Polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene . It is a versatile and widely used material that is commonly found in many consumer and industrial products such as:

• Plastic bags, films, and packaging materials
• Food storage containers
• Water bottles
• Automotive parts
• Wires and cables

PE tarps are made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which is applied as lamination to each side of a fabric scrim.  PE tarp edges are typically heat-sealed or “welded” and often contain a synthetic cord in the hem to improve edge stiffness.

Advantages 

Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used materials for tarps because it is affordable, lightweight, and durable. This makes PE tarps ideal for a variety of outdoor applications, from covering outdoor equipment to providing temporary shelter.    

Disadvantages

One of the disadvantages of polyethylene tarps is that they are not very breathable, which means that moisture can build up underneath the tarp. Additionally, polyethylene tarps tend to be lighter in weight and are more prone to tearing, which makes them less suitable for repetitive heavy-duty applications.

Canvas

Canvas is a durable and heavy-duty material that is commonly used in the manufacture of tarps. It is made from cotton or synthetic fibres that are woven into a tightly woven fabric. The tight weave of canvas makes it naturally water-resistant, while its breathable nature allows it to prevent condensation buildup. Canvas is commonly used in products like:

• Tents and camping gear
• Backpacks and duffel bags
• Sail covers, boat covers, and boat tarps

Advantages

Canvas tarps are known for their durability, breathability, and water resistance. This makes them ideal for outdoor applications where protection from the elements is important. Additionally, canvas tarps are known for their long-lasting qualities, which makes them a good investment for those who use tarps frequently.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of canvas tarps is their weight. Canvas tarps are much heavier than PE and PVC  tarps, which makes them less suitable for applications where portability is important. Additionally, canvas tarps are more expensive than PE and PVC  tarps, which can make them less accessible to some consumers and can be prone to mould if not dried correctly.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a synthetic polymer made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. It is a versatile and durable material that is often used in making tarps, but it’s also used in the making of rainwear, pool covers, and even home flooring.

PVC tarps are made by spreading a thin layer of PVC on each side of a synthetic scrim.  The strength of the tarp is dependent on the thickness of the PVC layer and the density of the scrim. PVC tarp edges can be heat sealed in similar manner to PE tarps, but can also be sewn directly or with webbing for additional strength and durability.

Advantages

Vinyl tarps are known for their waterproof qualities, making them ideal for applications where protection from the elements is essential. Additionally, vinyl tarps are durable and easy to clean, making them a good choice for those who use tarps frequently.

Disadvantages 

Like PE tarps,  solid vinyl tarps are not breathable, which can lead to moisture buildup underneath the tarp. Additionally, vinyl tarps can become brittle over time if not properly treated with UV protection, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Other materials and construction(e.g. mesh, cotton, etc.)

There are many other materials used in tarps such as cotton and synthetic fabrics. s. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider these when choosing a tarp. 

Mesh tarps are made from similar materials to solid tarps however they differ in being constructed from woven threads.  These tarps are relatively lightweight, flexible and breathable, making them ideal for outdoor applications, particularly involving light diffusion and where wind may be an issue. On the other hand, cotton tarps are durable and water-resistant, but they can be heavy and expensive. It’s important to consider your specific needs and the type of application you will be using the tarp for when making your decision.

When it comes to how to cover a trailer, the tying technique you will use depends on whether or not your tarp has dedicated connections like D-Ringsor eyelets. With these connections, it’s a simple matter of threading rope or using some other connection to secure the tarp to the trailer tie bars or securing points.

Most of the time, you will find heavy-duty tarp clips to be a workable alternative when you’re trying to figure out how to put a tarp on a trailer without these connections. But, it’s better to only use this method for lighter loads because the temporary option, no matter how strong, won’t be as secure as eyelets or D-Rings on a purpose-built trailer cover. 

In an emergency, such as when a tarp tears, it’s possible to place something nonabrasive and round into the folds of the tarp and close the tarp around it with rope or bungee cord. Such jury-rigging is unreliable and should only be used when there is no other alternative. If you’re transporting goods in a trailer and your cover has become damaged, your safest course of action is to pull over, assess the damage and readjust and secure the cover where possible.