Types of aluminum tarpaulin
An aluminum tarp is a heavy-duty, waterproof cover made from polyester or polyethylene fabric, with an aluminum coating. This coating offers superior protection against the elements. It is useful for a variety of industries, like agriculture, automotive, construction, and more.
Some common types include:
- Heavy-duty aluminum tarpaulin: These are good for industrial usage and rough environments as they are thicker and more durable. Their heavy gauge and reinforced corners make them resist tearing, puncturing, and wear properly.
- Reinforced aluminum tarpaulin: These have extra strength as they use a mesh or extra reinforcement in the fabric. The mesh increases puncture resistance, while the reinforced edges allow for secure tying down with less chance of ripping or fraying.
- Canvas aluminum tarpaulin: These provide basic tarpaulin features with a canvas feel as they are coated with aluminum. Since they are not as heavy as some others, they are light and breathable yet have good water and sun protection.
- Silver laminated aluminum tarpaulin: These tarps typically use a silver plastic sheet over standard tarp material to save costs. They may wear out faster than heavier types of tarps, but the silver coloring reflects heat and may be affordable for light and short-term tasks.
- Custom aluminum tarpaulin: These can be made to specific dimensions and requirements, like certain colors or thicknesses. The custom options support singular needs that may not be addressed by stock aluminum tarps. These producers may also supply aluminum tarpaulins with bespoke listings printed on them.
How durable aluminum tarpaulin are
- 10-ounce aluminum tarpaulin: The aluminum coating is 10 ounces per square tarp, which provides moderate daily use protection. Camping and picnics are suitable because it is light yet thick enough not to tear easily.
- Heavy-duty aluminum tarpaulin: A heavy-duty tarp uses a thicker aluminum layer for very rough activities. It withstands storms and construction sites without tearing or fading. Because of this, it is fit for agriculture, truck and boat covers, and other industry needs.
- Reinforced aluminum tarpaulin: These incorporate mesh for support, adding to durability. They are commonly used on construction sites and other tough jobs that can easily damage thin tarps.
- Lifetime aluminum tarpaulin: These are among the toughest available, usually warrantied for many years. They address needs where maximum protection is demanded for a long duration, like permanent covers and warehouses.
- Commercial-grade aluminum tarpaulin: These are engineered for constant, year-round commercial use. Strong materials and construction techniques mean they last through repeated covering and uncovering in rugged environments.
How aluminum tarpaulin is made
- Production of base fabric: Aluminum tarps start as a plastic sheet, usually polyethylene or polyester. Machines weave this plastic into a fabric-like mesh to create the very strong but light material.
- Layering of plastic coating: To make the tarp waterproof, a second layer of plastic is spread over both sides of the woven mesh fabric. This fully encases the mesh within plastic.
- Application of aluminum coating: The surface of the tarp material receives an aluminum coating. Thin sheets of aluminum are pressed against the tarp's plastic surface. Heavy rollers bond the aluminum to the plastic by smoothing and adhering it tightly.
- Reinforcement seams and edges: The edges of the tarp are sewn and reinforced with extra fabric. This prevents fraying and ripping where wear is greatest from tying the tarp down. The reinforced corners add extra strength.
- Testing and quality control: Completed tarps undergo checks to ensure they meet qualities like being waterproof, tear resistant, and fitting proper dimensions. Samples are often fully tested.
How to choose aluminum tarpaulin
- Gauge thickness: Aluminum tarps come in thickness measurements called gauges. Higher numbers, like 20-gauge, mean thicker, stronger tarp material. Pick a tarp gauge based on usage – lighter 12-gauge tarps for cover shielding like sunshine or rain and heavier 20-gauge aluminum tarps for very rough work or keeping items long-term.
- Silver coating: Most aluminum tarps use a silver coating that reflects light and heat. This cooling keeps covered vehicles and merchandise from overheating, even without shade. White tarps permit some light and heat entrance but offer adequate rain protection. Consider how much cooling and reflecting is needed when picking tarp colors.
- Warranty length: Warranties provide a clue about how long a tarp should reliably last. Six-month warranties are reasonable, while premium models offer two years or more – sometimes a lifetime. Choose based on expected usage. Shorter warranties cover basic protection from good weather or light tasks, while longer or lifetime guarantees support tougher demands.
- Manufacturing country: Well-known brands have quality tarps using standard materials, no matter where they are made. But sometimes, a brand's made-in-another-country tarp may use better materials than a brand manufactured in another country. Reading reviews on whether a particular tarp is good is easier than assuming quality based solely on the country it is made in.
- Usage needs: Lighter tarps are good for simple things like shielding a car but not for strapping lumber or machinery. Choose a heavier duty tarp if it is going to be used roughly. A 10-ounce or heavier aluminum coating is useful for tasks that are harder and require something that will last through more weather and years.
Q and A
Q1: How strong and sturdy is an aluminum tarp?
A1: The strength level varies with how thick the aluminum coating is and what quality the materials are. Generally, though, aluminum tarps are quite tough.
For easier jobs, the 10-ounce and similar coatings do well. But for rugged or hard conditions, standard 20-gauge tarps are thicker and better. The weave pattern inside also helps.
The stronger the fabric and materials used are, the longer the tarp will hold up to time, weather, or wear and tear. Choosing options with reinforced corners further increases their life expectancy. Also, considering how the tarp will be used, sturdier ones are appropriate to the requirements.
Q2: How does the aluminum tarp help in the summer heat?
A2: Aluminum tarps are quite useful in summer. A lot of them have a silver coating that reflects heat and sunlight. That means whatever is underneath stays cooler for a longer time.
So, whether it is a vehicle, trailer, or equipment, it will not get too hot sitting outside in the sun. Some models even have special layers that stop over 90% of the sun's rays from getting through. This makes it a lot easier to work with anything under a tarp when it is really hot outside.
Q3: Can the aluminum tarp be left outside all winter long?
A3: Yes, aluminum tarps can stay outside all winter. They are built tough to handle all kinds of weather. Snow, ice, and cold are no problem at all.
With the reflective coating, they protect things under the tarp from chilly winds and the winter sun. Whether it is winter storms or freezing temperatures, they keep everything safe and sound. Just make sure to securely fasten the tarp so wind does not blow it around.
Q4: Are aluminum tarps fire resistant?
A4: Aluminum tarps are not fireproof, but they do offer some protection against sparks and flame contact. The aluminum layer helps slow down burning compared to regular tarps.
However, it is still very important to keep a tarp away from any open fire, welding, or strong heat sources. While the coating does provide extra time for items to be saved if a fire occurs, no tarp can be considered completely fireproof in all situations.
Q5: How an aluminum tarp helps during storms?
A5: Aluminum tarps are very handy during stormy weather. They keep everything really dry since they are fully waterproof. Rain, wind – nothing gets inside the tarp. The aluminum coating stands up to heavy winds without ripping or flapping around.
Inside the tarp, gear and supplies stay completely shielded from all the rain and wetness. Windy conditions do not bother the securely tied-down corners. Stormy days are no trouble when using a sturdy aluminum tarp – it safeguards anything underneath quite well.
