Top Mistakes People Make with Tarps – And How to Fix Them

Tarps are widely used for protecting equipment, materials, and work areas from weather and damage. Even though they seem simple to use, many people make avoidable mistakes that reduce how well tarps perform and how long they last. Understanding these common errors—and how to correct them—can save you time, effort, and money.

Here are some of the most frequent mistakes made with tarps, along with practical advice on how to fix them and get the most out of your tarp.

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Tarp for the Job

Not all tarps are created equal. Using a light-duty tarp for a heavy-duty application leads to tears, leaks, and early failure. For example, a thin polyethylene tarp might be fine for short-term shade or rain protection, but it won’t stand up to high winds, sharp objects, or heavy loads.

How to Fix It: Assess your needs carefully before choosing a tarp. For demanding tasks, opt for thicker, reinforced options that are designed to withstand tougher conditions. Investing in durable tarps saves you from frequent replacements and keeps your items better protected.

Mistake 2: Improper Securing and Tensioning

Over-tightening or unevenly securing a tarp is one of the most common causes of damage. Pulling a tarp too tight can strain the grommets and edges, causing them to tear. On the other hand, a loosely tied tarp flaps in the wind, leading to accelerated wear and possible ripping.

How to Fix It: Use multiple tie-down points and distribute tension evenly. Avoid overtightening, and allow some flexibility so the tarp can move slightly with the wind. Using bungee cords or adjustable straps can help maintain the right balance.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Sun and Weather Exposure

While many tarps are water-resistant, prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and wind can degrade materials over time. Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down plastic fibers, and constant moisture can cause mildew or weaken the fabric.

How to Fix It: Choose UV-treated tarps for outdoor use. When possible, take the tarp down during extended periods of inactivity or store it in a shaded area. Regularly cleaning and drying your tarp before storage will also extend its usable life.

Mistake 4: Dragging or Storing Tarps Incorrectly

Dragging tarps across rough surfaces like concrete or gravel can cause abrasion and holes. Storing wet or dirty tarps encourages mildew growth and material breakdown. Many users overlook these steps, leading to avoidable damage.

How to Fix It: Always lift and carry tarps when moving them, avoiding dragging on rough surfaces. After use, clean off dirt and debris with mild soap and water, rinse well, and allow the tarp to dry completely before folding and storing. Store tarps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and pests.

Mistake 5: Neglecting Regular Inspection and Repair

Small tears or loose grommets often go unnoticed until they become big problems. Ignoring minor damage can result in tarp failure during critical use, exposing whatever you’re protecting to the elements or damage.

How to Fix It: Inspect your tarp before and after each use, checking edges, seams, and grommets. Use patch kits designed for your tarp material to repair small holes or tears promptly. Replacing worn-out tie-downs and reinforcing weak spots can make a significant difference in tarp longevity.

Mistake 6: Overlooking the Importance of Proper Size

Using a tarp that’s too large or too small for the intended coverage area creates issues. A tarp that’s too small won’t provide adequate protection, while one that’s too large will flap excessively and catch the wind, increasing wear and tear.

How to Fix It: Measure the area you need to cover carefully and select a tarp size that fits with a bit of extra margin for securing. Avoid excessive material that can flap or get caught on objects.

Mistake 7: Not Considering Reinforced Options for Heavy Use

When durability matters most, choosing regular polyethylene tarps without reinforcement may not be enough. Reinforced tarps include an additional layer of mesh or woven fabric embedded within the tarp material, dramatically improving strength and tear resistance.

How to Fix It: If your work involves heavy loads, rough handling, or long-term exposure, select reinforced polyethylene tarps. They offer a combination of toughness and flexibility that standard tarps cannot match, making them well worth the investment.

Mistake 8: Not Using Proper Tie-Down Accessories

Using cheap or inappropriate ropes and hooks to secure tarps often leads to failures. Knots can slip, ropes can fray, and hardware can rust, leaving the tarp unsecured or causing damage to the tarp edges.

How to Fix It: Use quality tie-down materials designed for outdoor use, such as UV-resistant ropes, heavy-duty bungee cords, or ratchet straps. Check hooks and fasteners regularly and replace any that show signs of wear or corrosion.

Wrapping Up

Taking the time to address these common tarp mistakes will extend the lifespan of your tarps and improve their performance significantly. When specialized tarps or custom sizes are needed for demanding conditions, working with a knowledgeable supplier familiar with industry challenges helps ensure you get the right product for the job.

Companies like Tarps Plus provide a broad selection of durable and reinforced tarps designed to meet a variety of needs. Their team focuses on understanding your specific requirements to recommend solutions that deliver lasting protection.

To explore your options or receive expert guidance, feel free to contact them at 1-512-686-2302.