Choosing the right tarp is crucial as it makes all the difference in protecting equipment, vehicles, and cargo. Depending on the requirement, tractor trailer tarpscan be designed to safeguard against the loads. However, not all types of tarps are created to be equal.
It is crucial to understand what they cater to and what they are ideally suitable for regarding vinyl and asphalt tarps.
With this, you can also pick the right option for your tarp system to extend the lifespan of your transport and loads.
Each type comes with its own use cases, making them suitable for specific solutions, so exploring the differences can help you choose the right one for your requirements.
Here is a detailed guide for your help.
What To Know About Vinyl Tarps?
Vinyl tarps are a popular choice, especially if you are looking for heavy-duty versatile covers. These are for multi-purpose use, weather resistance, and durability.
Besides offering protection to dump trucks and trailers against UV rays, snow, and rain, these tarps are useful to keep the loads safe during transit.
Vinyl tarps are made using tightly woven polyester fabrics coated with PVC or polyvinyl chloride. This makes the tarps resistant to handling tears and abrasion, and they are water-proof.
Key Features To Consider
- It is perfect for handling different weather conditions, including snow and heavy rain.
- It comes with UV resistance against sun damage to extend the lifespan of the tarp.
- Vinyl tarps secure large, irregular, and bulk loads as they have tear-resistant properties.
- It provides versatility in carrying goods and materials for construction, agriculture, and long hauls.
What To Know About Asphalt Tarps?
Asphalt tarps are designed to handle a specific requirement, i.e., covering the hot asphalt or protecting temperature-sensitive loads.
These are made using a combination of specially coated fabrics that are rated to be in direct contact with asphalt loads.
These withstand heat up to specific temperatures necessary for asphalt, preventing the load from cooling too quickly during transit. It’s crucial for construction projects such as road paving.
Key Features To Consider
- Asphalt tarps have higher heat resistance to handle temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit without damaging the load or the transport.
- The tarp comes in a lightweight form that can cover and even maintain direct contact with hot asphalt.
- Designed to be used with dump truck tarp systems transporting asphalt.
Vinyl Or Asphalt Tarp – What Are The Differences?
Both are integral components when it comes to moderntarp systems, ensuring efficacy and protecting drivers from manual tarp handling and accidents.
Using the right one that is designed to serve the requirements can improve the overall experience, handling the tasks, and system performance.
To understand the difference between both tarps, here is an overview chart to consider :
| Key Features | Vinyl Tarps | Asphalt Tarps |
| Primary Use | Protect the cargo and trucks from debris as well as weather | Protects temperature-sensitive materials and rated for direct contact with hot asphalt |
| Material | Woven Polyester with a PVC coating | Coated solid fabric with heat-resistance |
| Heat Resistance | Provides moderate protection | It provides high protection and can handle more than 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Weather Resistance | It comes with waterproof and UV-resistant | It is not ideal for handling wet conditions but provides limited protection. |
| Durability | Highly durable, tear & abrasion resistant | Moderate in durability |
| Affordability | Generally have a lower cost to moderate | It can be a higher cost as it is a specialized fabric |
| Versatility | Highly versatile, it can be used for various applications | Low as it’s for asphalt use primarily |
| Common Use Case | Tarps for trailers and tractors | Tarp for dump trucks carrying the asphalt |
Which Tarp You Should Consider & For What?
When deciding which one, it’s crucial to understand the nature of your work and the type of materials or cargo you will use.
Vinyl tarps are an excellent choice if you are looking for a versatile solution to constructions and long hauls.
With tear and water-proof procedures, the tarp can handle rough conditions while ensuring the safety of cargo.
Asphalt tarps can be ideal for industries like construction and road repair while maintaining the temperature of the material.
The tarp keeps the hot asphalt workable even after delivery, which is important for meeting timelines and standards of the construction industry.
Vinyl tarps are for you if :
- This is ideal for the general-purpose tarp that can cover trucks and trailers for transporting goods.
- It’s for people who are prioritizing weather resistance, especially if they are operating in areas where the drivers have to be exposed to strong UV, snow, and rain.
- Suitable for those who require truck tarp systems that can be reused for different purposes without getting wear and tear.
Asphalt tarps are for you if :
- Consider the tarp if the primary requirement is transporting the hot asphalt or materials that are temperature-sensitive for handling paving methods.
- The tarps are lightweight and can be easily deployed, and they handle extreme heat without melting the tarp.
- It also operates for dump trucks that need a tarp system to retain heat during transportation.
Choose The Ideal Tarp That Suits Your Requirement Perfectly!
Both vinyl and asphalt tarps are crucial in the construction and logistics industries. Choosing vinyl tarps is an ideal solution if you are looking for a tractor trailer tarp to protect against UV exposure, debris, and weather.
However, if the primary concern is handling hot asphalt or other materials where the tarp will make contact with the load, heat resistant asphalt tarps are the perfect choice.
We offer a simple, quick, and hassle-free solution for your tarp that meets your requirements. With the highest quality in material, types, and sizes, shop for your ideal state-of-the-art tarp solution that is tailor-made to your needs.