More from: Throw Tarps

Demolition Tarps vs. Dumpsters: Which Is Right for You?

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Demolition projects produce waste. How you get rid of that waste is where the real challenge is. If you are working a small project that only produces a handful of timbers and some drywall, you might be able to put the waste out with your weekly trash. Anything more and you will need either a dumpster or demolition tarp.

Dumpsters and demo tarps are the best means of disposal when you’re working on full room demolitions. For example, you might be remodeling your kitchen from floor to ceiling. Between the old cabinets, countertops, and all the timber and drywall, your weekly trash pickup is not going to be adequate.

If you run a construction company specializing in remodeling projects, you will not get away with the weekly trash haul either. So the question becomes one of dumpster versus demo tarp. Which one is right for you?

Yardage vs. Weight

One of the key differences between dumpsters and demolition tarps is how capacity is measured. Dumpster capacity is measured in cubic yards or feet. It is pretty simple. Dumpster providers measure the amount of empty space inside a unit and call that the capacity. They don’t worry much about weight for the most part.

Demolition tarps, on the other hand, are rated by weight. This is done out of necessity. Because a demo tarp lays flat on the ground, there’s no way to measure its capacity in cubic feet or yards. Moreover, a demolition tarps has to be lifted off the ground and loaded onto a truck. As such, the weight of the load is more important than its volume.

 

Things to Consider When Making Your Choice

Now that you know how dumpsters and demolition tarps are rated in terms of capacity, let’s talk about making the best choice for your needs. There are a few things to consider:

1. Waste Volume

Despite the fact that demolition tarps are rated by weight, you still have to consider volume. Let’s say you order a 10-yard dumpster. If the total volume of your demolition waste rises too high above the top of the dumpster, your provider may not be able to pick it up and carry it away. So when volume is a concern, demo tarps might be a better option.

2. Number of Uses

A dumpster is a single use product for your purposes. You are only going to rent a dumpster once on any given construction project. If you are a contractor and you prefer using dumpsters, you will have to arrange dumpster rental for every project.

On the other hand, a good demolition tarp can be used on multiple jobs. You just have to make sure you get the tarp back after the waste is hauled away. Or you may choose to dispose of your tarps along with the waste. In such cases you would have to compare the cost of a disposable demo tarp against that of dumpster rental.

Length of Use

The next consideration is the length of time you will be using your waste disposal solution. If demo is going to take several days, consider the weather. A dumpster will collect water and so may add to your disposal costs based on weight. You might also have to pay more for dumpster rental if you need it for more than a couple of days.

There are other considerations, including local ordinances and the amount of space you have to work with. At any rate, we believe demolition tarps are a better option in many cases. They may be the right option for you as well.

Drip Diverters: A Smart Solution to a Big Problem

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A drip diverter is a purpose-built device intended to capture leaking water and divert it away from sensitive areas. Drip diverters come in many different forms, including the tarps we sell here at Mytee Products. Our drip diverter tarps are ideal for truck drivers, farmers, RV owners, and others.

The most important thing to know about the drip diverter is that it is offered only as a temporary solution to a potentially big problem. Relying on diversion for too long, rather than addressing the root of the problem, only leads to bigger problems down the road.

Drip Diverters on the Farm

We sell a lot of drip diverters to farmers. It turns out that these highly utilitarian products have plenty of great uses ranging from keeping tractor seats dry to making sure feeding areas are not deluged by summer rains. We have even worked with farmers who want drip diverters to protect their hay.

Imagine a barn filled with hay for the winter. Much to the farmer’s delight, the hay stays dry – unless the roof suddenly springs a leak. The last thing that farmer wants to do is climb on top of the barn in the middle of winter to affect repairs. Enter the drip diverting tarp.

The diverter can be hung from the ceiling directly underneath the leak. Then it can be angled in such a way as to divert the water away from the hay. This is not a solution we would recommend long-term, but it will get the farmer through until nicer spring weather allows for roof repairs.

Truck Drivers and Drip Diverters

If you think truck drivers do not have any use for drip diverting tarps, think again. Truck drivers are known for doing all sorts of ingenious things with limited resources. There is a lot they can do with a drip diverter.

For example, you might have a truck driver who likes to sit outside his rig at the end of a long day. A drip diverter makes a perfect canopy so that he’s not stuck inside the cab if it’s raining. That same drip diverter can be used as a temporary solution if the sleeper cab springs a leak in the middle of a trip. It will do the trick until the driver can get his rig in for repair.

We have seen truck drivers use their drip diverters as impromptu sun blockers as well. In the right position, a folded drip diverter can block portions of the side window, thus keeping the sun at bay without affecting the driver’s ability to view side mirrors.

The All-Purpose Tarp

Most of the customers we sell drip diverters to are farmers and truck drivers. But really, this is an all-purpose tarp that has plenty of uses beyond what has been described here. RV owners use drip diverters to keep rain off their picnic tables and grills. They use them to cover their gas tanks during travel.

At home, drip converters can be used in the garage the same way a farmer would use one in the barn. In short, drip diverters are a temporary solution to a big problem. By catching water and the diverting it away from sensitive areas, a drip-diverting tarp can save you a ton of money and a lot of hard work by preventing a minor leak from becoming a major disaster.

We invite you to check out our inventory of drip diverters. We offer three sizes: 10′ x 10′, 7′ x 7′, and 5′ x 5′. Each one is constructed with vinyl-coated material and heavy-duty grommets in the corners.

4 Things to Know About Demolition Tarps Before Purchase

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Demolition tarps are an alternative to dumpsters for clearing away construction debris. They are ideal for remodeling companies, roofers, and others engaged in residential or commercial construction.

Mytee Products now carries a limited selection of demolition tarps for your convenience. Each of our tarps is made with heavy-duty vinyl and includes built-in, reinforced lifting points. We offer three sizes of demolition tarps: 12′ x 12′, 12′ x 20′, and 20′ x 20′.

With all the formalities behind us, here are four important things to know about demolition tarps:

1. They Have Weight Limits

This should be obvious, but there are people who buy demolition tarps without being aware of the volume of construction debris they plan to dispose of. Unlike a dumpster, you cannot apply the principle of ‘if it fits, throw it on the pile’ to a demo tarp.

Exceeding the weight limit of a demo tarp means risking tarp failure when it is eventually lifted into the air. Pay attention to load limits when you order. If none of our tarps can handle the kind of weight you are thinking, you’re probably not going to find something to meet your needs in a single load. Consider buying two tarps instead.

2. They Aren’t Necessarily Disposable

Demolition tarps are typically thought of as disposable tarps. That makes sense when you consider the non-commercial products often pitched by residential waste haulers. Their demo tarps are intended to be disposable by design. But that is not true of every demo tarp.

Our demolition tarps are designed to be used time and again. We cannot guarantee how many uses you will get out of your tarp, but it will be more than just one. As a multi-use device, a commercial grade demolition tarp should offer years of reliable service.

3. Permits May Still Be Required

It is understandable that someone might want to avoid renting a dumpster if local permitting issues add to the burden of doing so. But opting for a demolition tarp instead may not be a suitable workaround. More often than not, local permitting relates to the demolition job itself rather than the means of hauling away waste. So opting for a demolition tarp in order to avoid applying for permit really isn’t wise.

Also note that some municipalities requiring permits for dumpsters also require the same permits for demolition tarps. There is no way to know for sure without checking with your local authorities. If you do need a permit, get one. Don’t take any chances with the law.

4. Not Everything Is Appropriate for a Demo Tarp

Finally, keep in mind that demolition tarps are not appropriate for every form of construction waste. There are multiple things to consider in this regard.

First, there are some kinds of construction materials that could potentially damage a demolition tarp if you’re not careful. This may not be an issue if you’re planning for a single use but be aware if you have any plans to use your demolition tarp more than once. Be careful of glass, pieces of metal with sharp ends, and the like.

A second thing to consider is that your local municipality may have recycling requirements. You may not be allowed to dispose of glass along with construction debris, for example. Your local laws may require you to recycle certain kinds of wood and stone materials. The point here is to check local regulations before you decide how you are going to handle construction waste.

Demolition tarps have many uses and it we recommend doing your research before you invest in them or any other tarps.

Why Smart RV Owners Cover Their Rigs

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RV and trailer owners are under no legal mandate to cover their rigs during the off-season. There aren’t any standard manufacturer recommendations, either. Yet Mytee Products has no problem selling RV and trailer covers year-round. The more covers we stock, the more we seem to sell.

There is a reason that Smart RV owners cover their rigs during the off-season. In fact, there are five reasons. Each one is explained below. If you own an RV or camping trailer that is not normally covered over the winter, you might want to reconsider your storage strategy.

1. UV Rays Aren’t Good for RVs

You already know that UV rays are not good for your eyes, right? Well, they aren’t good for your RV either. Constant exposure to UV rays can break down the seals around windows, doors, air conditioning units, etc. That could mean leaks that lead to quite a bit of interior damage.

UV rays aren’t a problem when you cover your rig. Whether you live in a climate that still sees plenty of sun during the winter or you are confined to a colder, more overcast environment, a cover keeps damaging UV rays out.

2. High Interior Temperatures Aren’t Good

Allowing the interior temperature of your RV or trailer to get too high isn’t good for its internal components. High temperatures can slowly degrade cabinetry, plumbing, and even electronics. You ideally want to keep internal temperatures at 80° or less whenever possible. Covering your rig during the off-season does the trick.

3. Water on the Roof Can Cause Problems

One of the biggest problems that RV and trailer owners face during the off-season is the accumulation of snow, ice, and water. This is generally not a problem during the season because travel takes care of any accumulated water. But during the off-season, there could be problems.

A cover keeps water from accumulating directly on the roof surface. In so doing, it prevents backups that could lead to leaks around vents and A/C units. The more water you can keep off the roof during the off-season, the better off your rig will be.

4. Finishes and Graphics Fade

The finish and graphics on any RV or trailer will gradually fade over time. But there’s no need to accelerate the process by leaving your rig unprotected in the off-season. Throw a good quality RV or trailer cover on your rig and you’ll notice your finish and graphics don’t fade nearly as fast. That will help maintain the rig’s resale value as well.

5. Dirt and Debris Can Stain

Have you ever seen older RVs and trailers with obvious black streaks and splotches? Those are likely stains left by mother nature. All sorts of dirt and debris she deposits on your rig can break down and leave stains in its wake. From decomposing leaves to dead insects, there are lots of things in nature that could leave their mark behind.

Once again, an RV or trailer cover is the solution. Let your cover get stained and streaked rather than your rig. You are going to fold up and store it away during the season anyway. Better that your cover should look ugly than your rig.

Remember that a proper fit is key to using an RV or trailer cover to its maximum potential. Mytee Products offers a variety of sizes for most standard RVs and trailers. So be sure to check sizes as you shop. If you cannot find something appropriate to your RV or trailer, please contact us and let us know. There’s a good chance we can locate what you need.