling steel loads. Lumbar and steel tarps are both made of heavy-duty 18 oz vinyl, and both are used to cover loads on flatbed trucks. Some steel tarps are lightweight materials; for example, steel tarps are made of 14 oz vinyl and parachute fabric. Folding these tarps is easier, but they are less resistant to tears and cuts from getting caught on the steel. So it is proper to use corner and edge protectors when using steel tarps with parachute fabric.
Parachute Tarps
Parachute tarps are a common variety of truck tarp that normally blends the durability and the resilience of 18 oz vinyl with the lightweight flexibility of airbag fabric. Parachute tarps cover the loads with 18 oz heavy-duty vinyl, protecting these loads from all kinds of weather hazards. But the tarp sides are made of parachute fabric which is wear and tear-resistant. Since the loads’ sides are likely to meet the inclement weather directly, the weight trade-off benefits many haulers.
Machinery Tarps
These are unique truck tarps that cover machinery and equipment loads. Equipment and machinery always come in odd shapes and sizes, making it a challenge to cover completely, load, or deal with excess fabric if a machine is covered with a larger tarp. Beyond that, machines frequently have sharp edges that can cause wear and tear on tarps over time or even cut into the tarps if the equipment abruptly moves. Machinery tarps are made to precisely fit the equipment, so there is minimum routine tension on equipment edges that can lead to this tearing. Machinery tarps are made up of heavy-duty 18 oz vinyl, have double rows of D-rings stitched into the seams for specific securement, and are highly customizable.
Demolition Tarps
They are also known as snow tarps. They are the strongest tarps on the market. They are the only tarps designed to bundle and lift heavy-duty debris and concrete to haul it from the construction site easily. If you need to lift, bundle and haul excess debris and snow at a professional demolition site or for a private home renovation project.
Canvas Tarps
Breathable mesh tarps cover outdoor equipment and goods, like firewood, mower, or generator. These tarps are not completely waterproof if rainwater pours on the surface, but they are made of water of water-resistant polyester. Canvas tarps are lightweight and affordable. It makes them champions when it comes to outdoor routine coverage. Double-stitched seams are durable and evenly spaced grommets to allow for precise tie-downs to protect enclosed equipment from rust and condensation.
Bee Hauling Tarp
This type of tarp is also known as the bee nets or the nursery tarp. They are the only tarps designed to haul live cargo mainly bees, trees, and any other animals. These tarps can safely cover plants and animals in transit without the risk of overheating, suffocation, or even dehydration. The PVC-coated mesh materials let in air and water droplets while protecting the hives from the sun, rain, or other potentially damaging weather. The rows of D-strings allow for precise securement, which prevents the bees from escaping and minimizes the tension at any given point on fragile cargo.
Poly Tarps
They are also known as polyethylene tarps and are among the most popular. Lay people even have iconic blue tarps to aid them with yard work or outdoor cover equipment. You can tie them with huge bungees through aluminum grommets placed every three feet. Those poly tarps are lightweight, so you can’t cover the flatbed loads with these loads.
Advice
It is advisable to always go for the right tarp to help you solve your task. If you are still determining the suitable one, you can always research more from our website or consult the experts.