Truth about tarps?

[L5wolvesf]

Regarding non-canvas tarps. I’ve read, and experienced, that the blue ”poly” tarps are the cheapest, price wise and durability wise almost worthless. I also, heard the silver and/or silver w/black or brown are much better. The question is, are all (or most) brands of tarp “color coded” the same? Does the weight of the material mean anything? Is the UV resistant claim useful?

I need one to cover some things and the sun here kills the blue and camo ones.

Thank you

 

[mikegt4]

The "silver" tarps will outlast the "blue" tarps, in my experience 2 or 3 to 1. Wind destroys them quickly as well, the movement breaks down the reinforcement/resin bonds.

Look at the packaging, they usually state the thread count and weight/area. More threads and more weight equal better. Bear in mind that they are considered throw away items so none of them are long lasting. I use silver on my boats, they last 2 or 3 seasons here in Ohio before they start to rip. They leak before that. Snow piled up on them is another killer.

 

[WWheeler]

I don't know about color schemes but I've found that for covering items in sun & wind & rain and snow, 'heavy duty' vinyl tarps way outlast any color of the more common poly tarps. They of course cost a bit more though.

However, if it's covering me and I have to haul it in a pack I'll take a SilNylon. I've read good things about Cuben Fiber too but all the ones I've seen so far have been too expensive for my wants/needs

 

[crane operator]

Find a sign man in your area. Buy a used vinyl billboard. They've usually got old ones they've taken down. They might give it to you.

One lasted for 3 years under my kids above ground pool. Rolled it back up and taken back to the shop for a painting tarp/cover.

 

[Engine]

If you are considering buying one from an online store, this is a place I've bought from before and they offer about anything tarp related. You may be able to get a little more information there to help you make a decision.

 

[jakemac]

My experience has been that blue or green tarps last for one use only when traveling on a trailer, if lucky. Silver tarps last for more trips, and silver/black tarps last the longest.

When used as a static cover over wood piles or storage tents, blue/green tarps might last a year, while silver tarps or silver/black tarps will last 2 years in direct siunlight. In shade they will last longer.

If you have a silver/ black tarp, put the black side up. The black side stands up to UV longer than the silver side.

I have a storage tent on the Canadian border in Maine. Every two years I need to replace the tarp covering it due to UV exposure. I only use silver or black tarps, with the black side up when I can get them. Anything else has trouble lasting through the first winter. It's worth the extra money for the heavier tarp.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

It seems that any of them have much shorter lives since the increased use of recycled products. Same goes for the 6 mil plastic that used to have a good usable life.

 

[SARG]

Several sites on the net sell the used billboard tarps. I've had one on a topsoil pile for about seven years now.
Only issue is the shipping costs as much as the tarp.
https://billboardtarps.com/

 

[DaveIRL]

an old lady uses one for covering turf heaps, (black bog turf not grass) and it is very pointy all over the place but the tarp has lasted a few years now

 

[L5wolvesf]

Thanks for the input guys