Lifehacks that Require Tarps

Tarps are a severely underrated lifehack accessory. These large-scale, versatile materials can be used to help simplify so many aspects of our lives. So go ahead and dust off those old tarps in your shed or garage, because we're about to change the way you think about - and use - tarps.

Speed up fall cleanup
Quickly eliminate leaves in your yard by raking large piles of leaves onto a durable poly tarp. Choose a dull colored tarp to easily differentiate between the surface of the tarp and the brightly colored leaves to ensure that every last fallen leaf is accounted for. Go for an extra-large, heavy-duty tarp, like a 50-foot by 50-foot poly tarp, to knock out your whole yard's worth of leaves in one single trip.

Create an easy camping canopy
Save tons of effort and money by foregoing canopies in the camping aisle at your local sporting goods store and instead opting for a weather-resistant tarp canopy. Easily hoist a vinyl or poly tarp up off the ground using a vertical support pole, some twine or rope and a few stakes to angle the roof towards the ground. Choose one of PTM Tarps' fire retardant tarps for camping to keep things extra safe.

Relax in your hammock year-round
Use a waterproof tarp to create a simple hammock canopy so that you can enjoy your hammock

Relax anytime of day rain or shine

throughout the year. There's nothing quite like relaxing in the out-of-doors with the pitter-patter of rain overhead - all without the need to haul all your camping gear deep into the woods. Simply secure the long ends of the tarp to the tree and surrounding ground using durable rope and the tarp's grommets and you've got an uncomplicated outdoor shelter.

Slow a leaky roof
Temporarily inhibit a leaking roof by installing a waterproof tarp over the openings. This nonpermanent solution could buy you up to three months of extra time before you can get around to repairing the roof, effectively saving your home's structure and interior from unsightly water damage. Nailing the tarp to planks in the roof can redirect water and prohibit it from entering gaps.