According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), heavy-duty tarps come in a variety of styles, materials, and weights. All heavy-duty tarps can be used for sheltering applications if they are sized appropriately. However, heavy-duty tarps cannot absorb water.
Here is a list of precautions you can take to protect yourself from moisture when using heavy duty tarps:
1) Ensure that your heavy-duty tarp is clean and dry before folding or rolling it up. Dirt particles can damage your tarp’s fabric over time. If you use a cover with light-duty snaps, make sure they are closed properly to keep out moisture.
2) Pack heavy-duty tarps on top of all gear packed inside your vehicle so that heavy-duty tarps are not crushed. This will extend the life of heavy duty tarp covers.
3) Fold heavy-duty tarps loosely before placing them inside a storage bag or container. Heavy-duty tarps can wear out faster if stored improperly. So it is important to fold heavy-duty tarps with their grommets on the outside and moisture-resistant side up.
4) Store heavy-duty tarps inside dry areas like your garage instead of an attic or basement to allow proper air circulation. Proper air circulation helps prevent mold growth on heavy-duty tarp surfaces, which can increase the degradation of heavy-duty tarp fabric over time.
5) Repair tears that occur in heavy-duty tarp fabric as soon as possible, especially if the heavy-duty tarp is stored in an environment where moisture is present. Nylon heavy-duty tarps can be repaired easily with heavy-duty tarp fabric repair kits. Or heavy-duty sewing machines depending on the size of the tear.
Storing and protecting your heavy duty tarp:
Remove any debris, dirt or other particles from the surface of your heavy-duty tarp before storage to prevent damage to the heavy-duty material over time. Roll up your heavy-duty tarp loosely and store it indoors at room temperature in a dry area such as a garage to prevent mold growth on surfaces and keep it from direct sunlight. Keep heavy-duty tarps free from tears and punctures to maximize their protective capabilities.
Using heavy duty tarps for shelter:
While heavy-duty tarps are meant to protect you from the elements. It is important to set up your heavy-duty tarp properly so that it will reduce the risk for wind-related ingress and rain leakage. Make sure heavy-duty tarp stakes are securely placed in a firm ground with adequate tension on the heavy-duty tarp corners prior to placing your heavy-duty tarp over the top of your shelter structure. Avoid exposing heavy-duty tarps directly to harsh weather elements like high winds, strong rain, or snow when possible because they can cause damage. Or quick deterioration of heavy-duty material due to heavy-duty tarp edges blowing into harsh weather elements.
Since heavy-duty tarps are not meant to absorb water, heavy-duty tarps can be coated with a water-resistant sealant. Such as spray polyurethane or heavy-duty urethane undercoating to resist heavy rain, ice. And snow from penetrating heavy-duty tarp surfaces for an extended amount of time. Heavy-duty grommets come in handy when heavy-duty tarps need to be tied down securely and prevent movement in the wind. The spacing between each heavy-duty grommet should match up with your shelter frame. That keep your heavy-duty tarp fixed firmly in place.
What heavy duty means:
Heavy-Duty tarps have a urethane coating on the underside of the tarp. That allows them to shed rain, snow, and ice. Most inexpensive tarps will wear out quickly as they are not coated against water. And dry as quickly as a heavy-duty tarp does. Heavy Duty also includes reinforced grommets at all four corners. At every 3′-4′ around the entire perimeter of the heavy-duty tarp which adds more strength to heavy-duty tarp edges so heavy-duty material doesn’t drip down the edges. We carry over 60 different sizes of heavy-duty tarps in stock.
Conclusion:
Heavy-Duty Tarps cannot absorb water; heavy-duty tarps can keep out heavy rain, wind. And snow if the heavy-duty tarp is stretched tight with heavy-duty grommets spaced evenly. Apart to create a barrier between your shelter structures underneath the heavy-duty tarp.
Heavy-duty tarps are meant to protect the user from weather elements without absorbing water. which makes it important for heavy-duty tarp users to properly fold heavy-duty tarps before storage. The tarps are great for keeping moisture off of the shelter frame underneath the heavy-duty tarps.
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