PE and PVC tarpaulins play a crucial role in covering and protecting a wide range of materials, equipment, and facilities from external factors such as rain, wind, snow, dust and debris, this comprehensive guide aims to help readers choose between PE (Polyethylene) Tarpaulin and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) tarpaulin, we will delve into the properties, benefits, features, manufacturing process, coatings, reinforcements, and factors to consider when buying PE and PVC tarpaulins that meet your application-specific needs.
What is PE Tarpaulin?
PE (Polyethylene) Tarpaulin is essentially made from a large sheet of Polyethylene (PE) laminated woven tarpaulin fabric which covers exposed truck loads during transit and transportation of goods, while it protects construction sites, agriculture applications, storage shelters, outdoor activities, and disaster relief from environmental factors such as rain, wind, ultraviolet light, sunlight, wind, water, moisture, and chemicals and precipitation. PE tarpaulin fabric material is strong, water-proof and resistant to stretching, and other elements.
PE tarpaulin can be either Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), or Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW), in addition, PE tarpaulin comes in different woven polyethylene, cross-weaved fabric, double-coated PE film, thickness, size, color, reinforced grommets, rope, accessories, and customized features.
PE tarpaulin is commonly referred to as polyethylene tarpaulin or poly tarp.
What is PVC Tarpaulin?
PVC Tarpaulin is known for its high-strength fabric, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, UV rays, moisture, mildew, chemicals, and flames, thanks to the industrial-grade Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric, PVC laminated or PVC coated tarpaulin material and heat-sealed seams, which ensure extreme protection under tough conditions. Heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin is widely used for covering construction material, bricks, scaffolding, and surface protection from extreme atmospheric conditions, rain, wind, sun, dust, debris and theft.
PVC tarpaulin is popular for covering trucks and safeguarding trailer loads and equipment, wagons, and cargo transport vehicles; this protects your load on the road from falling and reduces the risk of accidents during transit. PVC tarpaulins are ideal for industrial facilities and warehouses, farms, livestock shelters, temporary haven tents, event tents, exhibitions, sports, swimming pools, outdoor recreational areas, camping, etc.
PVC tarpaulin, also known as polyvinyl chloride tarpaulin or PVC tarp.
Applications of PE and PVC Tarpaulins
PE and PVC tarpaulin is a versatile covering and shading material which is particularly used to protect materials, machinery and facilities from deterioration caused mainly by factors affecting weather such as rain, wind, humidity and temperature, sunlight, and UV radiation. PE and PVC tarpaulin are specially designed to meet the requirements of various industries including:
PE Tarpaulins
PE Tarpaulins are widely used for the following industries:
Transportation and Cargo
Safety is critical for the transportation and cargo industry, PE (Polyethylene) tarpaulin is an efficient solution for covering and protecting loads during transport and shipping, due to the high-strength fabric, and waterproof properties, PE tarpaulins prevent loads from falling off on the way, and securing cargo during transportation and shipping till it reaches its final destination in optimal conditions.
Besides this, PE tarpaulins protect goods from wind, rain, snow, sunlight and other sources of damage, therefore, PE tarpaulin is a reliable trucking tarp cover for securing goods in cargo trailers, lorries, railway wagons, cargo storage, containers as well as ship and bulk carrier transport. Also, PE tarpaulins are a reliable cover that protects raw materials such as iron, coal, and grains from manufacturing facilities to ports, whether you are transporting your cargo by land, sea, or air, using PE tarpaulins can prevent damage or loss of goods, money and reputation.
Agriculture and Farming
PE tarpaulins are indispensable for multiple agricultural and farming applications, farmers rely on Polyethylene tarpaulins (PE) to cover and shield their machinery, equipment, and agricultural supplies, also, PE tarpaulin is widely used as shades for agricultural facilities, shelters for livestock, hay bales cover, liner materials for irrigation canals, mulching tarpaulin and geomembrane tarpaulin, thanks to its strong fabric which can withstand heavy excessive rain, wind, sunlight, UV radiation, frost or hail. Also, most farmers use PE tarpaulins as crop cover, silage cover, hay cover, greenhouse cover, grain storage cover, aquaculture tank cover, fish tank cover and more. Hence, PE tarpaulins create an effective barrier against the elements that impact negatively the quality of agricultural and farming products, or cause damage to plant growth.
Camping & Outdoor Recreation
PE tarpaulin is a portable, lightweight, and easy-to-set-up cover, it is designed to offer campers excellent protection in outdoor settings like camping, hiking, climbing, outdoor adventures, outdoor gardens, and outdoor events. Moreover, PE tarpaulins are ideal to cover outdoor swimming pools, backyard pools, picnic areas, outdoor recreational areas, and sports facilities, they are also used as temporary shelters, tents, flooring for camping sites, awnings, etc. Given its tough, weatherproof, anti-scratch, anti-tear, and anti-puncture fabric, PE tarpaulins act as a reliable barrier in overall weather conditions, such as rain, wind, sun, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and harsh environments, and at the same time, it makes camping experience more comfortable.
Marine and Boating
PE tarpaulins are preferred for marine applications such as covering boats, vessels, sails, marine equipment, and general marine purposes, due to the marine-grade fabric, 100% waterproof polyethylene, rot-proof material, and UV blocking properties, PE tarpaulin is widely used to shield boats from the climates, severe marine conditions, seawater, saltwater, rips, abrasion, UV degradation, rain, wind, humidity, sun, downpour, bird droppings, sand, dust and debris.
Also, PE tarpaulins are resistant to tearing, ripping, mould and mildew growth. PE tarpaulin is mainly designed to protect boats from potential fatigue and degradation that can damage the structure, while it prevents water penetration and ensures effective air circulation. Additionally, PE tarpaulins can be tailored to cover entirely complex boat or yacht shapes and fit the size of different watercraft or marine applications. PE tarpaulin lightweight making it easy to carry around, it is easy to clean and can last for decades longer if cleaned and stored properly.
PVC Tarpaulins
PVC Tarpaulins are indispensable for various industries including the following:
Construction
PVC tarpaulins are mainly used as temporary shelters and enclosures for the construction and building industry, during construction projects, PVC tarps are utilized to protect the underlying structures from potential damage, scaffolding, and exposed areas in construction sites from adverse effects of rain, snow, wind, dust, debris containment, due to the heavy-duty polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, PVC tarpaulin is resistant to water repellency, rot, ultraviolet light and ageing, moreover, PVC tarpaulins can prevent water and dust seepage into structures.
Besides this, PVC tarpaulins are made from high-strength polyester filament fabric and coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) paste resin or laminated on both sides. Also, heavy-duty PVC tarpaulins are used for a wide range of construction applications such as temporary tents, and covering roofs during construction or repair, PVC tarpaulins serve as a cover for brick, wood, stacks, supplies and other tools.
Machinery Cover
PVC heavy-duty tarpaulin is excellent for covering machinery and equipment in industrial buildings, factories, production plants, and storage facilities, PVC tarpaulin is long-lasting, weather-resistant and multipurpose, it can cover indoor and outdoor heavy-duty machines and large equipment during shipping or transport.
PVC tarpaulins are essential to protect machinery from UV rays, direct sunlight, water, wind, dust, moisture, and inclement weather conditions, this prevents industrial machine damage, unnecessary maintenance costs and depreciation of expensive machinery. Machinery PVC tarpaulin covers are available in a wide range of sizes, thicknesses, colours, reinforced corners and metal grommets while different types of coating and lamination can be applied, and can be also custom-made to suit all sorts of shapes.
Disaster Relief
PVC tarpaulin is proven to be extremely durable, waterproof and tear-resistant, these characteristics make it a reliable shelter for disaster refugees, especially in emergencies such as natural disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes, heavy rain, and flooding.
Also, relief organizations depend on PVC tarpaulins to create temporary shelters, and emergency housing in displacement camps, disaster-stricken areas, disaster-affected areas or conflict zones. Thanks to the PVC thermal tarpaulins with foam which help create insulated shelters for refugees in environmental emergency conditions. Disaster aid relies on heavy-duty PVC tarpaulins to protect equipment and supplies from harsh weather conditions. PVC tarpaulins are also used as humanitarian tarpaulins, medical first aid agency tarpaulins, maritime rescue, army tents, and more.
Events and Exhibitions
PVC tarpaulin is used to create temporary structures such as outdoor event tents, marquee tents, pavilion tents, trade fair exhibition tents, exhibition booths, concerts, trade show tents and displays, and indoor and outdoor signage and promotional banners. However, high-quality event tarpaulin is made from heavy-duty fabric with reinforced edges and rust-resistant eyelets, it is extremely durable, weatherproof, waterproof, tear-resistant, fire-resistant and UV-treated.
Event tarpaulins are 100% customizable; they can be tailored to meet virtually the space requirements of large-scale events and any conceivable event (clearspan lengths, widths, heights and high points), besides this, event organizers can choose from a large selection of PVC fabrics, features, colors, customizable printing, screen printing, graphics and accessories that suit all occasions including outdoor wedding, birthday, school event, business event, and the like.
Types of PE and PVC Tarpaulins
There are several types of PE (Polyethylene) tarpaulin and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) tarpaulin that vary in size, thickness, material, properties, coating, lamination, colors, logo printing, features, and accessories (reinforcement eyelets, holders, straps, and ropes). The most common types of PE and PVC Tarpaulins are the following:
Multi-layer Tarpaulin
Cross Laminated Tarpaulin
Heavy-Duty PVC Tarpaulin
Coated Tarpaulin
Flame Retardant Tarpaulin
High-Density Polyethylene Tarpaulin (HDPE)
Woven High-density black Polyethylene (HDPE) Fibers
Medium Density Polyethylene Tarpaulin (MDPE)
Low-Density Polyethylene Tarpaulin (LDPE)
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Tarpaulin (LLDPE)
Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Tarpaulin (UHMW)
Ultra-low-molecular-weight Polyethylene Tarpaulin (ULMW)
High-molecular-weight polyethylene Tarpaulin (HMWPE)
High-density cross-linked Polyethylene Tarpaulin (HDXLPE)
Cross-linked Polyethylene Tarpaulin (PEX or XLPE)
Very-low-density Polyethylene Tarpaulin (VLDPE)
Chlorinated Polyethylene Tarpaulin (CPE)
Features of PE and PVC Tarpaulins
PE (Polyethylene) Tarpaulins and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Tarpaulins are available in a wide range of features that meet the optimal performance of different industries’ applications, these features include:
Size and Thickness
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
Weight
Color and Opacity
Eyelets (aluminum, plastic, brass, nickel eyelets)
Grommet Spacing
Corner Reinforcements
Accessories (holders, mesh, straps, and ropes)
Lamination
Coating
UV Stabilizers
Fire-retardant additives
Flame retardancy
Tear Strength
Waterproof, Rotproof and Shrinkproof
Benefits of PE and PVC Tarpaulins
PE and PVC tarpaulins offer distinct benefits to a wide range of coverings and groundsheet applications, these benefits include:
Durability
PE and PVC tarpaulin can last anywhere up to 15 years, due to the material’s Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) strength, PVC tarpaulin offers substantial weather protection in all conditions, however, when compared with PE tarpaulin, PVC tarpaulin proved to be more durable than PE tarpaulins, this makes it suitable for demanding applications with exposure to hot or cold temperatures.
Therefore, PVC tarpaulins are preferred for long-term heavy-duty usage and outdoor applications characterized by harsh environments, whereas, PE tarpaulin has a shorter lifespan and lasts normally about 3 years, the PE material is prone to puncture and damage in heavy-use environments, it is also susceptible to temperature variations, PE proved to be brittle in extremely cold temperatures and this can lead to tearing and cracking, for that, PE tarpaulin is normally strengthened by various techniques such as weaving, coatings, and reinforcements which contribute to PE tarpaulin’s ability to resist extreme environmental conditions.
UV Resistance
PE and PVC tarpaulins are highly resistant to UV rays, due to their excellent UV-resistant properties and UV stabilizers, PE and PVC tarpaulins can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation, without causing premature degradation, deterioration or fading, these characteristics make PE and PVC tarpaulins suitable for outdoor applications, construction sites, farms, storage shelters, temporary shelters, camping, exhibitions and events, etc.
Easy to clean
PE and PVC tarpaulins are easy to clean and maintain, regular cleaning is essential to protect PE and PVC tarpaulins from mold, mildew, acids, bird droppings, pollution and deterioration. PE and PVC tarpaulins are regularly cleaned with mild soap and a soft brush to remove dust and debris, after that, they can be rinsed with water; however, it is preferable to avoid chemicals which might impact negatively the material. Also, to avoid damage and extend the lifespan of PE and PVC tarpaulins, they should be properly folded and stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Waterproof
PE and PVC tarpaulins are made of water-resistant fabrics and waterproof properties that protect a wide range of applications against water, heavy rainfall, snow, moisture, mold, and mildew, thanks to the PE (Polyethylene) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) properties which repel water, prevent seepage and eliminate water damage. Waterproof PE tarpaulins are rainproof and dustproof, these characteristics make PE and PVC tarpaulins suitable for temporary shelters in outdoor settings, covering surfaces and protecting goods and equipment.
Recyclability
PE and PVC tarpaulins are made from a thermoplastic material that is not easily biodegradable and potentially contributes to plastic pollution if not properly reused or recycled, due to its reusability and recyclability, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarpaulin helps reduce the negative impacts of plastics on the environment, while it diverts PE and PVC tarpaulins plastic are often diverted into the recycling plants after usage, this contributes to the circular economy instead of filling up the landfills, and reduces harmful greenhouse gas released from dumping plastic waste.
Manufacturing of PE and PVC Tarpaulins
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Tarpaulin
Polyvinyl chloride (“vinyl”) is the world’s third-most widely used synthetic polymer of plastic (after polyethylene), PVC is the primary raw material for PVC tarpaulins, the production process starts by mixing PVC resin and additives such as UV stabilizers, anti-static agents, flame retardants, and colorants into the resin to enhance the raw material properties and increase its flexibility and resistance.
PVC tarpaulins are manufactured through an extrusion process which consists of feeding the resin into an extruder barrel to get heated to the melt temperature and shaped into continuous film or sheet. Hereafter, the PVC film is coated vinyl with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) paste resin and an anti-fungal agent, and then it is cut to size. Also, PVC tarpaulins can be laminated to enhance the strength of the material, waterproofing, and UV resistance, while it can be shaped, heat-sealed, stitched, reinforced with high-stress points, corners or edges, grommets are added (plastic or metal eyelets), the PVC tarpaulins can be embossed or customized according to user needs.
PE (Polyethylene) Tarpaulin
PE tarpaulins are mainly made from PE (Polyethylene) resin and additives, however, PE resin properties vary according to the tarp’s strength, on the other hand, the resin composition and additives depend on the intended application requirements of PE tarpaulins, while fire-retardants are added during the manufacturing process to ensure fire resistance.
The production of PE tarpaulins undergoes a series of processes that include melting and extruding the raw material into thin tapes which are woven to create a strong polyethylene (PE) fabric. After that, the woven fabric surface is coated using different coating technologies such as dip coating, and hybrid coating; lamination can be also applied onto the woven fabric surface using a molten film of LDPE or LLDPE plastic films, which is solidified to a protective layer.
Tarpaulins can be made from different types of Polyethylene (PE), the most commonly used in PE tarpaulins are HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and LDPE (low-density polyethylene), however, compared to LDPE, HDPE offers greater strength, rigidity and high density,
Installation of PE and PVC Tarpaulins
PE and PVC tarpaulins are mainly designed to offer a secure fit to a wide range of covering applications, thanks to the reinforced fabric, heavy-duty eyelets, and strong edges which provide additional safety and stability in high wind and adverse weather conditions.
PE and PVC tarpaulins are lighter in weight and flexible, these characteristics make PE and PVC tarpaulins easy to handle and install, however, PE and PVC tarpaulins are vulnerable to strong wind, inclement weather and hazards, to ensure stability, and prevent draping off or dislodging if not properly installed, different types of accessories are used to install PE and PVC tarpaulin such as brackets, clamps, fasteners, connectors, clips, droppers, tie-down ropes, bungee cords, metal stakes and more. Additionally, PE and PVC tarpaulin can be fixed to the ground, while it can be tightly fixed to cargo trucks, heavy vehicles or equipment using ratchet straps (tie-downs).
Conclusion
PE and PVC tarpaulins are indispensable for protecting assets, and prolonging the lifespan of different materials, goods and equipment, whether you are looking for a PE or PVC tarpaulin to protect your construction site material, agricultural facilities crops, or covering goods during transportation, whatever is the type of your application, PE and PVC tarpaulins are excellent for indoor and outdoor use, and provide a reliable barrier against environmental elements.
However, when choosing between PE and PVC tarpaulins, consider your industry requirements, type of application, usage (heavy-duty, temporary, or long-term uses), quality standards, material properties, and environmental factors.
