Best Heavy Duty Tarpaulins for Every Weather Protection

A tarpaulin, commonly referred to as a Tarpaulin, is a very useful material primarily used to protect objects and surfaces from weather conditions such as rain, snow, and debris. Tarps are lightweight and durable, making them convenient to transport and set up virtually anywhere protection is needed.

Choosing the Right Tarpaulin Material

Plastic Tarpaulins

Plastic tarps are generally more durable and weather-resistant than fabric versions. Common plastic tarp materials include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyester. PE and PVC tarps are waterproof, fade-resistant, and withstand abrasion very well. However, they tend to be heavier and less breathable than fabric alternatives.

Fabric Tarpaulins

Fabric tarps are typically lighter in weight and more breathable. Popular fabrics for tarps include nylon, polyester, and vinyl-coated polyester. While breathable fabrics prevent condensation build up, they may not be as completely waterproof as plastic. Additional coatings provide water resistance.

UV resistance for sun exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) resistance is also important, as sun exposure can cause plastic and fabric to fade or become brittle over time. Tarps marketed as UV-resistant will maintain their color and strength longer when exposed to the sun.

Best Tarps for Rain Protection

Breathability for condensation

Breathability is important to prevent water vapor from condensing underneath the tarp. Materials like polyester fabrics, which feature waterproof yet breathable coatings, work well.

Guy lines and stakes for windy rain

Tarps that come with ropes, stakes and guy lines make setup fast and secure, especially in windy conditions. Steel stakes hold better than plastic in soft soils. Ensure the tarp size is large enough to provide adequate coverage from the elements.

Heavy Duty Tarpaulins for Snow

While a good tarp provides protection from rain, heavier weather like snowfall and hail require additional durability features. For snow and hail.

Weight and Thickness Considerations

In terms of thickness and weight, Heavy Duty Tarpaulin in the 10-12 oz. range will outlast thinner 8 oz. tarps, especially in windy conditions. However, lighter tarps are easier to transport and set up.

Insulation properties

Thicker tarps, especially those with an air gap, loft more warmth and prevent heat loss. 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick tarps insulate better than thinner models.

High weight capacity

Tarps need robust construction to withstand several inches or feet of accumulated snow without collapsing. Most heavy-duty tarps can withstand 80-150 lbs of evenly distributed weight.

Temperature flexibility

PVC and HDPE materials of 0.10″ thickness or greater retain flexibility even in frigid conditions to resist cracking or becoming brittle.

Breathability

Breathable tarp fabrics allow moisture vapor to escape from underneath accumulated snow. This prevents dangerous built-up gases.

Tarps for High Winds

Dealing with strong gusts and storms

While tarp strength and setup are critical during rainy or snowy conditions, windy weather presents unique challenges that require wind-resistant tarps and reinforced anchor points. Key considerations for tarps meant for high winds include:

Reinforced corners and seams

Properly taped and reinforced seams are less likely to tear or pull apart in gusty winds. Metal grommets further reinforce high stress points.

Strong attachment points

Grommets made of galvanized steel or reinforced polymers can withstand tension from pull without breaking. Ropes/cordage of 1/4″ diameter or greater prevent snap failures.

Sturdy stakes

Steel tent stakes that screw or hammer into the ground provide superior holding power compared to plastic stakes in situations with loose, sandy or wet soils.

High tensile strength fabrics

Reinforced ripstop nylon, ballistic nylon and coated polyesters maintain integrity even against abrasive forces up to 60 mph steady winds.

Wind venting and layering

Some advanced tarps harness wind energy by incorporating mesh panels, screen doors and additional interior fly sheets that create an air pocket for friction reduction.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tarpaulin for specific weather conditions requires understanding material performance characteristics and tarp designs. Heavier duty tarps constructed with robust materials like HDPE plastic or ballistic fabrics deliver the best protection against extreme weather like heavy rain, snow, hail or winds. Whether requiring a tarp for commercial use like construction sites, or recreation and camping use, this guide has highlighted top products for every scenario.