Tarps stand for tarpaulins, which are durable, flexible, long-lasting products for the fields of industry, construction, and agriculture. Based on different tarp materials, the quality and longevity of tarps vary slightly different.
In this article, we explore four types of tarp materials: PE, Canvas, Silnylon, and Vinyl. We compare the four tarp materials and help customers choose the most suitable tarp material.
Four types of tarp materials
Polyethylene
Polyethylene stands for PE, which is widely used in the construction field. PE tarps are durable and sturdy. They are also resistant to water and UV radiation. However, PE tarps are not fire retardant unless treated with chemical substances. PE tarps have a relatively soft surface, making it easy to scratch and stress crack. They will lose performance as a result of thermal oxidation, making them easy to age and brittle.
Canvas
Canvas tarps are generally fabricated from polyester, cotton, or both. When used together, these tarps are incredibly strong. Polyester canvas is similar to PE which doesn’t truly absorb scents, while cotton can.
Cotton canvas is susceptible to UV deterioration over time, but the polyester canvas is more resistant to deterioration. Both of them have great tear resistance.
Silnylon
Silnylon stands for a combination of silicone and nylon and is more appropriately referred to as a fabric than a material. It’s simply a nylon tarp that has been equally covered with silicone liquid on both sides, and you’ve probably seen it in dozens of everyday goods without even realizing it. Silnylon is utilized in tarps, ultralight tents, and backpacks. Moreover, it is employed in the manufacture of parachutes in higher grades. Although silnylon isn’t the toughest material you could hope for a tarp, it is incredibly wind resistant.
Vinyl
Vinyl tarps are constructed from high-strength polyester covered with two PVC paste resin coating that includes chemical additives for growth inhibition, mildew resistance, anti-aging, anti-static, and other properties.
PVC is a sturdy and cost-effective material that has excellent durability and tear resistance. Compared to other tarp materials, vinyl tarps are more flame-retardant, making them more suitable for outdoor applications.
Generally, vinyl tarps are resistant to tear, warp, scratch, degrade, rot, fade, and age. They’re extremely waterproof and weather resistant.
In conclusion
In a nutshell, the four tarp materials are extremely useful and popular. Four types of tarp materials all have their unique properties and features. However, vinyl tarps are more durable and cost-effective compared to other materials.
