Find the Tarp that Meets Your Needs - Poly, Canvas, Vinyl or Mesh

PTM Tarps carries a wide range of tarps to suit an even wider range of needs. If you're confused about which type of tarp is right for you, let us lay it out for you - pun intended:

Poly tarps are perfect for a construction site

Poly tarps are made from a plastic-like material and, as a result, they are waterproof. These are the
tarps commonly used for weather relief and are slightly less expensive than some other kinds of tarps. If you're preparing for a storm or the like, this is the tarp for you. Poly tarps are also great for construction sites, camping trips, events and anywhere else you don't want to get wet.

Canvas tarps, on the other hand, are made from a woven fabric of natural or synthetic fibers. This tarp is commonly used by professionals like painters and truckers because they provide a spill-proof barrier that can withstand high winds. Canvas tarps can also protect delicate surfaces like hardwood and can also help protect materials that will be stored outdoors. The key to take away about canvas tarps is that they are strong, which also makes them ideal for some events.

Vinyl tarps resist pretty much everything, including oil, grease, acid and mildew, so they are ideal for many industrial applications, too. These tarps are also waterproof and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Mesh tarps can be used for just about everything

Finally, mesh tarps have nylon threading that is almost screen-like. These tarps allow some water or wind to get through, which means they provide some shade and weaken winds.  Mesh tarps are great for home and yard use. Some mesh tarps are also used by sports leagues or as privacy screens for any number of applications. Gardeners also like mesh tarps to help shade low-light plants.

If you have a specific need, like a pool cover, a snow fence or a floor covering, tarps can work, too. Please reach out to use directly and we'll help find the perfect tarp.

Tarp Applications for the Everyday Farmer and Rancher

If your livelihood depends on the work you do outdoors, you perhaps need tarps more than anybody.

Tarps are farmers' and ranchers' best friends. Tarps will pay for themselves both in and out of the barn. Use a tarp as a hay or grain cover to protect feed from adverse weather, as well as the resulting rot and mildew, which renders the feed useless. In other words, a tarp can help protect the investment you make in feeding your livestock or poultry, as well as the livestock and poultry itself. A sturdy cover like a tarp also helps the feed retain its nutritional value because every farmer worth his or her salt knows you don't want to leave feed exposed to sun, day in and day out. What's more, a durable tarp like many of the tarps offered by PTM Tarps can easily withstand daily use, so you don't have to worry about wear and tear, even if you're moving it day after day.

Perfect to protect bails of hay from the elements

Farmers and ranchers can also use tarps as livestock and poultry curtains and to shore up their barns and/or pens in fall and winter months. If you're going to use a tarp around animals, be sure to look for one that has high tear resistance. A tarp that also has some moisture-resistance will help further ensure the animals stay warm and dry. You should also consider tarps as an inexpensive way to provide shade within the stalls themselves, particularly if you live in a warmer climate. And tarps also make great greenhouse covers and can help protect agriculture as well.

And should you need to store anything outside, perishable or not, a tarp can protect said item from the ground, as well as the elements. Simply lay one down and one over to provide the most protection.

How to Shop for Tarps

You are thinking of buying a tarp! This is a guide to introduce you to the different types of tarps, their different usages and the specifications you want to look for on the tarp package. Tarp is a great way to protect materials, to use in construction sites, to build a canopy and many more.

First, you need to decide the size of the tarp. Most tarps suppliers carry a variety of sizes from 05’x07’ up to 170’x170’. Don’t try to buy 2 or 3 tarps for your need when you can just buy one.

Second, you want to consider what type of tarp you will need. Among the most popular tarps is the Polyethylene tarp, aka poly tarp. As the name suggests, it is made out of polyethylene and comes in a medium or heavy duty which is determined by the mesh count (explained in the next section). It is commonly used in outdoor coverage (vehicle, boats & RV’s), to build a canopy, to cover a truck bed, or as a temporary protection. Valance tarps are poly tarps and are great choice for canopies. Valance tarp eliminates the gap between the tarp & frame so rain runs down outside the frame and makes enclosing the canopy very simple. 
Mesh tarps are made out of fabric. Versatile and easy to use, which makes these tarps excellent choice for a quick and easy shelter for public events. They are commonly used for nurseries, gardens and general outdoor work (construction sites & roof protection) and campsites. They are also mildew and rot resistant and will not crumble. 
Vinyl Tarps made out of synthetic plastic, thus waterproof. These tarps cost more but they are good for tough usages and they resist oil, grease, acid and mildew. Many are used to protect vulnerable items such as machinery, tools, crops, fertilizer, stacked lumber, unfinished buildings, covering the loads on various types of trucks, and many other things from the air elements. They are excellent in both hot and cold weather. Canvas Tarps, made out of cotton canvas that is wax coated for a water repellent finish, are commonly used for covering outdoor areas while giving it a high end look compared to Poly tarps. They also used for construction projects.

The smaller the weave, the more durable the tarp

Third, what to look for on your tarp package. You want to look at the mesh count. Mesh count refers to the web threads per square inch horizontally and vertically. The smaller the weave, the more durable the tarp will be. A good heavy-tarp will has a mesh count of 12 x 14 & 14 x 14. Next, you should check the thickness of the tarp. It is measured in mils and ranges from 6 to 18 mil. If you live in a snow area, you definitely want to shop for a thicker tarp.
Lastly, make sure the tarp is U.V. Protection. This will save you from the Ultraviolet light, which is harmful to your health and can cause sunburn and some forms of cancer.  Also, make sure it has grommet (eyelet) at least every 18’’.

Now you are an expert in tarps. With these things in mind, you can make the right smart tarp purchase. Remember at PTM Tarps, we have got you covered!

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