Choosing the Right Heavy-Duty Tarp: What Every Kiwi Needs to Know

From rugged farms to coastal transport, a heavy-duty tarp is indispensable—but not all tarpaulins are equal. Here’s how to select the right one based on technical attributes.

Material types and properties

• Polyethylene (PE): economical, lightweight, UV-coated; lifespan of 1–2 years.

• Canvas: breathable and traditional, but less waterproof.

• Vinyl/PVC: industrial-grade polyester base with double PVC coating—offers full waterproofing, UV stability, flame resistance, and long-term strength.
  

For Kiwi heavy-duty use—farm silage, truck covers in rain and wind, coastal storage—PVC tarps are best suited.

Thickness and GSM/mils

• Mil rating indicates thickness (1 mil = 0.025 mm). Heavy-duty tarps often exceed 20 mil.
  
• GSM ranges from 300–900 for PVC, with 400–680 GSM being common industrial grade.
  

Aim for PVC tarps in at least the 500 GSM range (~20 mil) for long-term outdoor durability.

Construction & reinforcement

Quality comes down to more than thickness:

• Welded seams, not stitched.
  
•  Stainless-steel eyelets spaced 25mm–50mm  apart.
  
• Reinforced hems and corner patches prevent tearing.
  

Without these features, even thick tarps can fail under load or tension.

Performance in NZ conditions

• UV exposure degrades PE faster; PVC resists for 5–10 years.
  
• Heat, rain, coastal salt, and wind demand rugged, waterproof materials—and proven weld points.

Selecting the right tarp

1. Define use-case: Temporary camping? Go PE tarp. Long-term farm cover? Choose 500–750 GSM PVC.
   
2. Measure carefully: Added overlap of 300–500 mm ensures water doesn’t splash underneath.
   
3. Inspect hardware: Ensure eyelets are rust-resistant, well-anchored, and seams are welded.
   
4. Budget for longevity: PVC lasts far longer and offers better value per year.

Why choose Cairnscorp PVC tarps

Made in Pukekohe, our PVC tarps are tailored to Kiwi needs—featuring welded seams, stainless eyelets , and UV-resistant coatings.

Ranging from 500 to 900 GSM, they combine waterproofing, toughness, and longevity