Poly Tarps

Tarps are made from a variety of materials, but polyethylene is the most common and versatile. Poly tarps, as they're called, come in medium and heavy-duty varieties. The former is ideal for short-term outdoor applications, while the latter is used for long-term coverage of investments, vehicles, and other objects. All poly tarps are treated to be waterproof and UV resistant, in addition to being rot, mildew, and mold-resistant. Poly tarps have small and large-scale uses: on the large end are industrial applications and on the smaller end is coverage of vehicles and other objects around the home.

Medium-duty poly tarps, the most common color of which is blue, have a six by eight denier count and a six mil thickness. Although used for only short-term applications, these poly tarps are best for temporarily repairing a roof after a hurricane or tornado.

Heavy-duty poly tarps, on the other hand, need to withstand the elements for a much longer time. The material used for this type of tarp has a 12 by 12 denier count and 12 mil thickness. These tarps are designed to last about five years in the outdoors before experiencing wear and tear, and, as a result, they're used for various outdoor coverage options.

Heavy-duty poly tarps are used as seasonal vehicle covers. When a vehicle is left outdoors in the elements for a long period of time, the exposure to UV rays and water starts to fade the paint, may damage interior and exterior parts, and may cause mold or rot to form on the surface; essentially, the prolonged exposure shortens the lifespan of the vehicle. Many large poly tarps will cover a seasonal vehicle for several months and, when the tarp is kept in place, it will protect the vehicle for that amount of time.

Aside from protecting seasonal vehicles, poly tarps are used to cover truck loads. As many materials being transported shouldn't be exposed to water and moisture, poly tarps will cover a load in a dump or flatbed truck to prevent it from being damaged.