Have you ever been curious about the absolute thickest, most durable tarp available in the market? Look no further! We're diving into the world of extra heavy duty tarps, exploring the thickest options available and what makes them stand out. These robust coverings aren't just your average backyard accessories – they're the heavyweight champions of the tarp world, ready to tackle the toughest jobs with ease.
In this guide, we'll break down the nitty-gritty of mil thickness, helping you understand what those numbers really mean for tarp performance. We'll also spotlight some top-tier 20 mil tarps that pack a serious punch in durability. Plus, you'll get the lowdown on key factors to keep in mind when picking out a heavy-duty tarp for your specific needs. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional in search of the ultimate protective cover, we've got you covered with all the info you need to make the right choice.
Understanding Mil Thickness in Tarps
What is a mil? When it comes to tarps, thickness isn't measured in inches or centimeters. Instead, we use a unit called a mil. A mil is one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch). This tiny measurement allows for precise gaging of tarp thickness and other thin materials.
How mil thickness affects tarp performance
Mil thickness is a key factor influencing a tarp's resilience and overall effectiveness. A higher mil count translates to a sturdier, more resilient tarp, capable of withstanding harsher conditions and repeated use without succumbing to punctures, abrasions, or tears. Heavy-duty tarps, typically crafted from high-quality materials like polyethylene or PVC, excel in durability and longevity, even in the face of challenging environments.
Common mil thicknesses for tarps
Tarps come in a variety of thicknesses to suit different needs:
- Light-duty tarps: These typically range from 5 to 8 mils. They're perfect for temporary use or mild weather conditions, such as covering furniture or providing short-term shade.
- Medium-duty tarps: Usually between 8 and 12 mils, these offer a balance between durability and affordability.
- Heavy-duty tarps: These tarps typically boast a mil thickness range of 12 to 20, making them well-suited for tougher jobs like shielding construction sites or safeguarding equipment from harsh weather conditions.
- Super heavy-duty tarps: Some tarps, like those offered by Brix Tarps, can reach up to 20 mils or more. These are the heavyweight champions of the tarp world, providing maximum protection and longevity.
It's worth noting that tarp thickness isn't just about the mil count. The material also matters. For instance, polyethylene (PE) tarps are versatile and widely used. These tarps are built upon a foundation of woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh, then further fortified with a layer of polyethylene or PVC, resulting in exceptional strength and durability. Vinyl tarps, on the other hand, are even more heavy-duty. They're constructed from PET and PVC scrims with a double coating of PVC film laminate, offering superior resistance to environmental factors.
Top Heaviest Mil Tarp Options
When it comes to extreme duty and the heaviest mil tarps, 20 mil options stand out as the ultimate champions. These ultra-heavy-duty tarps are crafted from high-quality polyethylene, boasting a material weight of 10 ounces per square yard. Engineered to endure the most punishing conditions, these tarps are the optimal choice for tackling heavy-duty projects where resilience is paramount.
Brix Tarps offers 20 mil Super Heavy Duty Poly Tarps in white or translucent colors. These tarps are 100% waterproof and extremely strong, resisting abrasion, tears, UV rays, and mildew. They're perfect for roof tarps, construction sites, equipment covers, and even pond liners.
What's more, these tarps reflect sunlight effectively, keeping covered areas cooler. They're UV-resistant, ensuring longevity even with prolonged outdoor exposure. With their robust construction, they're ready to tackle any job, from landfill covers to membrane structures.
16 mil super heavy duty tarps
For those seeking a balance between extreme durability and manageability, 16 mil super heavy duty tarps are an excellent choice. These tarps are built from ultra-reliable polyethylene material, offering exceptional strength without the extra weight of 20 mil options.
Key features of 16 mil tarps include:
- Extra reinforced material, corners, and edges
- Water, mold, mildew, and rot-proof treatment
- UV protection against fading
- Tear and rip resistance for four-season protection
- Rust-proof brass eyelets for easy tie-down
These tarps typically have a 16x16 weave count and weigh about 8 oz. per square yard. They're available in various colors, including brown, silver, and black, catering to different esthetic preferences and practical needs.
12 mil extra heavy duty tarps
While not as thick as their 20 or 16 mil counterparts, 12 mil extra heavy duty tarps still offer impressive durability and versatility. These tarps, like the Heavy Duty Silver/Black and Silver/White Poly Tarps from Tarps Now, are manufactured from high-quality reinforced polyethylene material.
These 12 mil tarps, boasting a substantial 7 ounces per square yard material weight, provide unparalleled protection as they are 100% waterproof and exhibit exceptional resistance against tearing, abrasion, UV rays, acid, grease, and mildew. Their remarkable durability makes them a go-to choice for a wide range of applications, including material covers, camping shelters, equipment protection, and construction site coverage.
These tarps are equipped with strategically placed grommets, spaced roughly every 24 inches along their perimeter, and reinforced hems for exceptional durability. Available in a wide array of sizes, spanning from 6' x 20' to 20 x 20 and all the way up to 120' x 120', they cater to a diverse range of needs, including residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Heavy Mil Tarps
When choosing a heavy-duty tarp, material selection is paramount. Polyethylene tarps, constructed from a woven mesh of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and further reinforced with a coating of polyethylene or PVC, offer a budget-friendly and versatile solution ideal for various applications such as agricultural coverings and temporary shelters.
On the other hand, PVC tarps, fabricated from PET and PVC scrims with a double PVC film laminate coating, stand as the preferred option for demanding industrial uses and extended projects. These tarps are celebrated for their exceptional strength and resilience against chemicals, UV exposure, and the elements, offering steadfast protection in even the most challenging environments.
For applications requiring breathability, canvas tarps woven from cotton or synthetic fibers emerge as an excellent choice. Their inherent breathability effectively prevents moisture buildup and mildew, making them an ideal choice for storage and various outdoor applications where proper ventilation is crucial.
Each type of tarp presents unique advantages, and the optimal choice ultimately hinges on the specific application and environmental demands.
Size and Weight
The dimensions of your tarp significantly influence its practical application and coverage potential. It's crucial to select a size that not only fully encompasses the intended area but also offers additional leeway for secure attachment and anchoring. When measuring for a three-dimensional object, begin by determining the length and width of its top surface. Subsequently, factor in the desired drape or overhang on the sides. Double this measurement and add it to both the length and width to guarantee adequate coverage.
Weight is another crucial factor to consider. Heavier tarps, such as those made from vinyl, offer superior protection against the elements but may be more challenging to handle due to their weight. On the other hand, lighter options, like polyethylene tarps, provide greater maneuverability and versatility, making them suitable for a wider array of applications ranging from simple coverings to emergency shelters.
UV and Weather Resistance
Extended exposure to the sun's harsh UV rays can deteriorate many materials, making UV resistance a critical feature for tarps intended for outdoor use. Premium tarps frequently incorporate materials specifically treated to combat UV damage, preserving both their structural integrity and color vibrancy over time. This is particularly vital for shade tarps, designed explicitly to provide shelter from sunlight and mitigate heat buildup.
Weather resistance is equally crucial. Seek out tarps engineered to endure diverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures. Some tarps are equipped with specialized coatings that boost their overall robustness and longevity, enhancing resistance to abrasion and increasing flexibility, thereby ensuring they remain reliable and functional in the face of challenging weather patterns.
Final Thoughts
Heavy-duty tarps offer unmatched protection for a variety of demanding tasks. The 20 mil options from Brix Tarps stand out as the heaviest and most durable, providing superior resistance to wear, tear, and harsh weather conditions. These ultra-strong tarps are ideal for construction sites, equipment covers, and even pond liners, reflecting sunlight to keep covered areas cooler.
Selecting the ideal heavy-duty tarp involves a careful assessment of key factors like material composition, dimensions, weight, and resilience against the elements, ensuring it fulfills its intended purpose with unwavering performance. Polyethylene tarps offer versatility, while PVC options excel in industrial settings. Proper sizing ensures adequate coverage, and UV resistance helps maintain the tarp's integrity over time. By carefully weighing these factors, you can select the perfect heavy-duty tarp to meet your specific needs and provide long-lasting protection for your valuable assets.
Brix Tarps offers an extensive selection of top-quality products in a range of thicknesses to suit any need. We understand that durability, weather resistance, and longevity are paramount, which is why we meticulously select only the finest materials and construction techniques. Whether you're shielding valuable equipment from the elements or tackling a demanding industrial project, Brix Tarps has the perfect solution to ensure your belongings remain safe and protected. Experience the difference of premium-grade tarps - choose Brix Tarps for unwavering quality and unmatched performance.
FAQs
What is the maximum thickness available for waterproof tarps?
The thickest waterproof tarp available is 22 mils. To put it into perspective, one mil is equivalent to one-thousandth of an inch. Our 22-mil vinyl laminated tarps are the heaviest in terms of thickness available on the market.
Which type of tarp is considered the most durable?
Demolition tarps, often referred to as snow tarps, are recognized as the most durable tarps available. They are uniquely designed to handle and transport heavy-duty debris, such as concrete, making them ideal for use in construction sites.
Does a 16 mil tarp offer more thickness than a 10 mil tarp?
Yes, a 16 mil tarp is thicker than a 10 mil tarp. In tarps, thickness is measured in mils, where each mil represents one-thousandth of an inch. A higher mil count indicates a thicker, more durable tarp, which typically provides better protection and longevity.
What thickness should I choose for a tarp based on its intended use?
The thickness of a tarp you should choose depends on its intended use. For lightweight applications, a 6 mil tarp is commonly sufficient. For more demanding tasks, such as covering a carport, you might want to opt for a heavy-duty tarp that is around 11 to 12 mils, or even a super heavy-duty tarp which is about 23 mils thick.