Tarpaulins + Covers

Wood Pile Tarp
So you need to cover something to protect it from the elements? Well this page will tell you exactly what to expect from the various types of tarps, covers and shelters and to what uses they are best suited.

Durability
As with most products, you really do get what you pay for with Tarps as they range from simple porous mesh tarps to heavy duty covers designed to provide permanent protection from the elements. Check the descriptions below to make sure you select the right one for the job.


Standard Duty TarpsStandard Duty Tarpaulins
The lowest priced and lightest weight of tarpaulin, these are designed to be used as temporary covers to protect from light showers and short-term protection from the elements.
As with all tarps they must be stored dry and will not survive long-term use in areas of heavy rain, or where water can collect and pool on them.
Typically made of nylon or polyethylene some feature rust-proof eyes, rot and mildew resistance and tear-resistance.


Heavy Duty TarpsHeavy Duty Tarpaulins
Designed to provide better protection from the elements than their lighter weight counterparts, heavy duty tarps are designed to be used as temporary covers to protect machinery, hay bales, sand and bricks, haulage loads or construction projects from the weather.
Choose between water resistant, water proof and breathable types with features such as UV resistance, rust-proof eyelets, nylon reinforcement and materials such as canvas, PVC, polyester as well as various plastics. Breathable canvas and polyester covers, whilst more expensive, provide greater durability than the plastic versions and are longer lasting and more resistant to the weather. However even heavy duty tarps need to be stored in the dry when not in use, and will gradually suffer from long term exposure to sun, water, frost and wind.

Mesh TarpaulinsMesh Tarpaulins
Mesh tarps are porous and provide no protection from wind or rain. They are designed to bundle items together like rubbish, grass and hedge trimmings as the mesh design allows gases and water vapour to escape. Typically made of nylon materials, features can include mildew and rot resistance and rust proof eyelets.
Long term exposure to sunlight, rain and rotting materials will gradually break down the materials used in their construction, causing them to weaken over time.

Vehicle and Machinery CoversVehicle and Machinery Covers
Designed to fit and protect items such as lawn mowers, generators, pressure washers, motorcycles, ATVs, Caravans and Camper Vans, covers are typically made of breathable water-resistant fabrics and provide a quick, convenient and inexpensive way to protect costly machinery from the elements, dust, grime and tree sap. 
When not in use they should be dried and stored dry as exposure to the elements will gradually break down the materials they are constructed from, and water should not be allowed to pool on them as this will shorten the life of the cover significantly.

Permanent SheltersPermanent Shelters
Ranging from frame and cover designs, which provide good medium to long term protection from the elements, to full metal and wooden sheds, permanent shelters are the best way to protect machinery over longer periods of time.
Frame and cover designs are shaped so that water does not pool on them and often feature UV, mould and mildew resistance, however even these can be beaten by storm force gales and blizzards, so if you live on a mountain you should consider a metal, wood or plastic shed with concrete foundations for ultimate durability and long-lasting protection.

Questions You Should Ask Before You Buy a Tarpaulin or Cover 
  • How long will it be used for?
  • What sort of protection is required - sun, wind, rain, snow, mildew, rot, rust?
  • Is it being used as a permanent storage solution? 
  • Will it be dried/stored dry when not in use?
  • Can water pool on it?

If in any doubt our experienced Sales Team can help you to select a cover that suits your requirements, simply call 0845 605 2266


See all Tarpaulins available at Northern Tool.
See all Vehicle covers available at Northern Tool.
See all Permanent Shelters available at Northern Tool.
 
 

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