The big cover up

Having a stock of tarpaulins around the house or in the garage is a great idea. Selecting the right tarpaulin is based on the application you will use it for, its life expectancy and the size required.
 
A trip to your local Mitre 10 store will allow you to look through the range of tarpaulins available, but the team at How To has already done that for you. Here’s a run down of how they are constructed and what’s available.
 
They are typically constructed from polyethylene, which provides a high level of water resistance and strength, while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. There are three layers making up the tarpaulin: the centre layer is woven, giving the tarp its rigidity and strength, while the top and bottom layers are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) coatings for waterproofing. Tarpaulin seams are rope reinforced for additional strength and heat welded for maximum waterproofing.
 
Polytuf tarpaulins are specifically treated with an ultraviolet light inhibitor for maximum UV resistance. Tarpaulins without this treatment break down quickly when exposed to sunlight.
 

Polytuf blue tarpaulins
 
These are a great value option for short-term, light to medium-duty applications. They are ideal for ground sheets, windbreaks, sand pit covers and temporary cargo covers. The eyelets are constructed from anodized aluminum placed every 90cm along the tarp’s edge, which features welded seams with 4mm rope-reinforced hems. These are available in sizes up to 5.9m x 11.9m.
 
Polytuf green tarpaulins
 
A more robust option, these are designed for medium to heavy-duty applications. They are perfectly suited as equipment covers and temporary shelters. The eyelets are constructed from anodized aluminum placed every 90cm along the edge, featuring welded seams with 4mm rope reinforced hems. These are available up to 7.1m x 8.9m.
 
Polytuf extra heavy duty
 
Now we move into the choice of trades, with tarpaulins that are ideally suited to heavy-duty or hardwearing applications. These are perfect for uses such as covering the trailer, covering equipment, cargo covers, roof repairs or, if you’re a serious renovator, use them to cover second-storey extensions. These tarpaulins feature moulded reinforced corners riveted in place and anodized aluminum eyelets every 45cm. They are available in sizes up to 30m x 30m.
 
Polytuf ultra heavy-duty d-ring
 
Considered the camper’s choice, these tarpaulins are ideal for use with telescopic uprights as well as high wind applications or anywhere where a significant amount of tie down force is applied to the d-rings. Heavy-duty zinc-plated d-rings are attached with tough polypropylene webbing at 90cm intervals around the tarpaulin. These heavy-duty workhorses are available in sizes up to 8.9m x 10.7m.
 

 
Tarpaulins are an item worth investing in and worth having around the house. Not only are they fantastic for your projects, but they are extremely handy in surprise situations too.