BUYER'S GUIDE

The most important factor to consider before purchasing a tarp is the resistance to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) damage. Some imported Polyethylene tarps last less than six months in the sun. Econotarps Extra Heavy-Duty tarpaulins are guaranteed for three years. They may last much longer possibly well over four years without significant loss of strength or degradation if the maximum UV protection is used in their manufacture. Another important consideration is if the eyelets are reinforced. Econotarps Extra Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins have rustproof solid brass eyelets reinforced with two layers of strong 250gsm tarpaulin material. Tarp eyelets can be subject to considerable strain, so we use an extra heavy-duty black thread to stitch the reinforcing patches onto the tarpaulin.

Polyethylene is an inert material and is therefore non-toxic. This is the same material that glad wrap is made from. It is also recyclable Econotarps are made to our strict specifications to ensure long life with maximum UV resistance and maximum strength. We use a black material for the weave in our imported heavy duty an extra heavy-duty tarp for example to ensure a long life. Test prove the black base fabric has greater UV resistance than the normal clear fabric used by other manufacturers. White coatings or lemon nations reflect the heat and we have found that the white lamination last much longer than other colours therefore we recommend using the top with the white side up for long life. The weight of taps is dependent on the denier rating or strength of the weave or base fabric and the thickness of the coating or lamination. To simplify this, we refer to the total weight of one square metre of fabric. This is called gsm or grams per square meter. A 250gsm tarp is over double the weight and strength of a 120gsm tarp.

White on top side and Tree Green underneath. The white top lamination reflects the heat and on a very hot day (36 °C) its surface can be about 14% cooler than a Silver Tarp. This is an imported tarp made from extra heavy duty Polyweave to Econotarps specifications.

The U.V. warranty is 3 years. The black base fabric resists sunlight damage which means the tarp retains its strength for years longer than standard PE tops which have a clear or transparent base fabric. The black base fabric which blocks sunlight makes it ideal for protecting items affected by UV such as fiberglass boats, pools, trampolines an outdoor furniture.

Solid brass eyelets every 800 mm which are closer than most other tarps on the market which are usually 900mm. They are reinforced with a patch of two layers of material allowing greater tension to be applied to prevent flapping if used on vehicles or in wind prone locations. An extra strong thick black thread is used on the reinforcing patches.

Suitable for covering boats, machinery, caravans, fly sheets over tents, general shading, ground sheet or a windbreak pool cover. The almost complete blocking of light prevents the growth of algae in pools. Also suitable for covering roofs if secured well, light courier trucks and jobs were heavier tarp is required. May be used on larger trucks providing speed is limited to around 100 km an hour but this may need to be reduced if strong headwinds are encountered. The tarp needs to be secured well to prevent flapping in strong winds which can cause deterioration of the waterproof lamination.

These imported tarps are made from a strong 50% Polyester/50% Cotton fabric which is UV treated. They are also mildew and rot resistant. Canvas is porous, allowing the fabric to “breath” which makes this material suitable for tents and for covering items where coolness and this breathability is an advantage. Canvas is considerably lighter than PVC, but it can temporarily lose its waterproofing ability if it is allowed to rub on whatever it is covering. Canvas tarps need a high percentage of Polyester in the weave to give them strength and to increase their weathering resistance. The Australian industry standard seems to be about 50% polyester and 50% cotton. They have reinforced solid brass eyelets every 500mm.

These imported tarps have a woven synthetic (polyester) fabric for strength and are coated with Polyvinylchloride for waterproofing. They usually have a life of around 5 - 6 years in the sun and are more wear resistant than polytarps. They can also be easily repaired with glues or welding. Their main disadvantage is their heavy weight which can be a problem for larger tarpaulins. They are also more expensive than PE tarpaulins and cannot be recycled. PVC (vinyl) tarps are most used on trucks and roofs because of their strength and durability. They are also recommended for covering trailers or utes on country trips because they resist wear caused by flapping in strong winds. They are UV, mildew, rot and flame resistant with reinforced solid brass eyelets every 800mm.

“Keder” track is sewn into either the long or short side which allows it to be easily slid into a standard caravan track. This makes a very light but strong, easy to manage awning. Ideal for travelling. Can be attached to buildings by fitting the “Caragroove” aluminium track. Reinforced eyelets every 800mm on other sides. Colour: White top side to reflect heat, green under side (reversible).

These are the extra heavy-duty tarp with a 7.5 mm ‘Keder’ track sewn in one side to allow it to be attached to a caravan which has the standard ‘Caragroove’ or ‘Sail track’ aluminium track fitted. This track is available from us or at a caravan accessory outlet if it needs to be fitted. Popular sizes are available ready-made. Other sizes can be made to order. Pole, ropes, pegs and other accessories are available.

The ‘Caragroove’ or ‘Sail Track’ can be fitted to the side of a building allowing a tarp to be easily attached. A supportive framework can be constructed using caravan roof rails and poles. It can be then held down using guy ropes with springs attached to maintain tension. Eye bolts into concrete or concrete slabs are better than pegs in sandy soil for tying ropes down. A carport or outdoor entertainment area can be easily created in this way.

Run a tape measure across the width of the item to be covered. If it is an irregular shape, measure the widest point you need to cover. If it is a boat with a cabin, run the tape over the highest point you need to cover. If the measuring tape is too short, use a rope or string and then measure the rope or string. Then measure the length using the same method. On boats you may cover an outboard motor with a smaller tarp.

Tarps can be secured by ropes or elastic “Shock Cord”. Shock Cord or Trace Springs are better as they keep tension on the tarp and prevent flapping in a wind which can cause the lamination on the tarp to come off. The heavier the tarp, the more resistant it is to wear by flapping. Tarps on trailers and trucks need to be well secured to prevent this type of damage. We recommend that tarps used on vehicles should not be subject to speeds much over 100 km per hour unless secured very well, so no flapping occurs.

A tarp covering a large area can be compared to a sail on a boat. The forces exerted by strong winds can result in the eyelets of the tarp being ripped out if a strong gust of wind gets under the tarp and it behaves like a sail. Remember sails are made from exceptionally strong materials and their eyelets are reinforced with several layers of material to form a large patch to take the strain.

To prevent this “sail” effect, all eyelets need to be well secured, preferably with springs or elastic “Shock Cord” to allow some “give”. Sandbags tied to the eyelets are a good option as they allow some movement which takes the strain from sudden wind gusts. This is the method the State Emergency Service uses.

Separate ropes 1 - 2 metres apart (depending on conditions) may need to be pulled tight over and across the tarp to hold it down and take the strain off the eyelets. Alternatively, wooden planks, vehicle tyres, sandbags or other weights may need to be used to avoid this problem.

Moderate sized tarps used as shelters may be suspended using strong shock cord on 2 adjacent sides, with ropes on the opposite sides. Unless supported by a frame however such shelters may need to be dropped in very strong winds.

We can perform alterations to suit your requirements. Please allow a week for this to be done. Some standard alterations include:

Joining 2 tarps or Trimming to size: Tarps can be sewn together however slight leakage could occur in some conditions. The most economical way to cut a tarp down to a smaller size is to cut off the edge complete with the reinforced eyelets and then sew this strip back on the trimmed tarp. Some very slight leakage is possible where it is stitched.
Shorteners: These are reinforced eyelets often placed a metre or so in from the edge of the tarp. This allows a large tarp to be used to cover smaller areas, for example a smaller load on a truck. Holdon’s, which are a clamp style eyelet, can be used to shorten a tarp: simply fold the tarp where needed and attach a holdon to the folded seam. Light electrical wire, small diameter Venetian Blind cord can be placed in the fold to give extra grip (Holdon’s have a small groove in them that is designed to grip the cord sewn into the hem of tarps).
Extra Eyelets: Light weight and many ‘Heavy Duty” imported tarps have non reinforced eyelets which may be inadequate for some uses. Extra reinforced eyelets can be added to suit your requirements. Our Extra Heavy-Duty tarps have reinforced eyelets every 800mm. DIY Eyelet Kits which include the dies necessary for the application of extra eyelets, are available. Extra eyelets can be fitted along the seamed edge which will have reasonable strength but naturally won’t be as strong as a reinforced eyelet. A better option is “Holdons” which are a heavy duty nylon clamp which can be easily attached to the hem. Holdon’s spread the load over 30mm which is much more than an eyelet (10mm) and is therefore much stronger.
Ropes Fitted to Tarps: Ropes can be fitted to all or some eyelets to suit your requirements. The standard length is 1 metre. Keder Track to Suit Caravans: This is a 7.5mm flexible track sewn into the edge of a tarp which allows it to be threaded through the aluminium “Caragroove” or “Sail” track common on most caravans. The Australian standard size aluminium sail track is 9mm diameter. This track system can also be used to attach awnings to buildings for use as a shelter, carport etc. Imported vans or awnings from Europe may have a 6.5mm diameter sail track. We have a 6mm Keder tape which we can attach to any tarp to suit your needs.

BUYER'S GUIDE

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