Tarps are very important to the transportation industry. They are useful to cover various different things like boats, trucks, and other things. They help protect the vehicle from the wind, rain and sun. A tarp also helps secure the cargo that is present in trucks and trailers. The conventional varieties of tarps are using poly and canvas as a material. However, nowadays several types of tarps are available in the market. One popular type of tarp is the steel tarp.
First thing to note is steel is not the material for the production of steel tarps. Poly and mesh like material is the base of this type of tarp. The name steel tarp is given on the base of its application of covering steel pipe and cables. Other type tarps excluding steel tarp are for the covering of wood and other big loads. These tarps are a favourite because it has certain defined features and qualities that the other tarps do not.
Some of the Features of Steel Tarps:
1. Durable:
Steel Tarps are heavy duty tarps and they are also extremely durable. They are made of mesh, polyethylene and vinyl.
Single Sheet – One of the biggest advantages of using these tarps are that only one single sheet of tarpaulin is enough to cover the cargo. So you do not have to put layers of tarpaulin on the cargo. Just one roll is sufficient to secure the cargo in place perfectly.
2. Lightweight
Such Tarps are extremely light in weight unlike other tarps. So you no longer have to cart along heavy tarpaulin. So for those who want something very portable this is the right type of tarp.
3. Air Circulation
Materials used in making these tarps allow the air to pass through. So along with covering your cargo, they keep the cargo fresh. So when you open your cargo after a long distant travel you will have smelly cargo. As when air is trapped in the cargo, it gets stale and gives out an odour.
4. Firm Fastening
These tarps are having better fastening than the lumber tarps. It can be annoying when vehicle drivers or owners have to tie up their cargo several times to ensure it is fastened. It is necessary to tie up the cargo firmly to resolve the problem of shifting due to jerks and brakes. With these tarps you do not have to worry about the grip, it provides the best grip available so far.
5. Exclusively for Steel Items
These tarps are very good to fasten steel rods, steel pipes, discs, etc. They have the best hold and steel commodities need a firm hold to keep them in place. So this type of tarp is almost necessary when you are transporting steel goods.
6. Wind Protection
In highways one of the greatest problems is the wind velocity. The wind come with great force and can tear up any tarp especially if the tarp is not tied up well. Thus, to prevent the damage from the strong winds these tarps are firmly fasten.
7. Specially Designed
These come specially designed for steel cargo. They have D rings which help fasten the tarp to the vehicle. It also has a double drop design, which is nothing but two levels of tie ups available. These levels of tie up are having about one and a half feet distance from each other.
8. Strong
This tarp has a very strong texture. In fact they are way stronger than any of the other tarps available in the market. They are made of mesh and vinyl materials. These materials provide excellent protection against moisture and heat. So even if there is a heavy downpour your cargo is safe and even if the sun is really sharp your cargo is safe.
9. Keeps the Cargo in Place
Because of it excellent grip the cargo is in place right till the end of your journey. So if you have placed the items in a particular order you are sure to find the items exactly the way you kept it even after a long journey.
Things to keep in mind before buying a steel tarp:
- Always measure the size of your vehicle– One of the most important thing to do before buying tarps is to measure the size of your vehicle. Do not go by estimate. If you are investing money in a good tarp, the wise thing is to get the right size. Take some time out to measure your vehicle as it would save you a lot of hassles later on. If the size you need is not available always get one by customizing to suit your needs and requirements. Even if it costs more a well fitting tarp would save you a lot of money in the future.
- Good Quality– Irrespective of the material of your tarp, quality is of prime importance. Do not buy something at a sale or at discounted price merely because it looks attractive and cheap. Do not buy something merely because the salesman talked you in to something. Buy something from a reputed place so that you will not have problems later on.
- Check the Details– If the tarp cover says it will withstand the cold, check to see till what degree. A good tarp should be able to withstand cold up to -30 degrees. It is no use picking up something that can withstand up to -5 degrees, especially if you live in an area where the winter temperature could dip up to -10. Check to see what the maximum heat it can withstand. Once again it will be of no use if the heat limit of the tarp is lower than what you usually experience in your climate.
- Choose a good colour– If you are one of those who live in a dusty environment then choosing a darker colour tarp would be very beneficial. If you are somebody who lives in a spic and span environment, then buying some light interesting colours can be a lot more fun.
All you need to know about tarps is there in the above content. A complete summary gives you the knowledge about the type of tarps. It also includes the things you need to keep in mind before choosing tarps. This is merely a guide to help you with your confusions about choosing the right tarp.
