It is very common practice to cover the items or the working area with Tarpaulin to protect from weather elements. However, there are some mistakes that people often make when using tarpaulins that can lead to leaks, tears, or other problems. In this blog post, we will highlight some common tarpaulin mistakes that you ought to avoid at all costs.
Selecting The Right Material To Use In Making The Tarps
The material that has been used to make your tarp is very crucial. Some common tarp materials include:
Polyethylene: Sturdy and able to withstand water and wind but are more likely to rip. Good for budget covers.
Vinyl: It is also water resistant but is more costly than the laminated type of paper. It is very sturdy and does not blow away easily or get easily washed away by the wind or the sunlight.
Canvas: It is a very hard-wearing product but it is heavy and unless treated, not water resistant. Ideal for covers that need to remain in one place for an extended period.
Consider how you will be using the tarp and select the material depending on its durability, water resistance, weight, and so on; Vinyl is the most versatile and commonly used material available in the market.
Get the Right Size
When buying a tarp, you must get one that is bigger than the area you want to cover to avoid any limited coverage. One of the most common mistakes is using a small tarp and choosing the wrong size. Determine the dimensions of the area that needs to be covered and increase the values by 12-18 inches in all directions. This will provide you with enough material to safely stake the tarp down on the ground or any other surface.
Check for Defects Before Utilizing
Before you go ahead and use a new tarp, ensure that you examine it properly for any signs of weakness or damage. Also, check for possible flaws that can make the tarp compromise the water-proofing feature it has to offer, for instance, small holes, improper stitching, or any other signs of wear. One can easily return or exchange a tarp with a defect rather than try to repair it later on when the damage is irreparable.
Tend all Sustaining Points Secure
Another mistake that people make is not taking the Canvas Tarpaulin down correctly. The wind can get under the loose corners and sides, which can cause the tarp to tear or reveal what you want to remain protected. Ensure to use quality ropes, bungees, stakes, sandbags, or any other anchor you are going to use. Tighten each corner securely and place anchoring points along the edges at intervals of a couple of feet apart.
Allow Water Runoff Room
When securing the tarp, ensure that there is enough angle and space on all sides to allow for ideal drainage of rainwater and melted snow. Water exerts pressure on the tarp and especially on puddling areas, it can cause the tarp to cave in. Place polyethylene sheets with a minimum of fifteen degrees pitch and make use of poles or trees to support the corners of the cover.
Clean Occasionally When not in Use Properly
The final solution that can help to increase the lifespan of your tarpaulins is the correct storage of the goods when they are not used. Wash them in warm water regularly; do not crumple them or make them too compact for an extended period. Keep out of direct sunlight in a cool and dry place preferably in a food-grade container. If storing long-term, be sure to check periodically for signs of mildew.
Conclusion
To make your Tarpaulins last for several seasons, it is essential not to make mistakes like selecting the wrong material, measuring incorrectly, insufficiently securing the tarp, and storing it incorrectly. Use the following guidelines when you are using any type of tarp cover to protect the working area or property from rain or sun. These are a few precautions that should be taken to ensure that the tarp will be installed properly and will not cause any problems in the future. If properly installed, a tarpaulin can be depended on to serve its purpose for many years without Developing poor performance.
Comments