There are no rules prevailing what is considered a lightweight tarp and a heavy duty tarps, so you need to be aware of the various ways in which the relative strength and durability of a tarpaulin can be assessed. Keep in mind that you will also need to evaluate features such as the backing, color, grommets, and whether it is waterproof or not before purchasing.
As such, care should be taken to ensure that you purchase the right type of tarpaulin that suits your needs. You can consider the following factors when purchasing tarpaulins online:
Thickness – Tarps come in a variety of weights, including light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty. Choose the one that best matches your job
Waterproof – Poly tarps are generally made of 6-ounce, 12-mil polyethylene material that is supremely waterproof. Tarps for camping, covering materials outdoors, fixing leaking roofs and other uses should be fully waterproof.
UV protection – Opt for a UV protective tarp if you’re looking for something to block out harmful UV rays. UV protection tarps are great choice for canopies, gardening and agriculture and covering cars, boats and RVs.
Fire retardant – Flame resistant tarps can actually help prevent flames from spreading, making them a great choice for camping, car repairs and emergency use.
Mold and mildew resistant – Choose this feature if you know you’re going to be using tarp in a damp environment, like the basement, garage or outdoors. A fungus and rot resistant tarp will not only last longer, it will also help prevent your items from accumulating mildew and fungus.