When it comes to choosing tarps for outdoor cover, you may have a lot of confusion in mind about which options to choose, whether vinyl or canvas. Before you go on to compare the features of vinyl and canvas tarps, read the points below to understand the characteristics of vinyl and poly tarps at first.
- Both vinyl and poly tarps look similar in appearance but the strengths and weaknesses are distinctly different.
- The poly tarps are made from polyethylene with a coating of polyethylene laminate whereas the vinyl tarps are made from polyethylene terephthalate scrims and a coating of polyvinyl chloride film laminate.
- The vinyl tarps are heavy-duty tarps and are sturdier than the poly tarps as the material is denser and has more weight.
- The vinyl tarps are abrasion-resistant, wind-whip, and tear and are the right option for applications where the tarpaulin material need to bear high winds and stormy weather.
Canvas and vinyl tarps:
Choosing the right tarp is not easy and you can select from a variety of options. The availability of different options makes the decision more challenging. When you need to select between canvas and vinyl, the following are the options to note.
- One of the biggest differences between a vinyl and a canvas tarps are the appearance and the feeling of each material.
- Canvas is a natural material and more rugged in appearance and the texture is rough.
- If you prefer a matte appearance, choosing canvas is a better option.
- Vinyl, on the other hand, has a glossy appearance and a shine.
- The texture of vinyl is like rubber and is smoother than canvas.
- Both vinyl and canvas are heavy-duty tarps and are capable of withstanding wear and tear.
- The vinyl tarp is long-lasting when compared to the other options and are quite naturally and difficult to damage.
- The tarps stay exposed to environmental components, such as heat, wind, and water.
- Vinyl is waterproof whereas the canvas tarps are water-resistant.
- While vinyl does not succumb to damage in water but canvas can resist water penetration to a certain extent.
- Vinyl is more equipped to prevent the growth of mold and mildew when temperature becomes damp and warm but canvas tarps are not fully secured towards the growth of mold and mildew.
- Canvas is a highly breathable fabric when compared to vinyl, so the former does not trap so much heat as canvas.
- Vinyl tarps undergo special treatment that protects them from the UV rays and the material can also withstand cold temperatures, making it the tight choice for different environments.
Prices to analyze
One of the factors to consider between vinyl and canvas tarp is the price depending on the quality and size of the tarps. Vinyl is more expensive than canvas but people are usually more willing to pay more for vinyl due to its ability to provide protection from the weather elements. The applications of vinyl and canvas may be slight different but when it comes to making the right choice, you need to analyze the characteristics.