| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Poly Tarps: More Than Meets The Eye
To many people, "tarp" conjures an image of a crumpled canvas in the corner of the garage, or maybe that shiny blue plastic sheet in the hardware store. But tarps are the beneficiary of some of the best technology in textile and chemical treatments. And so they have been adapted to many uses, whether at home, in the garden, on a camping trip, in the workshop, in the industrial yard, or on the construction site. The workhorse of all tarpaulins, there are more color, material, construction, and size combinations in poly tarps than for any other. They are readily available. And as long as you select the right one for the job, tarps provide good protection for almost anything that needs shelter from the elements. It's no wonder that the common tarp is one of the most versatile of all 'tools'. Basic Poly Tarps Blue or green poly tarps are, overall, the least expensive of all tarps. The cheapest ones are little more than a thin sheet of plastic. And like anything else, the cheaper they are, the less durability you'll have. Basic(but good quality) poly tarps are made using a weave of nylon chord, with a laminate of polyethylene on both sides. Thread size is typically 700-800 denier, and the fabric weight will be between 2- 4 ounces per square yard. They are waterproof, as well as resistant to rot and mildew. And they provide a good multi-purpose covering that provides basic protection from the elements. But don't make the same mistake that so many people do: Do not use a poly tarp as a cheap way to cover your vehicle. Polyethylene does not breathe, and the resulting condensation under the tarp is guaranteed to cause you problems. On our web site, you can find much better ways to protect your car, boat or RV. Heavy-Duty Poly Tarps In addition to the basic version, there are some much tougher, heavy-duty polyethylene tarps. These heavy-duty tarps are less prone to tears and punctures, and do not get brittle as quickly. Their strength comes from using a heavier denier nylon thread, and usually with a much tighter weave. This makes the tarp thicker - almost twice as thick - and therefore much longer lasting. One example is the silver tarp, which is often preferred for its' UV resistance and heat reflective properties. With heavier thread and lamination, these premium silver tarps can be 2-3 times thicker than the standard hardware store variety. Hems are the greatest point of stress, so the strongest tarps will also have heat-sealed hems, sometimes with a reinforcing rope inside. And there will be more grommets, spaced closer together, to spread the stress more effectively over the entire tarp. In addition to basic and heavy duty versions, there is a size to meet almost any need. Small 6x8 sheets are available for just a few dollars. At the other end of the spectrum are the over-sized or very large athletic field covers and hay tarps. Need something in between ? Custom sizes are also available. So the next time you look at that crumpled canvas or shiny blue sheet, you'll know there is more potential there than meets the eye. John Bri is a regular contributor to That Covers It!, a collection of helpful information on a variety of shelters and protective coverings. You'll find tips and sources for tarps, pop-up and garden canopies, garage kits, and covers for your car, truck, boat, and RV. You can get more information about poly tarps at http://www.that-covers-it.com
MORE RESOURCES:
landscaping gardening - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan. Viburnum Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come as no surprise that many of them have fragrant flowers. But that's not all they have in their favour. Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning One winter evening I was working on the computer when the power went out. The freezing rain that had been forecast must have been the culprit. Organic Roses in the Flower Garden Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is healthier for them and their environment. It is natural that you may wish to grow your roses this way also. How to Buy a Porch Swing The Porch Swing is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to the latest Home & Garden trend towards building "Garden Rooms". Patio Furniture Retailers have responded by flooding the market with so many options that making a choice can be a daunting task. Fall Flowering Bulbs Deciduous trees dazzle us with the brilliance of the golds, oranges and reds they display before dropping their leaves in the autumn. However, you don't have to be satisfied with autumn leaf color alone. Fish Health in Hot Summer Heat Summer is over, but for many of us - the heat remains. Here a couple of things to do to keep your fish healthy and your pond clear going into winter. Grey Water- Not Drinking Water- For Your Garden The average home can reduce their water consumption by around 30% by re-using grey water on their garden.The figures are compelling. Want a Garden but Not Enough Room or Soil? Then Hydroponics Gardening could be for You Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants a garden but doesn't have enough land or soil. Hydroponics gardening is, essentially, a way to cultivate plants using a nutrient solution instead of soil. Escape to Sunny Mexico - at Home! Can't get away for a southern vacation this year? Don't despair -- plan a sunny Mexican style refresher for your patio décor and enjoy the festive atmosphere of a hacienda at home this summer.As with every other decorating style, Mexican décor has its own basic elements. Choosing Pond Plants A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond plants fight algae, give fish a hiding place against predators, and beautify our own little slice of paradise to plunk down in at the end of a tiring day. How To Attract Hummingbirds Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if you live in the middle of the city, and even if you've never had any luck getting them to come in the past. How To Grow Luscious Tomatoes The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the States. Here are some tips on how to grow your own bountiful crop of tomatoes. Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture - What You Don't Know What is the first thought that comes through your mind when you hear "resin patio furniture" or "plastic patio furniture"? Is the word cheap or flimsy? You are not alone. But what you may not know is it is the latest trend and spreading fast. Park Benches One of the best ways to create a warm and inviting outdoor space is to incorporate the use of park benches into your outdoor decor. Whether they are simple or grand, park benches send a subtle message to your neighbors and guests that you want your outdoor space to be appreciated and enjoyed by all. Store Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last In many parts of North America, the end of "porch season" has arrived. Whether you're clearing out for some oncoming bad weather, closing up the cottage for the season, beating the vandals on devil's night, or just retreating to your nest for the winter, you'll want to store away all of your outdoor items with maximum care. Ship Ahoy! The Nautical Touch in Your Outdoor Living Space Would you rather be sailing or are you strictly a shore bird? Whether you're land-locked or seaside, you can create a nautical look in your outdoor living space by following a few easy principles. You'll find that even landlubbers can answer the siren song of the sea. Storm Warnings For Ponds California has earthquakes; we in the south and east coast have hurricanes. One thing we all share is power outages. Feeding the Hummingbirds Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can count on seeing a Ruby Throated Hummingbird hovering in front of my kitchen window, flitting back and forth, as if to say, "there was a hummingbird feeder RIGHT HERE last year. Where is it?"And then I know it is time to put out hummingbird nectar. Lady Bugs Are Your #1 Natural Pest Control First, this bug has many names. Some of it's names are:lady bugs ladybugs lady beetle asiatic lady beetle Asian Lady Beetle Asian Lady Bugs Multicolored Asian Lady BeetleThe Ladybird Beetle is the correct name for a Lady bug and are not bugs but are beetles.
|
