Tarpaulin Uses in Construction Sites: A Guide

Tarps assist construction materials with maintaining quality until installation. Cover new concrete pours, asphalt, and gravel to retain moisture until completely restored. This assists the building materials with achieving maximum strength and durability. There are several factors to consider while selecting a Tarpaulin material for a construction project. The most common options include:

Tarpaulin Material for Construction Projects

Polyethylene Tarpaulin:

PE is an inexpensive, lightweight material that provides respectable water resistance. However, it is only suitable for protecting against light rains and moisture. It may degrade more quickly from sunlight exposure. PE tarpaulins are best for temporary purposes like covering lumber stacks.

PVC Tarpaulin:

PVC tarps are thicker and more durable than PE models. They also offer flame retardant properties for added safety. PVC withstands moderate weather and resists punctures better. It is a decent general-reason tarpaulin material suitable for medium-duty utilizes.

Vinyl-Coated Polyester Tarpaulin:

Reinforced with a polyester scrim layer, these tarpaulins are extremely strong and tear-resistant. The vinyl coating provides long-lasting waterproofing even in harsh environments. Vinyl-coated polyester is engineered to hold facing heavy rains, snow, wind, and direct sun without degrading over years of purpose. It is the most appropriate for demanding construction applications.

Canvas Tarpaulin:

Known for its durability and flexibility, Canvas Tarpaulin is liked by certain contractors. However, they are not completely waterproof and may absorb moisture if exposed for extended periods. Canvas is generally used for covering equipment on construction sites.

Reinforced Polymer Tarpaulin:

Materials like reinforced polyethylene, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene can also be used to manufacture tarps. They offer strength and puncture resistance for heavy-duty tasks.

Common Sizes of Tarpaulins Used in Construction

Tarpaulins are available in a wide range of standardized sizes to accommodate different construction needs. Here are the absolute most common sizes used in the industry:

8 x 10 feet:

Smaller tarpaulins in the 8×10 size are helpful for covering individual items like stacks of lumber or pipes. They are affordable and easy to transport.

10 x 12 feet:

The 10×12 tarpaulin is a practical standard size that offers great coverage for many tasks. It can shield deliveries of materials like block or rebar as well as small equipment.

10 x 20 feet:

For construction requiring coverage of a larger surface area, the 10×20 tarpaulin is a common choice. It is adequate for wrapping packaged framing lumber or siding materials.

12 x 16 feet:

Offers a liberal covered area. The 12×16 size tarpaulins are appropriate to use as makeshift roofing over scaffolding or for covering unfinished flooring between levels.

Custom Sizes:

Extremely large tarps may be special ordered in customized dimensions. These extra-long tarps can shield an entire building foundation footprint or span multiple truck beds for hauling loads.

Tarpaulin Applications in Foundation Construction

Tarps are invaluable during the foundation phase of construction for protecting materials and the building site. A few ways tarpaulins are used include:

Covering Block and Concrete Supplies:

Tarps can shield deliveries of concrete blocks, bricks and bagged concrete mix from precipitation until they are installed. This forestalls deterioration of the building materials.

Protecting Gravel Bases:

A tarpaulin is often laid out to completely cover and encase the gravel or squashed stone base laid within the foundation forms before pouring concrete. This guarantees the base layer does not get saturated from rain. Read More

Covering Concrete Work:

Newly poured concrete foundations require covering with a tarpaulin to retain moisture as they fix. Tarps are also used to shield partially relieved foundation walls during subsequent pours.

Temporary Roofing:

On windy construction sites, tarps can act as a temporary weatherproof roofing membrane over an open foundation. This enables framing to continue under cover.

Defending the Work Area:

A large tarpaulin staked around the perimeter creates a protective barrier and shielded working zone. It keeps the foundation project safeguarded until fenced in area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will a tarpaulin last?

A: A quality tarpaulin made from a durable material like vinyl-coated polyester or heavyweight PVC can typically remain in service for 5-7 years with legitimate care and storage. Thinner polyethylene tarps may only last 1-3 seasons of regular use. Read This

Q: What is the weight limit for tarps?

A: Weight limits vary depending on tarpaulin material and size. As a general guideline, an average 10’x12′ tarp can withstand 200-300 pounds of uniformly distributed load. Heavier duty tarps may support 500+ pounds. It’s ideal to really look at manufacturer specifications.

Q: Can I leave a tarpaulin on all winter?

A: It’s usually not prescribed to leave a standard tarp installed for more than 3-6 months. UV exposure from sun can rapidly degrade materials over longer durations. Snow or ice buildup may also damage the tarp. For winter-long coverage, consider a heavier duty breathable tarp or temporary roofing membrane.

Q: How do I anchor down a tarpaulin on a jobsite?

A: Common anchoring techniques include hammering tent stakes around the tarp perimeter, filling the edge with gravel or sandbags, guying it out with ropes under tension, or mounting it safely to a construction with grommets, tie-downs or roof attachments. Always utilize professional-grade equipment rated for wind and weather.

Conclusion

Tarps are an invaluable asset for construction projects of all kinds and sizes. From protecting materials during storage and transport to shielding worksites from weather impacts, tarps serve a variety of critical jobs all through the building system. Choosing a tarp made from durable polyethylene, vinyl-coated polyester or PVC materials guarantees optimal performance even in demanding conditions.