All-Weather Protection Tarpaulin Uses

A clear tarpaulin or clear tarp provides an affordable and effective solution for all-weather protection in a variety of applications. Made of durable polyethylene plastic materials, Clear Tarpaulin is transparent or translucent sheets that effectively shelter areas and items from rain, snow, sunlight and other elements while still allowing light transmission.

Common Clear Tarpaulin Uses

Clear tarps serve essential protective functions across various industries and use cases. Below are some of the most common applications for all-weather clear tarpaulin uses:

Construction Site Protection

At construction sites, clear tarps are invaluable for sheltering building materials, tools, and work areas from inclement weather. Tarps can be draped overhead or secured along the perimeter to create a dry staging zone underneath. This allows work to continue even in light rain or high winds.

Agricultural Protection

Progressive farmers employ clear tarps for diverse needs like season extension, wind protection of crops, livestock shelter, and hay drying. When layered over hoop houses or stretched atop crops like berries or melons, tarps boost growing seasons for increased yields. They also find great use safeguarding vulnerable newborn livestock and securing loose hay during unpredictable weather.

Choosing the Right Clear Tarpaulin

With all the uses for clear tarps, selecting the appropriate product for each task requires considering key attributes:

Material Type

As mentioned earlier, LDPE and HDPE cover most applications but other polyethylenes like linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polyester are options as well. Heavier-duty tarps for industrial or agriculture may utilize reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Thickness

Thickness is indicated in mils (thousandths of an inch). Heavier uses demand 6-10 mil or thicker tarps while lighter duties suit 4-6 mil. Thickness impacts durability, weight, and cost.

Size

Tarps come in standard sizes like 10x12 feet or custom dimensions. Measure areas accurately to ensure adequate coverage plus extra for secure anchoring.

Reinforced Edges

Look for edge strengthening with grommets, tapes, coated ropes or bindings. These reinforced edges outperform plain raw edges subjected to weathering and wind.

Attachment Options

Besides grommets on edges, some tarps integrate rope channels, reinforced tie-down points, or metal stake pockets for fastening.

UV Protection

When longevity outdoors matters, UV-resistant polyethylene withstands sun damage better than standard polymers.

Caring for Clear Tarpaulins

With appropriate selection and care practices, clear tarps will perform admirably for long-term all-weather protection. Some best practices for tarp maintenance include:

Cleaning

Over time, Tarpaulins can accumulate dust, pollutants, and debris that degrade transparency. Periodic cleaning by gentle rinsing with a hose or wipe down with a microfiber cloth restores clarity. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Folding/Storage

When not in use, tarps should be neatly folded or rolled to minimize creasing and deterioration from prolonged sun exposure. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct heat and sunlight.

Repairs

Minor punctures or tears can be repaired temporarily using vinyl patches or tape on the underside till replacement. Leave patch in place till next cleaning to fully adhere.

Reinforcement of Stress Areas

Heavily used edges, grommet holes and contact points may develop small splits over seasonal use. Reinforce these high-stress zones with duct tape before problems worsen.

FAQs

How heavy are clear tarps?

The weight of a clear tarp depends on its size and material thickness. As a frame of reference, a standard 10' x 12' tarp made from 6 mil LDPE polyethylene typically weighs around 4-5 pounds. Larger tarps and those made with thicker HDPE materials will weigh more.

Can clear tarps be left outside year-round?

It's generally not recommended to leave clear tarps exposed to weathering and UV rays year-round as this will significantly decrease the lifespan. For seasonal or intermittent uses, most clear tarps will hold up well if cleaned and stored properly when not deployed.

Do clear tarps mildew or mold?

With proper use and care, mildew and mold growth should not be a significant issue on clear tarps. However, leaving tarps in place for long periods of time in humid, damp environments could potentially lead to surface staining over time as microbes take hold. Periodic cleaning helps prevent built-up that causes mold.

How do I patch a tear in a clear tarp?

Small tears or punctures in clear tarps can often be repaired temporarily using vinyl patches or duct tape on the underside. Apply the patch smoothly and activate the adhesive according to instructions. Replace badly damaged tarps whenever integrity is compromised to prevent further tearing.

Conclusion

By choosing a tarp suited to the intended usage conditions considering material, thickness, size and reinforcement specifications, users maximize performance and lifespan under the elements. With proper care including periodic cleaning, protection of hight stress areas, and timely replacement schedules, clear tarps will faithfully serve all-weather protection needs for multiple seasons.