Tarp

What Is a Tarp?

A tarp (short for tarpaulin) is a durable sheet of material designed to shield surfaces and objects from weather and mess. Most tarps are made from polyethylene (plastic), canvas (cotton), or vinyl (PVC), and include reinforced edges with metal grommets so you can tie them down. Homeowners use tarps to cover roofs during repairs, protect floors during painting, and keep materials dry in storage or transport.

Common DIY and Home Uses

• Project protection: Cover floors, furniture, and landscaping during painting, sanding, or demolition.
• Emergency roof cover: Create a temporary barrier over a leak until permanent repairs are made.
• Outdoor storage: Keep firewood, lumber, grills, or equipment dry while allowing for airflow where needed.
• Hauling debris: Line a trailer or pickup bed to contain leaves, drywall scraps, or shingles.
• Ground cloth: Provide a clean surface under tents, inflatables, or work areas.
• Weather break: Hang as a windbreak or shade panel on a patio or jobsite.
• Containment: Build simple dust or paint spray barriers with poles and clamps.

Types of Tarps and Key Features

Tarps differ by material, thickness, weave, coatings, and special ratings. Understanding the basics helps you pick the right one.

• Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps: Lightweight, waterproof, and affordable. Common blue tarps are poly. Great for temporary covers, debris hauling, and short-term weather protection. Look for UV-treated options for outdoor use.

• Canvas Tarps: Made from cotton; often treated for water resistance. They’re breathable, which reduces condensation under the cover. Good for covering equipment or lumber where airflow matters, and as painter’s drop cloths. Not fully waterproof unless treated and maintained.

• Vinyl (PVC) Tarps: Strong, abrasion-resistant, and highly waterproof. Often used on trucks, long-term covers, or where strong wind and heavy wear are factors. Heavier than poly.

• Mesh Tarps: Allow airflow and partial light through. Useful for shade, privacy screens, and securing loose loads where drainage of wind and water is helpful.

• Fire-Retardant Tarps: Treated to meet standards (e.g., NFPA 701). Used near heaters or in commercial settings where a fire rating is required. Still keep them away from open flame and hot exhaust.

Feature Terms to Know

• Thickness (mils): One mil = 0.001 inch. Light-duty poly tarps may be 5–8 mil; heavy-duty often 10–16+ mil.
• Weave count: Poly tarps use an inner mesh (e.g., 8×8, 10×10). Higher counts generally mean stronger fabric.
• Weight: Sometimes listed as oz/yd² or GSM (grams per square meter). Higher numbers indicate heavier material.
• Grommets and hems: Look for rust-resistant grommets, reinforced corners, and double-stitched or heat-sealed hems.
• UV resistance: UV-treated tarps last longer outdoors.
• Waterproof vs. water-resistant: Poly and vinyl are typically waterproof; canvas is usually water-resistant and breathable.
• Color cues: Blue often signals light-duty; silver or brown/green can indicate heavier duty. Colors vary by brand, so check specs.

How to Choose the Right Tarp

Match the tarp to the job:

• Painting and interior work: Use canvas drop cloths to absorb drips and reduce slips, or lightweight poly for dust walls. Canvas is less slippery on floors.
• Emergency roof cover: Choose heavy-duty poly or vinyl with strong grommets and UV resistance. Size it to extend over the ridge if possible and secure well.
• Outdoor equipment or wood: Canvas (for breathability) or heavy-duty poly with UV treatment. For firewood, cover only the top to allow side airflow.
• Hauling and containment: Heavy-duty poly or vinyl to resist tears. Consider mesh for loads that need airflow and reduced wind resistance.
• Shade/windbreak: Mesh or UV-rated poly.

Sizing tips:
- Measure the area and add extra for overlap and tie-down. Oversizing allows for a drip edge and reduces stress on grommets.
- Check grommet spacing; closer spacing (18–24 inches) helps secure against wind.

Tips for Safe, Effective Use

• Create a slope: Aim for at least a slight pitch so water runs off and doesn’t pool.
• Distribute tension: Use multiple tie points. Avoid pulling only on one grommet; add tarp clips, use edge lacing, or run a rope through a hem pocket if present.
• Protect against abrasion: Pad sharp corners (lumber ends, roof edges) with rags, foam, or cardboard.
• Choose the right fasteners: Ball bungees offer shock absorption; ratchet straps provide strong hold; paracord works for lacing. Add sandbags or water weights along edges if you can’t anchor to structure.
• Avoid heat and flame: Keep tarps away from hot chimneys, exhausts, heaters, and grinding sparks unless specifically rated.
• Mind the wind: Large tarps act like sails. Use more tie-down points and consider mesh for windy applications.
• Knot know-how: A trucker’s hitch or taut-line hitch helps get a snug, adjustable tie-down without overstraining grommets.

Care, Storage, and Repair

• Cleaning: Rinse with a hose and mild soap. Avoid harsh solvents on poly or vinyl.
• Dry before storage: Prevent mildew on canvas and odor on synthetics by thoroughly drying.
• Fold and store cool and dark: UV degrades plastics; a bin or bag extends life.
• Repair small tears: Use compatible repair tape (poly tarp tape, vinyl patch kits) on both sides if possible. For canvas, sew a patch and retreat with waterproofing.
• Replace failing grommets: Grommet repair kits can crimp new ones into reinforced areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong material: Canvas for breathability; poly/vinyl for waterproofing. Don’t expect canvas to be watertight in a downpour without treatment.
• Under-sizing: A too-small tarp leads to exposed edges and stressed grommets. Size up.
• Flat setups: Pooling water stretches fabric and rips grommets. Always add slope.
• Over-tightening straps: This can tear grommets. Spread the load and use shock-absorbing ties.
• Covering sides of firewood completely: Traps moisture. Cover just the top and let air flow through the sides.
• Leaving tarps in full sun long-term without UV rating: Expect cracking and brittleness.

Related Terms

• Drop cloth: Fabric or plastic sheet used indoors for paint and dust protection.
• Plastic sheeting (poly film): Continuous rolls for vapor barriers, dust walls, or floor protection.
• Roofing felt (tar paper): Underlayment for shingles; not a substitute for a tarp.
• House wrap: Breathable weather barrier for walls, distinct from tarps.
• Ratchet straps, bungees, and tarp clips: Common tie-down accessories.

Practical Examples

• Emergency roof leak: Place a 12×16 heavy-duty poly tarp over the damaged area, extending over the ridge. Lay 2×4 “battens” along edges, wrap the tarp around them, and screw the battens to sound decking to spread the load. Create a runoff path to gutters.
• Painting a living room: Use canvas tarps on floors for traction and absorption. Hang lightweight poly sheeting as a plastic wall with painter’s tape and spring poles to contain dust.
• Covering a woodpile: Drape a canvas or UV-treated poly tarp over the top only, secure with bungees to stakes or use weights. Leave sides open for airflow.
• Hauling yard waste: Line the truck bed with a poly tarp, load debris, then pull the tarp to unload quickly. Secure the load with a net or additional ties for the drive.