Finding The Right Tarp for Your Needs

Tarpaulins or better known as tarps in day to day lingo protects and shields the things in all seasons from the rough weather. Hence, choosing the best tarp is necessary. When we hear tarp, we picture blue tarps immediately because they are the ones we see in general day-to-day life. Have you ever wondered why? A tarp manufacturer makes tarps in all kinds of colors then, why blue is the one you see around the most?

Does that mean tarp colors mean something? The answer is Yes! Indeed they do. Different tasks require different tarps and hence, the color grading system. The idea is somewhat similar to the triage colors followed in the medical industry where Red states Emergency, Yellow for Priority, and Green for Non, Urgent patients. In the same way, Different colors of tarp signify the kind of work/application for which they are used. 

The thing to keep in mind is, Different companies can use their internal color-coding system. The system is not mandatory to follow. It is the choice of manufactures and the costumers to buy tarps that signify meaning. But they are not bound by federal law to follow the same. 

Below are listed some of the significance of few colored Tarps: 

1. Blue Tarps- These are the lightest-duty tarp available on the market. Thickness varies around 0.14-0.16 mm. Blue tarps are generally considered all-purpose tarps for household use and some light manufacturing work. Hence they are usually seen everywhere.
2. Green Tarps: These are the medium-duty. Thickness varies around 0.24-0.26 mm. They are very popular among construction workers, contractors for landscaping, and light industrial purposes. They can also be considered general purposes and hence can be seen around for construction and as coverings for camping.
3. Yellow/Orange/Red Tarps: When tarps are required to attract the viewer, colors like these are prioritized visually. For example, to let know dangerous materials are being used on a construction site. Red tarps also used to warn people that there are hard materials underneath it, so no one accidentally hits them with a car—these Tarps as medium-duty tarps. Thickness is about 0.19 mm. 
4. White Tarps: These tarps are designed to provide shade while also allowing a little bit of natural light to pass through. They are also used to makeshift tents. White tarps are best known to reflect heat.
5. Silver Tarps: These are the heavy-duty tarps. Thickness varies around 0.29- 0.30 mm. Truckers use these tarps for truckloads that do not require super heavy-duty tarps. Silver tarps also reflect heat instead of absorbing it.
6. Transparent Tarps: These tarps are used for covering object which needs much light, along with little protection from natural elements.
7. Black/Brown/Gray Tarps: These are other heat-reflecting tarps made from super heavy duty material. They are usually treated with UV coatings to provide extended life in the sunlight, and Darkest colored tarps are most often the most heavy-duty tarps. Thickness varies around 0.41-0.43 mm. These are the best of the best for covering objects to keep them cool.

Tarps have diverse purposes and are used for many commercial and residential requirements. It is important to choose the right type of tarp for different needs because the material and build will vary from product to product.