How Waterproof Are Canvas Tarps?

Before understanding the concept of colored canvas tarps, everyone should go through the types of tarps available. This helps in understanding the pros and cons of using canvas tarps in detail. Vinyl tarps are used for transportation as they easily handle the weight. Also, they’re not vulnerable to cuts. However, using extremely sharp objects can damage them. In many cases, vinyl tarps satisfy the needs of truck drivers. In comparison to this, plastic tarps are vulnerable to cuts. Thus, they’re not used for handling load. The main property of plastic is to stop the circulation of air. Accordingly, they’re used by drivers for separating the chambers and by Shopkeepers as doors. This helps in reducing the spread of covid-19. Also, as they’re 100% waterproof, the water can’t escape.

A Canvas tarp is way different from the types discussed above. They are also called breathable tarps as they let the air pass. Because of this property, they’re widely used by campers and farmers. Now as per the manufacturing process, the canvas tarps are divided into two categories. These are treated and untreated canvas tarps. Untreated canvas tarps are rolled out in the market without any special process. That’s why they’re water-resistant, not waterproof. The difference between water-resistant and waterproof is that water-resistant tarps repel water for a short period only. However, the waterproof tarps stop the flow of 100% water for a long time.

 Treated canvas tarps are treated with wax during the manufacturing process to repel the water. Accordingly, they’re made waterproof. However, Increasing the Waterproofing capability may also result in reducing breathability. That’s while making them waterproof, the pores are closed. Accordingly, it is difficult for the air to pass. Now let’s check the characteristics of canvas tarps in comparison to the other options:

Vulnerable to The Cuts: Canvas tarps are also more vulnerable to cuts, just like Plastic tarps. Thus, special care is required while handling them. Using them for handling load can easily damage them. When it comes to the physical properties of treated and untreated tarps, both are almost the same. The only difference can be seen between the working. Farmers also use it to control the flow of air and water through canvas tarps. Similarly, campers use canvas tarps for shelters. Here they cannot use plastic ones because the airflow is choked.

Flame Resistant: While manufacturing, the material is treated with fire-resistant material. Accordingly, the canvas tarps are flame resistant. Here, buyers should note down that the canvas tarps are flame resistant not fire-resistant. The difference between both is that flame-resistant tarps can handle fire for a very short period. However, in comparison to this, fire-resistant tarps handle fire for a long time. For example, theater curtains are designed to handle emergency.

Colorful Tarps: Canvas tarps are available in multiple colors. As they’re used for shelters as camps, they’re perfect for photography. Other options like Plastic tarps and vinyl tarps are not available in multiple colors.