Choosing the Right Tarpaulin Ground Cloth
There are a few variables to consider while picking a tarpaulin ground material for your necessities:
Materials:
Tarpaulin ground fabrics are normally produced using strong, water-safe materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyester, or vinyl-covered polyester. PVC tarps are truly reasonable and waterproof yet can tear all the more without any problem. Polyester tarps are more adaptable and tear-safe however may not be completely waterproof.
Reinforced Edges:
Search for tarps with built-up or fixed edges that won’t shred or tear as without any problem. This is particularly significant assuming the Tarpaulin will be introduced much of the time.
Size:
Tarps come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different uses. For camping, an 8×10 or 10×12 Heavy Duty Tarpaulin is usually sufficient to cover a small tent footprint. Larger 12×16 or 15×20 tarps are better for events or covering large outdoor areas.
Preparing Your Surface
Properly preparing the surface under the tarpaulin ground cloth is an important step for optimal performance. This involves:
Clearing Debris
Remove any sticks, rocks, or other sharp objects that could puncture the tarp. Also, clear away any grass clippings or loose vegetation.
Leveling
For indoor use, make sure the floor is even and clear of tripping hazards. Outdoors, fill in any low spots or trenches where water could pool.
Drying
Make sure any lingering water or moisture has fully evaporated from the surface before laying out the tarpaulin ground cloth. Residual moisture can cause the tarp to mildew or mold.
Alternative Surfaces
For installation over wood, concrete, or asphalt, simply sweep or blow away any loose debris. No other preparation is needed for solid, level surfaces.
Stabilizing Soil
For outdoor installations on soil, you may need to stake down the perimeter ahead of time if your soil is loose or sandy. Drive stakes into the ground around the perimeter of the area to stabilize it.
Additional Tarpaulin Ground Cloth Accessories
Some additional accessories can enhance your tarpaulin ground cloth installation:
Seam Tape:
Applying seam sealing tape to factory seams provides further waterproofing, especially for older tarps where the seam sealant may be degrading.
Underlay Tarps:
For extra warmth and protection from ground moisture, lay a cheap underlay tarp underneath first. This prevents condensation buildup.
Additional Tarps:
You can create multi-layer coverage by placing a waterproof breathable tarp on top of the ground tarp. Or use additional tarps to section off parts of an area.
Grommets/Reinforcements:
Add extra plastic grommets or metal rings along seamlines or edges prone to rubbing. This spreads out wear pressure points.
Rope:
Keep tarps securely anchored with guylines staked outwards from the edges to triangular anchoring stakes. This resists billowing in high winds.
Staples:
Use 1″ fabric staples to temporarily secure tarps without punctures if frequent installation/removal is needed on wood surfaces.
Patch Kits:
Have seam sealing tape and extra fasteners on hand for quick field repairs of accidental punctures or warn areas before larger damage occurs.
Laying Out Your Tarpaulin Ground Cloth
Once your surface area is prepped, you’re ready to lay out the tarpaulin ground cloth:
Seams:
If seams aren’t factory sealed, apply a sealant to potential leak points like intersections while laying it out to prevent water ingress over time.
Unrolling:
For tarps shipped folded, lay them out flat and allow them to relax before unfolding. For rolled tarps, unfurl them slowly across the entire prepared surface.
Alignment:
Make sure to align the edges of the tarpaulin ground cloth precisely with the edges of your surface. Leave no gaps at the sides where water could enter.
Smoothing:
Starting at one end and working across to the other, slowly smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles underneath the tarp as you work your hands across the surface. Creases can accelerate wear.
Securing Your Tarpaulin Ground Cloth
Once laid out smoothly, it’s important to properly secure the tarpaulin ground cloth using stakes, weights, or trenches:
Staking:
For most applications, staking is the best method. Use U-shaped tent stakes designed for tarps – not flimsy lawn stakes. Drive stakes at a 45° angle through reinforced grommets or eyelets around the perimeter, pulling the tarp taut before hammering the stake flush.
Weighting Edges:
As an alternative to staking, place rocks, concrete blocks, or sandbags along the outer edges of the tarpaulin ground cloth. Weighting at least 12″ of the edge helps prevent flapping without punctures.
Trenching:
For long-term or permanent installs, dig a 4-6″ deep trench along the outer edges of the area before laying out the tarp. Bury the folded-over edge of the tarp in the trench and backfill, helping block wind underneath.
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Seams:
On seams that cross high-stress areas like corners, place an extra stake on each side to prevent ripping over time. Stake through grommets if present, otherwise use small tent pegs.
