Daily Babbler

A tarp is a large sheet made of a material such as polyethylene, and is commonly used as a protective covering or shelter in many places. Whether used to cover the ground while painting, to setup temporary tents or to cover and protect material and equipment from weather hazards, water and the sun. There are different types of tarps available in the market, which are different from each other. They have their benefits and disadvantages and are suited to different purposes.

Common types of tarps include poly tarps, vinyl tarps and canvas tarps. Of these, poly tarps are the most commonly used and are the cheapest. But they are also the weakest and least durable. Poly tarps are waterproof, work well in any temperature whether hot or cold and also offer protection from ultraviolet rays.
Vinyl tarps are the strongest and most durable among tarps. They are waterproof and also offer protection from UV rays besides being highly resistant to wear and tear. However vinyl tarps weigh and cost much more than poly tarps and canvas tarps. Vinyl tarps come in two types, these being laminated vinyl tarps and coated vinyl tarps. The former is intended to be used indoors, while the latter is primarily used outdoors.
Canvas tarps lie in between poly tarps and vinyl tarps with regards to price and durability. They are made of cotton and thus environment friendly. They are water resistant, though not water proof because water may seep through a canvas tarp if it is allowed to lie on the tarp for too long. They are also breathable which means that they allow moisture to escape, therefore preventing condensation of water underneath. Canvas tarps also resist rot and mildew.