How To Choose A Tarp

Tarps are most commonly known throughout the world as basic camping shelters of which there are several different ways in which you can set up. They are also widely used to keep objects and supplies dry in wet weather conditions. Always remember that you should buy a large enough tarp so that it not only covers you from above but from the sides as well. Heavy winds can cause rain to enter your structure horizontally. All depending on your specific needs and location, choosing the correct tarps is vital.

Shapes

The more common tarp shapes that you will come across are rectangular, square and hex shapes. Catenary tarps are rectangular in shape which means that they have curved seams that reduce superfluous material and sag.

Rectangular tarps are often seen as the most suitable against strong winds for their size. This is because of the ridgepole that is places as a foundation. You will find these shapes in tarps for weddings and parties as they ensure safety for all personnel.

Square shaped tarps on the other hand are far lighter but give less protection from harsh weather conditions. Most temporary camping shelters are square in shape as they are easy to build and transport.

Location

One of the most important aspects about setting up your tap is location. Having large sturdy trees nearby will help secure your tarp structure properly. When it gets very windy, setting up your tarp in the most sheltered place can be the difference between enjoyment and torture. 

Simple Directions on How to set up a Canopy Tent

Canopy tents have been designed to be set up as quickly and efficiently as possible. They are often used for various types of events, parties, functions and on camping trips. Setting up your own canopy tent doesn't need to be a hassle, all you need to do is follow a simple formula. While the canopy tent you purchased may have its own system of poles and attachments, every canopy tent generally follows the same basic formula.

Step 1

Once you have chosen the location for your function or event, clear away any small rocks and debris where you want the canopy tent to go. You can then remove your canopy tent from its casing, make sure to do this slowly and safely.

Step 2

Pull out on one side of the tent to open the roof and extend the poles. Pull down on the poles to telescope and lock them into position. Keep your eyes open for metal knobs sticking out from the holes, this will indicate that the tent poles are locked into position. Certain poles make the use of lock dials which secure the poles in place. Turn these dials until the poles are locked into position.

Step 3

Now set the canopy tent on the ground so the roof is up. Once this is done, secure any rope or guy-lines to the ground by hammering them with pegs. Make sure each rope goes in different directions so that the canopy is fully secure against strong winds. 

The Numerous Uses For Super Heavy Duty Tarps

Super heavy-duty tarps are incredibly strong and tear resistant, lasting far long than your ordinary poly tarp. They also protect very well against powerful UV rays.
There are so many terrific uses for super heavy-duty tarps that we have decided to share a few with you below:

Trucking

Super heavy-duty tarps and trucking have gone hand in hand for some time now. It creates a perfect shelter for precious cargo all the while shading it from unwanted weather conditions.

Protecting and Storing Lumber

After cutting and harvesting large amounts of lumber, you need to protect it from harsh weather conditions. Super heavy-duty tarps are a great way to protect your harvest as you can purchase these tarps in the sizes that you require for a reasonable price.

Protect Your Barbecue

If you are a barbecue fanatic, there is a good chance that you would like to find a cheap and effective way to protect your barbecue at home. A super heavy-duty tarp is the best solution as it can be shaped to fit your barbecue perfectly and it doesn't cost the earth. You can use it season after season all the while keeping your barbecue like new.

Portable Garage Canopies Are Fantastic

If you are one of those people who park your vehicle or leave your equipment outside uncovered, you should really consider getting yourself a portable garage canopy. With a portable garage canopy, you are subjecting your goods to risk each and every day. The last thing you want to do is damage your investments and bring their value down.

 No matter whether you need to protect a large vehicle or a number of valued investments, you can rest assured that your portable garage canopy will block out any threatening weather. Harmful UV rays can be a vehicle owners’ worst nightmare, hitting your vehicle throughout the day it can cause permanent damage in no time at all. Constant rain and snow can also play havoc on your beloved vehicle; causing rotting and dampness if it manages to get inside.

A portable garage canopy is great for every day and seasonal use. Protect a car or truck from daily sun exposure by parking them inside a portable garage canopy. Easy in and out access is yet another fantastic reason to purchase yourself a portable garage canopy. Never worry about clearing the snow off your vehicle again when you park it underneath a portable garage canopy. Some vehicles like boats and motorcycles are not used year round, however. Keep them inside a portable garage canopy in the off season to keep them maintained and not lose their value. You spent a lot of money on your vehicles, and it is worth spending a little more to ensure you preserve their value.

Know Your Poly Tarps

Poly tarps are not only the most popular and most common tarp type in the world, they also come with loads of benefits to the buyer that include:

• If you live in arctic conditions, poly tarps are definitely the best choice for you. Even under extreme cold, poly tarps remain flexible.
• Poly tarps are known to be the cheaper choice with polyethylene being far cheaper to produce than any other type of material.
• If you live where the sun’s rays are particularly harsh, poly tarps are known to handle sun damage extremely well. Your poly tarp will protect your items from the sun for a long period of time before needing to be replaced.
• Setting up a tarp can be quite a difficult task indeed, especially if the tarp is very large.  Luckily, poly tarps weight far less than most other poly materials. This means that when it comes to assembly, none are easier than poly tarps.
• If you cannot find the right poly tarp in your area the good news is that poly tarps are by far the cheapest type of trap to ship, this is because of its light weight.
• Polyethylene is a petroleum based material, this means that when the price of oils goes up the price of poly tarps generally go up as well.
• Poly tarps are often used in the relief of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. 

Using Tarp in an emergency

For those who did not know, Tarpaulin (commonly called tarp) is used in emergency and disaster relief situations all over the world: 

Due to its strong and flexible nature, tarp is an excellent temporary shelter and has been used in disaster situations ranging from earthquakes, floods, fires as well as tornadoes and hurricanes/typhoons. Relief agencies and disaster management organisations  have helped save thousands of lives the world over by using tarp material in the construction of emergency relief shelters in very many varying places including South east Asia after the 2004 Tsunami, The earthquakes in Haiti and Pakistan recently as well as the most recent typhoon in the Philippines. Tarp is used in conjunction with shelter kits as it is UV resistant, storm resistant, water proof (or water resistant). The tarp material is also cheap to manufacture and buy despite its many uses.

Tarp is especially used in cold weather situations: The tarp material is not very permeable. Meaning that particles do not move easily through the material (hence it being UV/water resistant). This also means that the tarp material is a great insulator of heat. 

In cold weather climates or certain times of the year, being trapped in cold weather can be life-threatening due to hypothermia. 

If you are in such a situation whether it is a camping trip gone wrong or you stuck in your car on a snow swept road, Tarp can literally save your life.

Poly-fabric welding in the production of Tarpaulin (tarp).

Tarpaulin (more commonly known as Tarp) is a specific sheet covering used in many outdoor recreation activities and industry. Manufactured from canvas or plastics it is waterproof/resistant and very tough.

People have wondered how this material is made so strong, especially the tarp’s designed for industrial applications such as: transporting goods such as chemicals or cars, sealing off hazardous areas (tarp does not ‘’breathe’’) or covering terraces from environmental damage whilst they are being built. 

Tarps due to the heavy wear and tear nature they will be exposed to, need to be designed to be both strong and flexible, but also be able to resist the effects of prolonged UV exposure to ensure a longer lifespan of the tarp material.

Below are some of the techniques used in the production of tarpaulin:

• Hot air welding is a technique used to raise the temperature of the tarp sections close to the weld point by the joint. Often this is used to join irregular shapes of poly-fabric. 
• Wedge Welding is used to seal thinner fabrics. With this technique, the speed, temperature and pressure of the welding process can be tightly controlled. Two pieces of tarp are placed on a heated wedge where the join is supposed to be, the fabric is pulled over the wedge, thus joining the two in an incredibly strong weld. 
• With Frequency Welding, high frequency electromagnetic waves raise the temperature of the tarp material. The plastic is softened, allowing for joining and then sealing of the materials. This is a quick process and can be localized easily for precision work.

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The many uses of Portable Garages

The many advances in technology have these days allowed for Portable Garages to be incredibly versatile, The tough exterior has UVA and UVB protection that prevents harmful rays of the sun from damaging the external surface of your vehicle, ordinarily these sun rays would damage the paint on the scars surface:  

Not only do they provide the stated goal of protecting a vehicle from the elements, but nowadays they can fulfill a number of useful roles, we shall expand on this below: Most portable garages have a storage capacity space of either 2 or 3 cars. If you have more space than cars, the portable garage becomes perfect to store boats, small machinery, tools, bike, lawnmowers and so much more.  

Are you a gardener? Due to their ability to shield objects form strong UV rays, the portable garage can be an ideal temporary green house. Your plants will not get damaged in the summer, and you can easily take the entire structure down when you want to.

So you were hoping to host that outdoor party until the bad weather arrived……Now your portable garage is here to help: it’s spacious and will protect you and your guests from that nasty wind/rain.

If you/your family are keen on camping holidays or just like to spend a lot of time outdoors in nature, the portable garage is ideal: It is easy to assemble/disassemble; it offers extra storage space for items (boat/jet ski, camping goods etc.), it can also shield perishable items such as bread/milk/meat.

Browse Our Selection: http://www.a1tarps.com/portable-garages.html

What to Look for When Buying a Tarp

While you may think that all tarps are made equal, the truth is that they really aren’t. There are many different types of tarps available all with their own unique benefits and uses. If you have been considering purchasing a tarp, we strongly recommend that you keep these points in mind before you hand over your money.

Is the Tarp Fully Waterproof or Not?

Make sure that you read the label on the tarp thoroughly as it should state whether the tarp is fully waterproof or just water resistant. You can speak to a sales consultant at the business you are buying from; they should be able to tell you whether it is right or wrong for your needs. Reading up online in terms or reviews can also give you a clear indication.

How Thick Should My Tarp Be?

Unless you are using your tarp for heavy construction or loading, you don’t need to worry about having a thick tarp. A relatively thin tarp can keep out rain and protect against the elements.

Is the Tarp Durable Enough For My Needs?

If you are looking to tie down important content, make sure that the holes at the ends of your tarp look sturdy and secure. While it may look impressive when you buy it, reading up on reviews from other people’s experiences is definitely the best way to make sure you are getting the best.

What other advice can you share when buying a tarp for the first time? 

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Great Places to Use a Party Tent

Party tents are incredibly versatile and easy to set up, making them perfect when hosting an event or special occasion. Having a party tent means that you and your guest will be protected from any weather conditions that may occur. You can rest assured that your party or event will go smoothly. Here are some fun occasions where a party tent is a must.

Graduation Party

One of the best experiences that any young adult can go through is graduating with a qualification. This is one of the biggest achievements that you can earn in your life and so you should celebrate getting there. Invite all your family and friends for an outdoor lunch or dinner and seat them under your party tent. They will be shaded and relaxed even if it is hot or windy outside.

Music Festivals

If you are in charge of organizing a music festival or live band, you should really consider using party tents. You can set the up I strategic places so that those attending can get shade from the elements. Party goers will be able to enjoy their day and so will you.

Cocktail Evening

If you are having a cocktail evening at your home or a set location, you should considering setting up a party tent. This will shelter you and your guests from the cold evening and prevent any harsh winds or rain ruining your night.

Can you think of any other ideas for a party tent?

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Uses for Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarps

Heavy duty vinyl tarps are extremely handy to have around, this is because they can serve so many useful functions. There are many things that you can use your heavy duty vinyl tarp for around the house and yard. As they come in a variety of colors, sizes and even different materials, they are very versatile indeed.

One of the most popular uses for heavy duty vinyl tarps is to use it for camping and other fun outdoor recreational activities. When really bad weather looks to strike, your regular tent may not be strong enough to withstand the punishment, you can use your heavy duty tarp to reinforce your tent and shelter you. Another great idea is to cover your outside grill with heavy tarp, this way it won’t get damaged in the wet season.  

If you have a heavy duty tarp lying around, you can use it to cover almost anything around the house. As they are waterproof, anything that is underneath will remain nice and dry.

If you are going on a vacation and have filled your car to the brim with cargo, why not use your heavy duty tarp as a cover and place the remaining cargo on your roof. You can rest assured that your belongings care kept safe and sound throughout your journey.

As you can see there really are many uses for your heavy duty tarp. What other suggestions can you make for those heavy duty tarp owners out there?

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Ways A Business Can Use Canopy Tents

Canopy tents can be a great marketing tool for any business looking to gain more exposure for their brand. We thought it would be a good idea to show you a few different ways that your business can use canopy tents to engage with the public and spread the word about your company.

Product Demonstrations

If you have a new product on the market that nobody really knows much about or you want to educate the public more about it, setting up canopy tents for a product demonstration is a great way to create exposure. Visitors can examine the products under the shade of your canopy tents.

Giving Away Samples

A great idea for your business is to use canopy tents to set up a stand and give away free samples of your product to the public. Setting up your canopy tent in a particular way can give your brand a very professional look and feel. People will walk away very happy with their new gifts and spread the word to friends and family.

Sell Any Kind of Food Products

If you are looking to set up a stand at the local fair or event, you can use a canopy tent. It will protect your goods from weather and give it ample shade. Canopy tents give your stand that inviting look, encouraging people to visit your stand and buy your produce.

What other ways can business use canopy tents for?

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Unconventional Uses for Your Tarp

While you may be using your tarp for more conventional uses like a basic cover, there are some amazingly unconventional ways to use your tarp. We thought it would be helpful to give you a few unconventional uses for your tarp.

Quick Shower Curtain

If you have just moved into a new place or your old shower curtain just broke, your tarp can be fashioned into a perfect shower curtain substitute.

Farming

A farmer can use his tarp in many helpful ways. He can cover his hay bales from rain and even use it to cover small crops from harsh weather conditions.

Make Your own Private Area

If you are looking for some privacy while camping, you can use your tarp as a divider. You will have your own temporary space to read or get changed.

Catch Rain Water

By digging a hole in the ground and lining it with a tarp, you can catch rain water that you can either store or transport to another location.

Secure Ground

If you live near a hill that’s ground looks quite loose, you can use your tarp to secure it. You won’t have to worry about landslides anymore.

Make a Sail

One of the scariest things that can happen to you is getting stranded at sea. Luckily, if you packed a tarp in the boat, you can make-shift a temporary sail which you can use to get to shore.

What other unconventional uses can you think of for your tarp? 

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How to Set Up Canopy Tents

While canopy tents come in various sizes, we will explain how to set up a medium sized, metal legged tent with no more than four legs.

Step 1

Start by removing the canopy tents’ material roof from its pocket inside the metal frame cover. Next you should remove the metal frame of your canopy tent from its cover.

Step 2

Place the metal frame so that it is standing on its legs. While you pull on one leg, have someone on the opposite side pull the opposite leg. You don’t have to pull the legs out completely; you just need to make sure that there is enough space between the legs and the center, approximately a foot. Make sure that all four legs are at least a foot from the center.

Step 3

Next place your canopy material roof over the top of your metal framing. Keep your eyes open for the Velcro that is at each corner of the top and make sure you match it to the Velcro on the legs. This helps the roof stay in place while you complete the setup process.  

Step 4

Your canopy should be able to be adjusted in terms of height, place it at its highest setting. At the very top of each of your legs there should be a black brace that has one fitting that helps brace the canopy. This part is rather difficult and will need a strong person to push the metal piece upward until the metal ball snaps into the fitting. This will automatically pull the canopy out to its fullest extension.

Step 5

The last thing to be done is to place stakes in the ground, this will ensure your canopy tent is secure when it gets very windy. 

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Great Ideas for Shade Tents

Shade tents are a fantastic way to keep out of the harmful sun on those hot summer days. Wherever you may be, you can now tack a break and enjoy your day without having to move location. Shade tents are very versatile and can be used in many different situations and locations. To show you how great they are, we have given you some fun ideas on how to use shade tents.

Pool Party

A great way to spend a summer’s day is having a pool party with your friends. The question is, what do you do when it gets too hot and the sun gets too much? Well that were your trust shade tent comes in. It will give you just the right amount of shade so that you can still enjoy your day out.

Tennis Tournament

If you are taking part or watching a local tennis tournament, chances are there will be ample space to set up your shade tent. You can now enjoy the day in the cooling shade while the players do their thing.

Gone Fishing

Fishing can be one of the most relaxing sports you can do; the only problem is that you often need to spend most the day in the sun. Shade tents are easy to assemble and provide you with perfect shade so that you can focus on catching the big one.

What other ideas can you come up with for your shade tent?

Great Uses For a Blue Tarp

Blue tarps have some fantastic uses. They are one of the most common and useful tarps you can buy. We thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of these uses below.

·         With help from some study cord, you can create a pup tent between two sturdy trees. You can use rocks and sticks to pin the edges to the ground.

·         If you have a creative side, why not cut up your blue tarp and fashion yourself a rain poncho. You will never have to get soaked again.

·         If you have a damaged or leaving roof, a blue tarp is the perfect temporary fix.

·         If you love having barbeques but hate having wet wood, use a blue tarp to cover it. Your wood will be dry all year round.

·         On those hot summers days, why not throw your blue tarp on the grass and let the hose run water down it. You now have the perfect water slide for your kids’ entertainment.

·         If you are lost in the wilderness, your blue tarp can be used to flag down helicopters.

·         If you are looking for instant shelter from the sun, your blue tarp can be assembled literally anywhere for a quick fix. Attach it to your vehicle or tree to create the perfect shelter.

·         A blue tarp is great for those that want to set up a temporary stand at a flea market.

What other ideas can you come up with?

Great Uses Of Tarpaulins At Home

Tarpaulins are one of the most common purchases by homeowners. Poly tarps are a very popular choice, as they can be used for many different purposes around the house. They can be used to cover up your kids sand pit, giving your children a safe and dry area to play on.

Tarpaulins are also used to protect valuable cars and boats from the harsh elements. They can give your prized possessions a longer lifespan as rust and damp are removed from the equation.

If you are a wood fire enthusiast, owning a tarpaulin is a great investment. You will be able to keep all your wood as dry as possible, even through heavy rains. You can be assured that your wood will be perfect every time.

If your garden is open to the harsh sunlight, using a tarpaulin like a canopy is a great way to stay shaded. You will be able to enjoy lunches and parties in your garden throughout the summer months.

Canvas tarpaulins also have great uses around the house. You can use them as drop clothes when redecorating your home. You will never have to worry about paint dipping onto you floor or furniture again.

If you ever decide to move to a new home, using canvas tarpaulins as protective covers is a great idea. They will keep the items safe and expel any water if it begins raining.

As you can see there are some great uses for tarpaulins around the house, what others can you suggest?


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Things To Look For When Choosing A Poly Tarp

Due to the wide variety of colors, sizes, weights and prices, poly tarps are one of the most popular choices for consumers. Poly Tarps are typically made of multiple layers with a woven mesh fabric sandwiched between two or more polyethylene sheets. Choosing the right tarps that matches your exact specifications is very important, that is why we have included a few options to look out for.

Thickness

If you are looking for a tarp for retail purposes, you usually are going to go for ones that are around 6 mils thick. If you need the tarp for heavy duty use such as carports, try going for ones that are around 12 mils in thickness. If you are looking for super heavy tarps you are looking at around 23 mils.

Lamination

The majority of poly tarps will be constructed with a mesh fabric that has been laminated between at least two layers of polyethylene film. Some heavy duty and super heavy duty tarps will have an additional layer of black polyethylene laminated within the centre so that it prevents sun rays from penetrating through the tarp. If you are looking for a laminated poly tarp, make sure it is before purchasing.

Waterproof

Most poly tarps are waterproof. The laminated film layers of polyethylene are naturally waterproof. However, some screen poly tarps designed for truck bed covers and sun screens are not waterproof. Make sure your tarp is waterproof if you need it to be. 

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Using A Tarp Instead Of A Tent

The first item that most campers will think of before heading out into the wilderness is a tent. Every camper needs shelter, from the weather and wilds, but before you go out and buy yourself an expensive tent, why don’t you consider using a tarp instead.
A tarp has some great benefits that a tent doesn’t:

Openness

Unlike a tent that is completely closed up from all sides, a tarp allows you to feel like you are one with nature. A tarp doesn’t block you off from the wilds that you came to experience. After-all, isn’t the whole point of camping to experience nature?

Light Weight

A tent usually comes in a large back that you have to carry separately. A tarp on the other hand is super light weight and can fit easily into your main backpack, freeing your hands up for more comfort.

Quick Assembly

When bad weather strikes, a tarp is the quickest thing to put up. A tent has so any components that by the time you are finished, you are soaked. Within a matter of minutes you could be under your tarp shelter, safe from the wet.  

Versatile

The beauty of a tarp is that you can configure it in any shape that you need. This means no matter where you are, you can set up a shelter for yourself. A tent on the other hand is limited to a flat surface and enough ground to peg your spikes.

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Places You Can Use A Shade Tent

A shade tent is an easy and practical way to stay out of direct sunlight. You will never have to worry about burning yourself again. It is simple to assemble and easy to put into place. Every home should consider investing in a shade tent to protect their families from the harsh effects prolonged exposure to the sun can cause.

You can use your shade tent for many different activities. A few are given below to show you how shade tents can be used for practically any outdoor activity.

The Beach 

While we often go to the beach to soak up some sun rays, we can get ourselves into serious trouble if we overexpose ourselves. The sun can burn your skin at an alarming rate. While many beach goers use sun-block, they often don’t have strong enough products, or it gets washed off in the water. Having a shade tent handy allows you to block your skin from the sun rays. Now you can relax on the beach and not have to worry about your skin.

For Your Baby

Whether you are visiting friends and family at the park or spending time with loved ones at an outdoor location, you need to make sure that you baby is well protected from the sun. Babies have a much softer skin than adults, making them more prone to burning. Having a small shade tent handy lets your baby enjoy the day outside.

Concert

If you have been to a concert, chances are that you have been burnt from time to time. While you may have a tent, they often get too hot to sit in during the day. With a shade tent, this isn't a concern as it allows plenty of fresh air through while shading your skin.