For construction and agricultural applications, two common products often come to mind: plastic tarps and construction plastic sheeting. While these two materials share some similarities, they are distinct in their composition and purpose. Because tarps and plastic sheeting have different price points, it is understandable that many builders and growers may wonder which applications each option is suitable for.
The team at Americover is composed of experts in plastic sheeting for construction and agricultural applications. Our business prides itself on being able to find the right plastic sheeting with the appropriate set of specifications for your needs. Continue reading to learn about the key differences between plastic sheeting and plastic tarps.
What are the Differences Between Tarps and Construction Plastic Sheeting?
Both tarps and construction plastic sheeting are large pieces of flexible, waterproof plastic meant for a variety of applications. The overall difference is that tarps are meant for general outdoor use and weather protection, whereas plastic sheeting is meant for commercial use and is often constructed to meet specific requirements.
At Americover, our team acknowledges how confusing this difference could be. As Jason Treiger puts it:
“In the world of construction and agriculture, plastic sheeting tends to have an adaptability that tarps cannot always replicate. Tarps used to outrank plastic sheeting in durability – that is no longer the case.”
—Jason Treiger, Account Manager, Americover
Tarps and plastic sheeting have different composition and characteristics. Further differences between these sheeting options include:
How It’s Made: Plastic Sheeting vs. Plastic Tarps
Plastic tarps are typically made from woven polyethylene ribbons, with variations in thickness and density. They come in various sizes and colors, catering to a wide range of applications. Plastic sheeting is unwoven, blown polyethylene film, and can also come in a wide variety of colors, thicknesses, and sizes.
Tarps used to be more durable than plastic sheeting and generally more trustworthy when it came to weather protection. However, over the years, plastic sheeting has evolved to become the more durable and lightweight option. This is largely due to the innovation of string-reinforcement, which utilizes a string grid between two layers of extrusion laminated polyethylene to make a stronger product without excess weight.
Characteristics of Tarps vs. Plastic Sheeting
Both plastic sheeting and tarps offer options in terms of color, size, and thickness (measured in mils). They are both designed to repel water and can keep your valuables dry and protected from the elements. Both tarps and plastic sheeting are suitable for outdoor use, although tarps tend to last longer, about 3-5 years when outside exposed to the sun. However, plastic sheeting with a UV-resistant additive can usually last just as long as a tarp.
Plastic sheeting is the more cost-effective option. On average, a roll of string-reinforced plastic polyethylene sheeting is anywhere from $2 – $3 per square foot, while a tarp averages $5-$6 per square foot for a 10-mil material.
Applications of Tarps vs. Plastic Sheeting
Tarps are a reliable choice for protecting materials and structures from the elements. Their versatility makes them suitable for temporary roof protection, covering lumber and equipment, and providing overall weather protection on construction sites and farms. Plastic sheeting also offers robust protection against the elements and has become a cost-effective alternative to traditional tarps, especially as a temporary roof cover.
While tarps are popular materials for shelters, not all plastic sheeting may be suitable to protect people outdoors. However, plastic sheeting can be specifically designed for your needs with additives like UV resistance, fire retardation, fire resistance, bee compatibility, infrared, and so much more. When considering which solution is best for your application, consider which features are most important and your budget. It’s likely that there is a cost-effective plastic sheeting product that meets your needs.
Trusted by Builders, Growers and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Call us at 760-388-6294 or fill out our form to speak to a representative.
FAQs
The overall difference is that tarps are meant for general outdoor use and weather protection, whereas plastic sheeting is meant for commercial use and is often constructed to meet specific requirements.
What is the difference between plastic sheeting and Visqueen? ›
Visqueen is a brand name for polyethylene plastic sheeting. Plastic sheeting is also called polyethylene film, and it's better for different applications where not as much strength is needed in packaging items and food preparation. Each of the items can be used in similar ways.
What is the difference between polyethylene sheeting and plastic sheeting? ›
Plastic sheeting goes by many names and can be considered a catch-all for a variety of industry terms. Polythene sheeting, polyethylene sheeting, poly sheeting, plastic film, and poly film all refer to plastic sheeting. Other terms for plastic sheeting include liners, vapor barriers, tarps, underlayment, and more.
What is the difference between a poly tarp and a tarp? ›
Fundamentally, the difference between poly tarps and vinyl tarps is one of material: poly tarps are made from woven polyethylene that's coated with a polyethylene laminate, while vinyl tarps are made using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) scrims with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film laminate.
What plastic sheets are used in construction? ›
Plastic material like polycarbonate, acrylic, and foam PVC have a place in structural design as well. Due to its durability and ability to be fabricated, plastic sheets are used in applications such as window well covers, skylights, smoke vents, and structural ceilings.
Which plastic sheeting is thickest? ›
The Thickest Plastic Sheeting = 100 mil
HDPE is a form of polyethylene that has a more compact molecule and has a higher density. HDPE comes in thicknesses of 12 mil, 20 mil, 30 mil, 80 mil, and 100 mil. 100 mil is like stacking 3 1/3 credit card on top of each other. A credit card is approximately 30 mil thick.
What is the difference between 3 mil and 4 mil plastic sheeting? ›
3 mil plastic sheeting: Suitable for moderate protection in construction and DIY projects. 4 mil plastic sheeting: Offers more durability for applications like temporary weather protection.
What is the difference between plastic sheeting and tarp? ›
Both tarps and plastic sheeting are suitable for outdoor use, although tarps tend to last longer, about 3-5 years when outside exposed to the sun. However, plastic sheeting with a UV-resistant additive can usually last just as long as a tarp. Plastic sheeting is the more cost-effective option.
How thick is polyethylene sheet for construction? ›
What type of polythene sheet is used in construction?
| Duty | Gauge thickness | Millimetres |
|---|
| Medium | 250 | 0.063 |
| 300 | 0.075 |
| 400 | 0.100 |
| Heavy | 500 | 0.125 |
14 more rowsJul 17, 2024
Generally, PP plastics are stronger, clearer, and more expensive than their PE plastic counterparts. Polypropylene bags are great for the following industries — food, electronics and electronics manufacturing, hospitals, agriculture, and more.
Dark Colors in Tarps
Black is the preferred tarp color of truckers. Canopies and Tarps offers a full line of black truck tarps. These extra sturdy tarps are designed to protect truck cargo from the sun, strong winds and the elements.
What type of tarp lasts the longest? ›
In conclusion, the lifespan of a tarp varies depending on the material used, environmental conditions, and maintenance efforts. If durability is your primary concern, vinyl tarps offer exceptional longevity, making them ideal for long-term use.
What mil is best for tarps? ›
If you are planning a heavy duty use, such as covering a carport, consider a heavy duty tarp at 11 to 12 mils or a super heavy duty tarp at 23 mils.
What is construction plastic called? ›
Plastic Sheeting for the Construction Industry
Sheeting for construction is also referred to as C&A Film, or construction and agriculture film. These films are friendly to the environment and have excellent durability, even in hold and cold temperatures.
What is plastic sheeting called? ›
Plastic sheeting's other names are: liners, vapor barriers, vapor retarders, films, polyethylene sheeting. poly sheeting, visqueen, plastic film, reinforced plastic, self-adhesive films, tarps, root barriers, underlayments, greenhouse films, plastic covering, and so on.
What plastics are commonly used in construction? ›
Collectively, Polyethylene is the most common plastics in the world, but it's classified into three types: High-Density, Low-Density and Linear Low-Density. High-Density Polyethylene is strong and resistant to moisture and chemicals, which makes it ideal for cartons, containers, pipes and other building materials.
What is another name for plastic sheeting? ›
Plastic sheeting's other names are: liners, vapor barriers, vapor retarders, films, polyethylene sheeting. poly sheeting, visqueen, plastic film, reinforced plastic, self-adhesive films, tarps, root barriers, underlayments, greenhouse films, plastic covering, and so on.
Is plastic sheeting the same as vapor barrier? ›
The answer is: it depends. Some types of plastic sheeting can act as vapor barriers when installed properly, while others may not meet code requirements.
Why do they call it visqueen? ›
At a time when Visking was the largest producer of polyethylene film in the U.S., Union Carbide acquired Visking in 1956. An antitrust ruling forced the sale of the polyethylene business of Visking to Ethyl Corporation in 1963. Ethyl, known best for its tetra ethyl lead gasoline additive, renamed the division VisQueen.
What is plastic sheeting used for? ›
The general uses for plastic sheeting are as follows: If something needs to be covered- Food, equipment, floors, walls, furniture, plants, dirt, scratches, If something needs to be protected from something else like dust, rain, paint, debris, vapor barrier, roots, UV rays, fire, static, damage from shipping.
