Using tarps is a great, low cost way to store or protect items that need to be left outdoors.

Here are a few guidelines to help you get the longest life and the most use from your tarp

Keep in mind that the size listed for the tarp is the "raw" size.

This is the size of the garment before the tarp is hemmed. Because the hemming is done by hand, the finished size will vary. You can expect the finished size of most tarps to be 3-5 inches less per edge than the raw size listed. This sizing issue is standard across the industry and applies to all tarps.

Tarps are available in different weights.

A light weight tarp will have a single layer of material. Heavy duty tarps will have multiple layers and will feature properties like heat and ultra-violet light resistance. Be sure to match the value and durability of the item you are covering to the tarp you buy. You probably don't need to buy a triple layer, top of the line tarpaulin to keep the rain off of your wood pile. On the other hand, using a light weight, single layer tarp to cover your brand new Harley is probably not the best choice. As with anything else, remember that you get what you pay for.

Any tarp you buy should have a few features regardless of the quality level.

• Make sure that the tarp has poly roping sewn into the hem around the entire garment. This reinforces the edge and keeps the tarp stable.
• Also, make sure the tarp has sturdy metal grommets that are spaced evenly around the edge.

How do you attach a Tarp correctly

Tarps contract as it gets cold and expand as it gets warmer. The best way to control for this is to use and elastic tie down when securing the tarp. A bungee cord with a ball stop works best for this function. Using a ball stop bungee cord does two things.

• First, it evenly distributes tension over the grommet which helps prevent tearing the grommet away from the tarp fabric.
• Second, it helps distribute the tension over the tarp itself.

Push the bungee cord through the grommet; stretch the end of the cord and tie the loop end down to a fixing point on the surface. There should be tension in each cord when they are attached. If there is no tension, use a shorter cord. Continue connecting the bungee cords alternating sides. (front, back, left then right) This will evenly distribute the tension throughout the tarp.