Observations on Canopy Replacement Covers

Canopy replacement covers are made from a material called Tarpaulins (Tarp for short). The material is strong, flexible and either waterproof or water resistant.

In days gone by, Tarp was made from cloths such as canvas. However since the creation of plastics in the mid-20^th century, Tarp has been made from either polyethylene or polyester coated in Latex, Urethane or PVC, this has increased the strength of the material and allows it to be used not only domestically, but also on an industrial scale.

The main use of Tarps is too protect goods/materials from damage by natural elements (wind, rain or sunlight). Many transported goods are covered by Tarp whilst being moved from their place of manufacture to a particular market.

Due to its strength as well as ability to resistant damage by natural elements, many advertisements on billboards are made from Tarp material.

Interestingly, with the proper type of adhesive tape, it is possible to make a serviceable sail for small boats, though this is not a permanent solution.

Many manufacturers of Tarp (though not all) use color as an indication of the thickness (and therefore strength of Tarp material, examples include: 

Blue is for light duty activities and used mostly for personal/domestic use.
Yellow, Orange and Green are all medium duty and are used both domestically and industrially.
Silver indicates a heavy duty Tarp and is used mostly industrially.

Brown Tarps are one of the strongest forms available and are used for the transport of unusually shaped loads on the back of trucks.