What Types of Tarpaulins Are Considered Industrial Grade in Nigeria?

Knowing the different types of tarpaulins and where to buy them in Nigeria will save you so much costs.

Industrial-grade tarpaulins are the tarps made for use in industrial settings. You will find them used in the pharmaceutical, metal, logistics, chemical manufacturing and building construction industries. These tarps are also used in the industrial machinery, petroleum, agriculture, mining and transportation industries.

Specific tarpaulins are used in these industries. In this article, you will find the best ones to use. Recall that we discussed how to identify original tarpaulin in a previous article.

The Types of Tarpaulins for Industrial Uses in Nigeria

The common types of tarpaulins in Nigeria are Polyvinyl Chloride (Vinyl), Canvas and Heavy-Duty tarps. Continue reading to find out their uses.

1. Polyvinyl Chloride (Vinyl)

Vinyl is the most popular industrial-grade tarpaulin in Nigeria. Wikipedia defines it as “tarpaulins intended for heavy-duty use.”

Polyvinyl Chloride tarpaulins are typically constructed of 340/gm2 coated yellow vinyl and are used for some of the “tough” industrial needs. This is why the tarps are typically used for temporary repair of roofs, creating barrier to floods and used in specific industries – building construction and agriculture.

Attributes of Vinyl Tarpaulins

These tarps are tempered or coated with vinyl, which provides higher resistance to abrasion and improved thickness. The attributes also include:

  • Waterproof
  • Improved wear and tear strength.
  • Extensive resistance capabilities, such as resistance to mildew, acid, oil, grease and the snowy, rainy and heat temperatures.

Industrial Uses of Vinyl Tarpaulins

Polyvinyl Chloride (vinyl) tarpaulins can be used for different industrial needs. These range from being used as roof leak diverters, awning, as bed covers for trucks and as salvage covers.

The improved thickness of the tarps is also the reason why they are used in emergency situations and for anti-scratch purposes.

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Advantages of Vinyl Tarps

Besides the weather-resistance, vinyl tarpaulins are also beneficial in these ways:

  • Repairability: these tarps can be repaired by either vulcanizing or through the use of hot air welding.
  • Flexibility and Resistance: polyvinyl tarpaulins often have plasticizer added to them. This is why the tarps are resistance to cracks and have improved flexibility.
  • Versatile Uses: vinyl tarpaulins have a versatile usage, such as being used as containment liners, hay bale covers and front-to-rear (wind-out) tarps. They are also used industrial roof covers, outdoor applications and visibility screens.

2. Canvas Tarpaulins

These tarps do not have 100% waterproof, but they can withhold water from penetrating. Canvas tarpaulins derive the water-resistant capability from the wax coating – which requires constant recoating to keep keeping water off.

Attributes of the Canvas Tarpaulins

These tarps are made from coarse and highly-breathable materials used for enhancing the water-resistance. The other attributes include:

  • They are used for outdoor applications, such as indoor paintings, and covering both carpets and furniture.
  • Resistance to water, Ultraviolet (UV) light and mildew.
  • Canvas tarps are also used for specific industrial needs, such as agriculture and building constructions.
  • These tarps are also used to protect sensitive items.

Treated vs. Non-Treated Canvas Tarpaulins

Canvas tarps can either be treated or untreated. The performance also differs based on these two. While the treated canvas tarps provide extensive UV rays, water and mildew protection – the untreated might not provide as much.

The Uses of Canvas Tarps

These tarpaulins are versatile, hence, the usage in both the building construction and agricultural industries. They are also used to provide cover for indoor paintings, as ground covers and for covering flatbed loads that are prone to moisture-exposure.

3. Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins

As the name suggests, these are the tarpaulins designed for use with heavy-duty applications. They are the best for industrial need, due to the derivation from high-grade materials.

These are the uses of the heavy-duty industrial tarpaulins:

  • These tarps are used to cover vehicles and boats when not in use.
  • They are used to protect heavy-duty cargoes when being transported.
  • Heavy-duty tarpaulins also provide temporary cover for the damaged roofs.
  • Use these tarps to cover your outdoor equipment.

Selection Criteria for Industrial-Grade Tarpaulins

The tarps used in industries are highly-resistant and tend to offer improved features. Choosing one of these must be based on these parameters:

Check out the Resistance Capabilities

The ability to resist certain things is one factor to look out for. The resistance capabilities cut across abrasion, water and corrosion.

Corrosion Resistance

This has to do with the tarps’ sturdiness and not given to splitting and tearing, especially, when in contact with sharp edges.

If you to choose based on this criterion, go for either the polyvinyl chloride or canvas tarpaulins.

Water Resistance

This has to do with the tarpaulins’ capability to prevent water intake. While the vinyl tarps keep water off, the canvas tarpaulins are not 100% waterproof. These tarps provide varying degrees of water resistance, especially from moisture and rain.

Corrosion Resistance

This has to do with the tarpaulins’ resistance to induced corrosion from elements like mildew, oils, Ultraviolet (UV) light, greases and acids. Canvas tarps provide this kind of protection.

For improved performance, go for the tarpaulins that can provide varying degrees of corrosion protection. Often, you will need to apply special or additional coatings to obtain the varied corrosion protections.

The Quality of the Fabric Matters

The fabric used for the tarpaulins also matters. The quality differs by the type of industrial-grade tarps. For example, the Polyvinyl Chloride (Vinyl) tarps are both durable and flexible. This is why they are used for a wide range of industrial protections, as well as protecting the material from UV ray’s induced damage – via the integration of UV coating.

Canvas tarpaulins also come in second, with the flame resistance and abrasion resistance. However, these materials are not as durable as the vinyl tarps, due to the reduced waterproof properties and the higher costs.

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What Features Do the Tarpaulins have?

Find out if the industrial-grade tarpaulins you want to buy in Nigeria have unique features. Some of these features are:

Grommets

These are metal eyelets used for securing the tie-downs in tarpaulins. Your supplier may also provide additional grommets for replacement purposes.

Special Coatings

These coatings come in handy for providing different levels of protection, such as corrosion, water and flame resistance to the material.

Ropes

These are sewn into the tarpaulins’ borders and used for enhancing the materials’ wear and tear resistance.

Conclusion

Industrial-grade tarpaulins are in high-demand in Nigeria, as they provide the stability, flexibility, durability and improved resistance for protecting different items and getting the best types is the way to go.

Would you like to purchase the best upholstery fabric, leather or tarpaulin in Nigeria? Contact any of the Nestken Masters’ offices in Lagos or Aba. Call: 08039388366

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