Tarpaulin, or tarp (in short), is a large sheet made of durable, flexible, and water-resistant material. It is primarily used as a protective cover for people and things. While tarpaulin is used in residential structures to keep sunlight, rain, and environmental elements out, it is also extensively used in commercial and industrial settings for the same and other purposes.
Tarpaulin sheets for commercial or industrial use differ from residential ones. Knowing the difference is essential for making the right choice for stores, factories, warehouses, workshops, etc. Outlined below are things you must keep in mind to make an informed decision.
1. Identifying the Requirement
Why you need the tarp is an important question to ask, along with where you need it. Identifying the use determines other factors like specifications, material, etc. In industrial or commercial settings, tarpaulin sheets are needed for several reasons. Here are some examples.
- Cover equipment, wrap scaffoldings, or cure concrete at construction sites.
- Protect haystacks, line grain bunkers, and sheet grounds for agricultural operations.
- Cover pallets and truckloads or line containers for warehousing or transporting.
- Create dust barriers, machine protectors, or temporary walls at manufacturing plants.
Once you know the purpose of use, you can move on to material selection.
2. Choosing the Right Material
Tarpaulin sheets are made with different materials to serve varied purposes. Here’s a breakdown.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) tarpaulins are extremely durable and waterproof. They are also UV and flame-resistant. Thus, they are used for heavy-duty industrial or logistic operations. They can be welded and customised as per requirement.
- Polyethylene (PE) tarpaulins are lightweight and affordable options known to be waterproof but not as durable as PVC tarps. Ideal for semi-permanent, short-term and disposable applications.
- Canvas tarpaulins are eco-friendly, breathable, and naturally resistant to tearing. They absorb moisture but can be made water-resistant via waxing or treating. These tarps are usually used as shade cloths and covers for tools/equipment that need ventilation.
3. Ensure Reinforcement and Edge Finishing
Since these sheets are exposed to wind stress, tension, debris, and constant tension, they need to be reinforced and finished, especially around weak spots like edges and eyelets. Here are a few things to look for to get durable tarps.
- Rust-resistant grommets or eyelets set at close intervals. Stainless steel and brass ones are the best options.
- Reinforced hems with ropes and webbing inside.
- Welded seams instead of stitched ones for more waterproofing.
- Corner patches or triple-layer corners on high-tension zones.
- Reinforced eyelets with D-rings for load-bearing or tie-down applications.
4. Looking for UV, Fire, and Mould-Resistant Options
It is common for tarps to be outdoors or placed at locations with heat or moisture exposure. Therefore, if yours will be placed in rough settings, you must choose the right sheets. If you don’t, the following problems may arise.
- UV rays can cause cracking or brittleness in plastic tarps.
- Fire, heat, or flames can damage the sheets and pose a fire hazard if the tarps are not flame-retardant.
- Going for organic material like canvas can be an issue, as it can get mould, mildew, or rot if the tarpaulin is constantly exposed to dampness or cold.
5. Focus on the Thickness or GSM Rating
Besides choosing the correct-sized tarpaulins, you must also focus on the thickness or GSM (grams per square metre) of the material. Below is a general guide to help you understand the density and durability of different tarps with varying GSM ratings.
- 90–150 GSM: Light-duty, short-term covers.
- 150–250 GSM: Medium-duty, suitable for general trade and agriculture.
- 250–600+ GSM: Heavy-duty, ideal for industrial, transport, or long-term applications.
Endnote
In commercial and industrial settings, downtime caused by a failed tarp can be expensive and hazardous. Whether you need weather protection, transport coverage, or site containment, the right tarpaulin offers peace of mind.
Match the material to the environment, prioritise UV, fire, and water resistance, and look for reinforced edges. The next time you choose a tarpaulin, think long-term and not just about today’s job but about the cost of replacement, potential compliance issues, and operational reliability.
