If you’ve ever needed to protect equipment from rain, cover a pile of firewood, or create temporary shelter, you’ve probably encountered tarpaulins. In German-speaking countries, these versatile covers are known as “tarnplanen” (or “Tarps” in English). Whether you’re a contractor, gardener, or someone who just needs to keep things dry, understanding tarpaulins can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about these practical covers.
What Are Tarnplanen?
Tarnplanen are durable, waterproof sheets made from various materials like polyethylene, canvas, or PVC. They come with reinforced edges and metal grommets (those little rings around the edges) that let you secure them with ropes or bungee cords.
Think of them as portable roofs. You can use them to protect almost anything from weather, dust, or damage. They’re available in sizes ranging from small 2×3 meter sheets to massive covers that can protect entire construction sites.
The beauty of tarpaulins is their simplicity. No complex installation, no permanent structures. Just unfold, secure, and you’re done.
Common Types of Tarnplanen
Not all tarpaulins are created equal. Different materials work better for different jobs. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
PE Tarpaulins (Polyethylene)
These are the most common and affordable options. You’ve probably seen these blue or green tarps at hardware stores. They’re made from woven polyethylene strips with a plastic coating.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Waterproof
- Resistant to mildew and rot
Cons:
- Can tear more easily than heavier options
- UV protection varies by quality
- Less durable for long-term outdoor use
PVC Tarpaulins
PVC tarps are the heavy-duty option. They’re thicker, stronger, and built to last through harsh conditions.
Best for:
- Construction sites
- Long-term outdoor coverage
- Industrial applications
- Truck covers
These cost more upfront but last significantly longer, making them more economical if you need serious protection.
Canvas Tarpaulins
Traditional canvas tarps are made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. They’re breathable, which means they won’t trap moisture underneath.
Ideal uses:
- Covering boats or classic cars
- Protecting wooden materials
- Situations where condensation is a concern
- When you need a more attractive covering
Popular Uses for Tarnplanen
The versatility of tarpaulins makes them useful in countless situations. Here are the most common applications:
Construction and Renovation
Construction sites rely heavily on tarps. They protect building materials from rain, create temporary walls, and cover unfinished roofs. If you’re renovating your home, a good tarp can protect your furniture and floors from dust and paint splatters.
Garden and Outdoor Storage
Gardeners use tarpaulins to protect plants from frost, cover compost heaps, and store firewood. They’re also perfect for covering garden furniture during winter or protecting your barbecue grill from the elements.
Transportation
If you’re hauling materials in a trailer or truck bed, a tarp keeps everything secure and dry. It also prevents loose items from flying off on the highway, which is not just practical but often legally required.
Camping and Outdoor Activities
Campers use tarps as ground sheets, rain flies above tents, or emergency shelters. A properly set up tarp can keep you dry in surprisingly heavy rain.
Emergency Situations
When disaster strikes, tarps become invaluable. They can temporarily patch damaged roofs, create emergency shelters, or protect belongings from further damage while you arrange proper repairs.
Choosing the Right Tarnplanen: Key Factors
| Factor | What to Consider | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the area you need to cover, then add at least 30cm extra on each side | You need overlap for proper securing and weather protection |
| Thickness | Measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Light duty: 70-100 gsm, Medium: 120-200 gsm, Heavy duty: 200+ gsm | Thicker tarps last longer but weigh more and cost more |
| Material | PE for general use, PVC for heavy duty, Canvas for breathability | Wrong material choice leads to premature failure |
| UV Protection | Check if it’s UV-stabilized or treated | Without UV protection, tarps degrade quickly in sunlight |
| Grommet Spacing | Usually every 50cm to 1 meter | Closer spacing gives you more tie-down options |
| Color | Blue, green, silver, or transparent | Light colors stay cooler, dark colors absorb heat, transparent lets light through |
How to Properly Secure Your Tarp
Even the best tarpaulin is useless if it blows away in the first strong wind. Here’s how to secure it properly:
Step 1: Spread it Out Position your tarp so it covers what you need with adequate overlap on all sides.
Step 2: Check the Tension Pull it reasonably tight, but not stretched to the limit. Some slack is good because it allows water to run off and gives the material room to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Step 3: Use Quality Fasteners Bungee cords work well for quick jobs, but rope or ratchet straps are better for long-term applications. Thread your fasteners through the grommets, not around the edge of the tarp where it can tear.
Step 4: Create Drainage If your tarp will collect water, angle it so water runs off to one side. Water pooling on a flat tarp adds weight and can cause the material to sag or tear.
Step 5: Regularly Check and Adjust Wind and weather can loosen fastenings over time. Check your tarp every few days and tighten as needed.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Want your tarpaulin to last longer? Follow these simple maintenance practices:
Clean Before Storage Dirt and debris can degrade the material over time. Hose down your tarp and let it dry completely before folding it away. Storing a damp tarp invites mildew, even on synthetic materials.
Fold, Don’t Crumple Proper folding prevents permanent creases that can become weak points. Fold along the same lines each time to distribute wear evenly.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place Heat and moisture are your tarp’s enemies. Keep it in a shed, garage, or storage box away from direct sunlight.
Repair Small Damage Immediately A tiny tear will quickly become a big tear. Patch small holes with tarp repair tape or a repair kit designed for your tarp’s material.
Avoid Sharp Objects This seems obvious, but many tarps get damaged by being thrown over sharp edges or rough surfaces. Use padding or edge protectors when covering items with sharp corners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After working with tarpaulins for years, I’ve seen the same mistakes repeated over and over:
Buying Too Small People consistently underestimate the size they need. Always go bigger than you think. You can always fold excess material, but you can’t stretch a tarp that’s too small.
Ignoring Wind Load In windy conditions, an improperly secured tarp acts like a sail. It will either tear free or tear apart. Use more tie-down points in windy areas.
Using the Wrong Material for the Job That cheap PE tarp might seem like a bargain, but if you need it to last through winter covering your boat, you’ll end up buying three of them. Sometimes spending more upfront saves money long-term.
Leaving It Set Up Too Long Even heavy-duty tarps have their limits. If you need long-term coverage (more than a few months), check it regularly and consider whether a more permanent solution would be better.
Where to Buy Quality Tarnplanen
You can find tarpaulins at hardware stores, building supply centers, and online retailers. The key is knowing what quality indicators to look for:
- Check the gsm rating (thickness)
- Look for reinforced corners
- Verify UV protection is included
- Read reviews from buyers who used it for similar purposes
- Compare grommet spacing and edge reinforcement
For more tips on making smart purchasing decisions for home and outdoor equipment, check out Media Spank for practical guides and product insights.
Environmental Considerations
Let’s be honest: most tarpaulins are plastic, which isn’t great for the environment. However, you can minimize your impact:
Choose durability over price. A tarp that lasts five years is better than five tarps that last one year each.
Repair instead of replace. Small tears and holes can be patched easily, extending the life of your tarp significantly.
Recycle when possible. Some recycling centers accept clean tarpaulins. Check with your local facility.
Consider canvas for appropriate uses. Canvas tarps are more environmentally friendly and biodegradable, though they’re not suitable for all applications.
Final Thoughts
Tarnplanen might not be the most exciting purchase, but they’re incredibly useful tools that solve real problems. Whether you’re protecting your garden furniture over winter, covering construction materials, or creating emergency shelter, having the right tarp makes all the difference.
The key is matching the tarp to your specific needs. Don’t overspend on heavy-duty PVC when a simple PE tarp will do the job, but don’t cheap out when you need real durability either.
Take care of your tarpaulin, secure it properly, and it will serve you reliably for years. It’s one of those simple tools that you don’t think about until you need it, and then you’re really glad you have a good one.