Tarpaulin Advice

General Advice for Tarpaulin Usage

* When using a tarpaulin to cover something, you should ensure that the tarp is well supported according to its size; the bigger the tarp the more support it will require. A tarp should not be hung by its eyelets only; this places unnecessary stress on the eyelets, which could then pull out if they are put under undue force or pressure. Please note: Tarpaflex cannot be held responsible for damage caused by product misuse, or where sufficient care has not been exercised during inclement weather. No guarantee is given to the strength of the eyelets, and so, wherever possible, you should always use additional fixing points to limit the risk of damage.

* Appropriate measures should be taken in accordance with weather conditions and the application you are putting the tarp to. An assessment should be made; if gale-force winds are due, then you will need to take extra care in ensuring your tarpaulin is really well secured! It may even be necessary to take the tarpaulin down.

* If water is allowed to pool and collect on the tarp this will increase the stress on the eyelets, and on the heat sealed seams; this could cause the seams to split and allow water through. Therefore you should always position the sheet in such a way to allow excess water to drain off.

* Please take care to avoid any sharp edges that could catch and potentially rip your tarpaulin. You should also be aware of contact spots or constant friction which could abraid or wear the material, thus reducing the lifespan of your cover.

* In most instances, we recommend the use of bungee shock cord rather than rope, as bungee cord is a flexible product which will endure better in strong winds; this reduces the pressure exerted on the eyelets. On large tarps we recommend that rope is run over the top side of the sheet; this acts to prevent the wind lifting (and therefore straining) the tarpaulin.

* We recommend using all of the eyelets on your tarpaulin, and where possible using extra fixing points. By securing your tarp at every available point, you will limit the possibility of wind being able to get in underneath. A tarpaulin can act like a sail if caught, and this extra stress can inevitably lead to eyelets or seams ripping. We can provide additional eyelets in the form of either brass or polycarbonate - click here to see our range.

* We recommend that you regularly check your tarpaulin for secure fixing, and to ensure that the sheet is fully in tact and undamaged. Our covers are fitted with 3% UV inhibitors to protect from premature degradation through UV, however over time the lamination will begin to break down thus stopping the sheet from being waterproof. It is the responsibility of the user to check this. A 3% UV inhibitor is deemed adequate for the UK climate.

* If your tarpaulin does rip or split, we recommend that the damage is seen to as soon as possible. We can provide Tarp Tape, a strong and waterproof product which acts as an effective sealant in the case of damage, and as a great strengthener to reinforce stress points. The sooner a problem is seen to, the less likely a rip is to worsen.

* Our Canvas tarpaulins are wax-treated to make them water resistant. This does not mean that the sheets are waterproof, and they will require re-proofing after wet weather exposure to keep their water resistant properties. Treatments can be purchased from most DIY and home hardware stores. For more information, see our Canvas Information Page.

* Tarpaflex tarpaulins can be used for many different applications, and in most cases do a very good job; we have thousands of satisfied customers. However, customers should bear in mind that poly tarps, from economy grade and even up to heavy duty, are relatively low cost coverings. By its very nature, a tarpaulin is a temporary covering. Please do not expect poly tarps to withstand the punishment that PVC truck tarps take; these latter sheets cost thousands of pounds and therefore endure prolonged heavy use, often for tens of years. Poly tarps from Tarpaflex and other tarp vendors do a very good job in their durability, and will often last for prolonged periods of time if used effectively, providing a great service. If you have any questions about our products, please contact us.

* Our products are all sold with a warranty to be free from defects at the time of purchase. It is therefore imperative that you check your product before it is used for the first time. Due to weather conditions and the many different applications tarpaulins can be put to, we are unable to provide any additional guarantees.

Please refer to our Handy Size Guide for information on cut size.