When it comes to short-term sheltering/covering needs, a tarpaulin or tarp can be a good solution. Tarpaulins or tarps have been used for centuries to cover objects placed on a ship ready to set sail. In those times, tarps were simply canvas pall treated with tar to produce waterproof effect. Today, due to the advanced tarp manufacturing technology, we could have different tarps for various different covering or sheltering needs. Some tarps are even treated with fire-retardant treatment to ensure it would not support combustion. There are two popular types of tarps based on the material, the canvas tarps and the poly tarps.

Canvas tarps have several benefits that poly tarps may not be able to compete. They are 100 percent manufactured from natural material, cotton and more earth-friendly compared to the poly ones. Since canvas tarps are made of cotton, they have breathable quality that would best be used to protect or cover objects that require breathable covering to prevent condensation. They are strong and durable. With the right treatment and good care, they can last longer than the poly tarps. In addition to these, many canvas tarps on the market today have been treated with water-resistant effect so you can be sure that your items will be protected against the element.

On the other hand, poly tarps are strong, lightweight and versatile. Created from polyester mesh fabric with polyethlene coating, poly tarps are resistant to mildew, tear, rot and water. Due to their material characteristics, they provide superior protection against cold weather. This is the reason why many builders and contractors prefer to use poly tarps for construction and wood piling. If you choose to get a poly tarp, make sure that it has UV protection and comes with rust-resistant tarp grommets to ensure durability. Since both have their own characteristics and advantages, you should do a thorough research to make sure you get the best tarp for your specific cover needs.