Sometimes I wonder if rotating tarps or adding a cheap shade cloth layer helps stretch their life...
Layering with shade cloth does buy you some time, but in my experience, it mostly just delays the inevitable—UV still sneaks in and does its thing. I’ve tried rotating tarps, but honestly, the effort vs. payoff is questionable unless you’re dealing with really expensive covers. Anyone had luck with those silver-backed tarps? They claim better UV resistance, but I’m skeptical. Does the color or coating really make that much difference?
I get where you’re coming from about the shade cloth just buying a little time. I’ve done the same thing, and yeah, it’s not a miracle fix. But I actually had a different experience with the silver tarps. The cheap blue ones always shredded after a season or two for me, but the silver-backed ones held up noticeably better—at least in the Texas sun. Maybe it’s just the extra thickness or maybe the reflective surface really does help bounce some of that UV off. They cost a bit more, but I got almost three years out of one before it started cracking, which is way longer than I ever got from the blue or green ones.
I do think color and coating matter, at least a little. Darker tarps seem to get brittle faster, especially if they’re thin. The silver ones don’t get as hot to the touch, which probably helps slow down the breakdown. I wouldn’t say they’re invincible, though. Wind is still a killer—if the tarp’s flapping around, it’ll tear no matter what color it is.
One thing I started doing is using old billboard vinyls as tarps. They’re thick, already UV treated, and surprisingly tough. Not the prettiest, but if you’re just covering firewood or equipment, who cares? Plus, they’re usually cheaper than new heavy-duty tarps.
Rotating tarps felt like way too much hassle for me, unless you’re covering something super valuable. I’d rather just pay a little more up front for a better tarp and save myself the trouble. But yeah, nothing lasts forever in full sun. If anyone’s found something that really stands up to both UV and wind for more than a few years, I’m all ears...
One thing I started doing is using old billboard vinyls as tarps. They’re thick, already UV treated, and surprisingly tough. Not the prettiest, but if you’re just covering firewood or equipment, who cares? Plus, they’re usually cheaper than new heavy-duty tarps.
That’s a solid tip about the billboard vinyls. I’ve seen folks use those for all sorts of stuff—one neighbor even made a chicken coop roof out of one. They’re ugly as sin but honestly, if it keeps the rain off and doesn’t shred in the wind, I’m not picky either.
I’ve had similar luck with the silver tarps lasting longer than blue ones, though I still get frustrated with how fast anything breaks down in direct sun. The wind is what really gets me too. Doesn’t matter how thick or fancy the tarp is—if it’s not tied down tight or if there’s any spot where it can flap, it’ll start tearing at the grommets or edges. I started doubling up on bungees and even ran some old rope through the hems to spread out the stress. It helps a bit, but nothing’s perfect.
I’m curious if anyone’s tried those “canvas” tarps they sell at farm supply stores? They cost more up front but supposedly breathe better and don’t get brittle like plastic ones. I’ve been tempted but haven’t pulled the trigger since I’m not sure they’d handle our humidity and storms any better.
When it comes to picking a shed structure or cover, I always look at how easy it’ll be to replace parts down the line. Some of those prefab sheds have weird proprietary connectors or custom-sized tarps that cost a fortune to replace. I’d rather go with something standard—even if it’s not as sleek—just so I’m not stuck when something rips or bends.
Has anyone found a good way to keep tarps from pooling water in heavy rain? That’s my other headache—no matter how tight I stretch them, there always seems to be one low spot that sags and fills up after a storm...