A tarp is one of the most affordable and versatile things you can keep around the house. They come in different sizes, colors, and materials to fit a variety of needs. The most common is a poly tarp, where the tarp is covered in layers of plastic to afford complete weather proofing. Here are five home uses you can get from a tarp.
1. Play areas
You can use a poly tarp to cover sandboxes and swing sets to keep them dry in rainy weather. You could suspend one overhead to serve as an awning to keep out the rain or harsh sun. This is a good idea both for play areas or family gathering sites like the deck or backyard picnic table. Unless there are heavy winds, all you need are some poles and ropes.
2. Protect assets
Poly tarps can also protect your vehicles and equipment against sun, rain, and winter. Covering up your grill, boat, lawnmower, or ATV will protect them against rust and wear, thus prolonging their useful life. In times of frost, you can use canvas tarps to cover up your shrubs or flower gardens to help protect them against freezing. A few large poly tarps can protect your entire home when there’s a roof leak and the rain won’t let up.
3. Wood preservation
If you’re buying firewood or storing lumber for you next big project, you can help protect it by covering the stack of wood completely with a poly tarp. Termites are attracted to damp wood. Mice love to nest in the nooks and crannies. By wrapping your wood cache in a poly tarp, you ensure that it’s sound and dry when the time comes to use it, as well as discourage pests.
4. Moving
Companies like Glider Systems Inc have shown that tarps can be an essential item when it comes time to relocate. By covering over loads with a sturdy tarp and securing it in place, you prevent losing any belongings or causing road mishaps through articles tumbling or flying loose from the truck. Tarps can also be used to cushion items and prevent scratching during the move.
5. Remodeling
Tarps can be spread out over the floor as a drop cloth to protect carpet and flooring. They’ll catch paint spills or debris like broken drywall. When the job is done, you can simply bundle up the mess into the tarp and take it to the trash. The same is true for yard work. Branches, vines, leaves, and other organic clutter can be tossed onto a tarp for disposal. It’s much cheaper than wood chippers and easier than stuffing numerous plastic bags.
