Cover Wars: Is a Poly Tarp vs. Vinyl Tarp Better Protection?

By John Funk, May 28, 2024

When it comes to outdoor protection, tarps – derived from the older word “tarpaulin” – are a cheap yet effective way to shield our belongings from the elements. Whether it's protecting your outdoor furniture, covering your boat, covering your car, or securing supplies at a construction site, choosing the right tarp is essential. Two popular options often pitted against each other in the "Cover Wars" are poly tarps and vinyl tarps. But which one offers superior protection? Let's find out.

Poly Tarps: Lightweight Versatility

Poly tarps, short for polyethylene tarps, are crafted from woven polyethylene fibers. They are inexpensive and usually lightweight, which makes them simple to handle and move around. Despite their lightness, poly tarps boast impressive strength and durability. They can withstand tears, mildew, and UV rays to a certain extent; however, they are more suitable for indoor use.One of the primary advantages of poly tarps is their affordability. They are usually more affordable than their vinyl counterparts, making them the preferred choice for individuals seeking cost-effective outdoor protection solutions.Moreover, poly tarps come in a diverse array of colors, sizes, and thicknesses, offering versatility to meet a variety of requirements. Poly tarps offer options to suit your requirements, especially if you are looking for a tarp for temporary coverage.

Vinyl Tarps: Heavy-Duty Defense

Vinyl tarps, on the other hand, are constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Unlike poly tarps, vinyl tarps are heavier and more rigid. This heaviness contributes to their robustness, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications where superior protection is required.

One of the standout features of vinyl tarps is their exceptional resistance to harsh weather conditions. They're good at keeping out rain, snow, and strong winds, so they're a reasonably good option for using outdoors, even when it's really tough out there.

Moreover, vinyl tarps offer better UV resistance compared to poly tarps, ensuring prolonged exposure to sunlight doesn't compromise their integrity. This UV resistance makes them a preferred choice for applications requiring outdoor coverage.

While vinyl tarps may come with a higher price tag compared to poly tarps, their durability often justifies the investment.

Choosing the Right Tarp for Your Needs

When it comes to selecting between poly tarps and vinyl tarps, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice largely depends on your specific requirements and budget constraints.

If you're looking for a lightweight and cost-effective solution for short-term use or moderate protection needs, poly tarps offer a compelling choice. These covers are versatile, simple to manage, and come in different sizes depending on your need.

Conversely, if you require heavy-duty protection for outdoor use in harsh conditions, vinyl tarps emerge as the preferred option. Even though they might cost more, their durability, weatherproof nature, and ability to provide decent protection from UV rays make them a good choice for outdoor use.

Whether you choose a poly tarp or a vinyl tarp, both provide decent protection against the elements, keeping your belongings safe outdoors. By knowing the special features and benefits of each type of tarp, you can decide what's best for you. So, in the battle of cover wars, the winner ultimately depends on your individual requirements and priorities.

Tarps or Proper Car Covers: The Better Option?

As we’ve mentioned, tarps serve as excellent protective covers for a variety of items. Whether it's vehicles, construction equipment, or outdoor furniture in need of shielding from the elements, a tarp offers a simple and effective solution. You can shield your belongings from rain, snow, sunlight, and other environmental risks by covering them with a tarp.

Tarps might be considered a good option for protecting belongings from the elements; however, for extended or seasonal storage for expensive items like cars or boats,, it's typically advised to invest in a purpose-built cover engineered to offer better protection, breathability, and a secure fit.

Custom covers are precisely tailored for specific makes and models of products you intend to purchase, ensuring superior protection. Tailored to precision, custom-fit covers are usually crafted from top-tier materials designed to endure even the harshest conditions. Engineered for longevity, they furnish enduring defense for your purchased product. A snugly fitting custom cover not only enhances security but also acts as a deterrent against potential theft and vandalism. Custom covers offer greater versatility, suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, thus providing year-round protection for your vehicle.

A quality cover is engineered to perfectly complement products like yours. These covers offer a snug fit, and their inner layer is often crafted from a soft fleece material, serving to prevent scratches. High-quality covers are renowned for their durability and longevity, outlasting cheaper tarps by a significant margin. Whether it's a car or boat stored outdoors, a custom cover effortlessly withstands the sun's UV rays, providing incredible protection against UV damage to your vehicle.

Using a custom cover contributes to upholding the appearance and condition of your product, thereby potentially enhancing its resale value when the moment arrives to sell or trade in your vehicle.

Seal Skin’s Semi-Custom-Fit Covers – An Affordable, Durable, and Reliable Option

While custom covers boast numerous advantages, their higher cost often deters many car owners, leading them to opt for cheaper tarps. But before resorting to using a tarp, consider this: we have an affordable alternative that offers comparable benefits. At Seal Skin, we present high-quality semi-custom-fit covers that deliver equivalent protection to custom covers, all at a more budget-friendly price point. That's right! Our covers are not only affordable but also durable and reliable.

Our covers provide optimal protection against a range of hazards, including dust, dirt, pollen, tree sap, bird droppings, and more. Moreover, they can protect your vehicle from severe weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail, and ice, providing thorough protection for your vehicle.

Our covers use a breathable fabric that incorporates sizable gaps, allowing moisture to escape effectively. This design feature helps prevent the accumulation of mold and mildew, as well as inhibiting rust formation on your vehicle.

Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to Midnight EST) and we will help you find the right tarp or cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.