Tarpaulins

About Tarpaulins

Tarpaulins are versatile, heavy-duty protective covers essential for tradespeople, builders, and DIY enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're protecting materials on a building site, covering equipment in storage, or creating temporary shelters for vehicles and outdoor work areas, a quality tarpaulin provides reliable weatherproofing and protection against the elements. Available in various materials, sizes, and strengths, tarpaulins are designed to withstand harsh British weather conditions whilst offering durability and value for money.

At TooledUp.com, our range of tarpaulins includes polyethylene ground sheets and covers from trusted brands like Sealey, Faithfull, and Draper. From lightweight general-purpose tarps to heavy-duty reinforced covers, we stock solutions suitable for temporary site protection, vehicle storage, and long-term outdoor coverage. Our selection also includes specialist tarpaulin accessories such as instant clip-on eyelets, securing cords, and purpose-built storage shelters and carports that extend the functionality of traditional tarp systems.

Modern tarpaulins feature reinforced corners, rust-proof eyelets at regular intervals, and UV-resistant coatings that prevent degradation from prolonged sun exposure. Whether you need a small tarp for protecting tools and materials during transport or a large-scale shelter system for vehicle storage, selecting the right tarpaulin specification ensures optimal protection and longevity for your specific application.

Jargon Buster

• GSM (Grams per Square Metre): A measurement of tarpaulin thickness and weight. Higher GSM ratings (typically 90-200 GSM) indicate heavier, more durable material suitable for demanding applications and long-term outdoor use.
• Polyethylene (PE) Tarpaulin: The most common tarp material, featuring a woven polyethylene fabric laminated on both sides. Lightweight, waterproof, and cost-effective, PE tarps are ideal for general-purpose protection on building sites and in gardens.
• Eyelet Spacing: The distance between reinforced holes along the tarpaulin edges, typically every 50cm or 1 metre. Closer spacing provides more secure fixing points for applications requiring tight, wind-resistant coverage.
• UV Stabilised: Tarpaulins treated with additives that resist degradation from ultraviolet sunlight. Essential for any tarp used outdoors for extended periods, preventing brittleness and tearing in British summer conditions.
• Reinforced Corners: Extra layers of material heat-sealed at tarp corners to prevent tearing at high-stress points. Critical for applications where tarps are pulled taut or subjected to strong winds.
• Tarpaulin Clips: Accessory devices that create additional fixing points anywhere along a tarp's surface without requiring permanent eyelets, allowing flexible securing options for irregular shapes or temporary installations.

Who Uses Tarpaulins?

• Builders and General Contractors: Site protection, covering materials, temporary weather shelters, and scaffold sheeting
• Roofers: Emergency weather protection during repairs, covering completed work overnight, and protecting building interiors
• Landscape Gardeners: Ground protection, covering planted areas, collecting garden waste, and protecting equipment
• Painters and Decorators: Drop sheets, furniture protection, and masking off work areas from dust and debris
• Agricultural Workers and Farmers: Hay stack covers, machinery protection, and temporary livestock shelters
• Vehicle Owners and Mechanics: Car covers, temporary carport shelters, and workshop floor protection
• Transport and Logistics: Load covering, vehicle sheeting, and protecting goods during storage or transit
• Event Organisers: Ground covering, temporary structures, and weather protection for outdoor events
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Garden furniture covers, BBQ protection, and temporary shelter during outdoor projects

How to Choose the Right Tarpaulin

Material Weight and Durability: Consider the GSM rating based on your intended use. Light-duty tarps (70-90 GSM) suit occasional DIY use and short-term protection, whilst medium-duty options (90-120 GSM) handle regular site work. Heavy-duty tarpaulins (150+ GSM) provide long-lasting protection for demanding applications and permanent outdoor installations.

Size and Coverage: Measure the area requiring protection and add at least 30cm overhang on all sides to ensure adequate coverage. Standard sizes range from compact 2m x 3m sheets to large 6m x 8m covers. For vehicle storage, consider purpose-built carport shelters from Sealey that offer structured protection.

Colour Selection: Green tarpaulins blend naturally in outdoor and garden environments, whilst blue is traditional for building sites. White or silver tarps reflect heat, making them ideal for covering temperature-sensitive materials. Heavy-duty polyethylene in darker colours often indicates UV-stabilised material suitable for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Eyelet Configuration: Check eyelet spacing matches your securing requirements. Standard spacing of 1 metre suits most applications, but closer intervals (every 50cm) provide more fixing points for applications requiring taut coverage or exposure to high winds.

Additional Features: Look for reinforced corners and hemmed edges that significantly extend tarpaulin lifespan. UV stabilisation is essential for any outdoor use beyond a few weeks. For temporary structures, consider integrated shelter systems with frame supports rather than standalone tarps.

Popular Accessories

• Tarpaulin Clips: Instant clip-on eyelets from brands like Faithfull create additional fixing points without damaging the tarp material
• Bungee Cords and Securing Straps: Essential for tensioning and securing tarps, with Sealey offering assorted cord sets specifically for tarpaulin applications
• Ground Pegs and Anchor Points: Heavy-duty stakes for securing tarp edges to soft ground on building sites and outdoor locations
• Repair Tape and Patches: Waterproof adhesive tape for field repairs and extending tarpaulin service life
• Ropes and Tie-Down Cord: Weather-resistant cord for lashing tarps over loads, equipment, and temporary structures
• Storage Bags: Protective storage solutions that keep folded tarpaulins clean and organised between uses
• Carport and Shelter Frames: Structured support systems from Sealey that transform heavy-duty tarps into functional vehicle storage solutions

Safety Information

Secure Fixing: Always ensure tarpaulins are properly secured with adequate fixing points, particularly in exposed locations. Loose tarps can become dangerous projectiles in high winds, posing risks to people and property on building sites and outdoor areas.

Water Accumulation: Regularly check horizontal tarpaulins for water pooling, which adds significant weight and can cause collapse or tearing. Angle tarps to encourage drainage and prevent dangerous water buildup, especially after heavy British rainfall.

Working at Height: When installing tarps on scaffolding, roofs, or elevated structures, follow HSE guidelines for working at height. Use appropriate access equipment, wear harnesses where required, and never overreach whilst securing tarpaulin fixing points.

Fire Hazards: Keep tarpaulins away from naked flames, welding operations, and heat sources. Polyethylene material is flammable and can produce toxic fumes when burning. Ensure adequate fire safety measures on sites where hot works occur near tarpaulin coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tarpaulin do I need for my car or van?

For standard cars, a 4m x 6m tarpaulin provides adequate coverage with ground overlap. Transit-sized vans typically require 5m x 7m sheets. Alternatively, consider purpose-built carport shelters from Sealey, available in sizes up to 3.3m x 7.5m, which offer structured vehicle protection without the need for constant tensioning and adjustment.

How long will a polyethylene tarpaulin last outdoors?

Lifespan depends on material quality and UV stabilisation. Economy tarps typically last 6-12 months with continuous outdoor exposure, whilst heavy-duty UV-stabilised tarpaulins from brands like Draper and Faithfull can provide 2-3 years of reliable service. Regular inspection and proper securing significantly extend tarpaulin life by preventing wind damage and excessive flapping.

Can I repair a torn tarpaulin?

Yes, small tears and punctures can be effectively repaired using waterproof tarpaulin repair tape applied to both sides of the damage. For larger tears, sew a patch of similar material over the damaged area before applying tape. However, extensive damage or tears near stress points may compromise overall strength, making replacement more cost-effective for safety-critical applications.

What's the difference between green and blue tarpaulins?

The colour difference is primarily aesthetic rather than functional, though it can indicate intended use. Blue tarps are traditional for construction and building sites, whilst green tarpaulins blend better in garden and agricultural settings. Both colours are available in various GSM weights and quality levels – always check the specification rather than relying on colour alone to indicate durability.

Do I need clips or are the eyelets sufficient for securing tarps?

Standard eyelets are sufficient for most applications when combined with appropriate cords or bungees. However, tarpaulin clips like the Faithfull instant clip-on eyelets are invaluable for creating additional fixing points mid-surface, securing awkward shapes, or reinforcing areas subject to high stress. They're particularly useful for temporary installations where you need flexible securing options without permanent modifications.