Do Tarps Hold In Heat

Tarps can be used both indoors and outdoors. Most people think of them as a mulch that keeps items dry and protects them from ice, rain, and snow, but their benefits don't stop there. One of the most convenient features of some tarps is that they retain heat.

Tarps are excellent insulators in a variety of situations. Explore the different types of insulation tarps and take a closer look at what are the best uses for them when insulation is your goal.

Types of Insulation Tarps
What Are The Best Heat Absorbing Tarps? You need a tarp that is thick, waterproof and doesn't allow air to pass through. If air is able to pass through, like a canvas or Ironhorse tarp, you may be breathing in cold air. That defeats the purpose of an insulating tarp.

Darker colors will attract sunlight, which is good for heating items, but you may need a clear tarp in some cases. If the goal is to block cold air while allowing light in, then a clear PVC tarp is ideal.

Clear PVC Tarpaulin: Clear PVC curtains are waterproof and heavy, weighing 18 ounces per square yard. They are 20 mil thick and resist rips and tears well after prolonged use. Because they are transparent, light can pass through and illuminate an area. They are one of the best options for insulating open door frames and windows on construction sites. They range in size from 6'x8' to 10'x10'. Custom sizes available.

Heavy Duty Polyethylene Tarps: Choose from Brown/Green, Silver UVR, White or Green/Silver Heavy Duty Polyethylene Tarps. They are waterproof and range in thickness from 4 mils to 12 mils. Thicker ones will provide more insulation. These are our options for warming garden soil, as they don't completely prevent water from seeping out over time. Green/Silver and Silver UVRs range in size from 8'x10' to 30'x50', White from 10'x12' to 40'x60', and Brown/Green from 12'x20' to 30'x50'.

Vinyl Coated Polyester Tarps: 18 oz, 20 mil vinyl coated tarps come in 16 colors, allowing you to match your outdoor aesthetic. Also available in 10 sizes ranging from 5'x7' to 10'x100' or a custom size if that range doesn't work for you. It's waterproof and UV-treated to prevent sun exposure from damaging the tarp's coating, yet the material keeps out wind and resists rips and tears.

What can these tarps be used for?
These are the best tarps for heating an area, but what is their best use for heat storage? Here are some ways to use them.

Emergency repairs:
A particularly windy storm knocked down a branch, which smashed a window. You have cold air rushing into your house. The clear PVC tarp creates a barrier to let light in while blocking out cooler air. It's not a permanent fix, but it can buy you time until a professional comes to replace your window panes.

Vinyl tarps are also useful if something damages your roof. It keeps water out and keeps the attic space from losing heat to the outside. This is especially useful if water seeps into the insulation.

Kickstart the gardening season:
Are you a gardener or want to get started? Spread a vinyl tarp over your garden area and start warming the soil now. Northern states are benefiting from soil thawing, warming and getting ready for planting.

Some people have embraced the lasagna gardening trend. Cover the layers with a dark tarp to encourage faster breakdown of cardboard, compost, leaves, and other materials. Dark colors attract sunlight, warming materials and helping them compost quickly. When it starts to break down, add seeds and let the roots of those seedlings help the composting process.

After the ground thaws, you can add warm-weather seedlings and seeds. Protect them from frost using concrete blocks and posts, and secure clear PVC tarps over garden beds in temporary greenhouses.

Get more use from patios and decks:
Do you have a covered deck or patio that you won't be using until the weather warms up? Add clear PVC tarps over the posts and build walls to block cold winds while allowing sunlight in. It will warm the area, extending the number of months you can use your deck or patio.

Add a layer of heavy-duty polyethylene tarps or vinyl tarps to your floors to keep drafts from getting in between the planks. These two steps will trap heat and create a warm outdoor space where you can enjoy the outdoors without feeling cold. On warmer days, you can put down a wall and use a mesh tarp instead to keep bugs out and let in fresh air.

Warm up in the outdoor pool:
Another problem with northern climates is that pools can take a long time to warm up. It might be warm enough during the day, but as the temperature drops at night, the pool water cools down, offsetting any heat gained during the day. Use a vinyl tarp overnight to absorb heat from the water. When the sun is shining on the pool again, you can remove the tarp.

This technology also helps keep bugs, birds and other animals out of your pool. It keeps leaves, pollen, dirt, twigs and pine needles out. It ultimately makes pool maintenance much easier.

Protecting Backyard Poultry:
During the pandemic, many homeowners with space started their own backyard chicken coops. This continues as egg prices soar. While the chickens have insulating feathers, sub-zero temperatures do make it difficult for them to get outside.

The clear PVC tarp keeps their yard warm while letting sunlight in. Secure PVC tarps to the outside of the coop to keep them from pecking. If you cover the exterior of your coop walls and roof, vinyl tarps can add protection from drafts.

Experience Winter Camp:
Winter camping isn't for everyone, but some people love camping so much that they want to give it a go in winter, too. Keeping warm after the sun goes down is essential. Cover the tent with a protective tarp to keep cold drafts out and add insulation. Covering the snow-covered ground with a vinyl tarp will keep the snow from melting as your body heat warms the tent floor.

Pro Tip: Avoid Tarps That Let Air Move
As long as you choose a tarp that doesn't allow air to circulate, you won't have cold air flowing through the tarp. Everything behind or under the tarp stays warm, and when you no longer need the benefits of the insulating barrier, the tarp is easily removed, rinsed, dried and stored until needed again.

REEVOO INDUSTRIAL FABRIC CO. , LTD. offers a wide range of tarps, many of which can be custom sized to suit your needs.