A tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material. It is often made of cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane, or plastics such as polyethylene.  Common roof tarp often have reinforced grommets at the corners and along the sides to form attachment points for rope, allowing them to be tied down or suspended. Inexpensive modern tarpaulins are made from woven polyethylene. This material is so associated with tarpaulins that it has become colloquially known in some quarters as polytarp.

In addition to grommets, tarps have several features that help reinforce the overall strength of the fabric. On each corner of a triangular plastic covering is installed to prevent the grommets from pulling through the fabric. The corners of the fabric are subject to immense tension under harsh conditions. Furthermore, during the grommet process a perimeter rope is added before the fabric is folded back on itself and then laminated to create the hem. The combination of the perimeter rope and hem add great strength to the edges of the fabric.

Tarps are used for a variety of different applications. Some of the most common uses are but not limited to roof and building covers, hurricane protection, canopies, truck covers, privacy tarps, field covers, shade protection, hay storage, lumber covers, gym floor covers, fire retardant tarpaulins and boat covers.

Roof tarp

Roof tarp commonly serve as roof coverings for different kinds of resting areas. Here are the common uses for roof tarps:

1. Protection after cyclones and harsh weather – Once cyclones have passed by, damaged roofs can be covered by tarps. Such materials will protect against any kind of weather, and help you get back to a normal life with a temporary arrangement.
2. Ground covers – If you wish to have a cricket match or generally play in an outdoor ground with the looming threat of rain, do not worry- simply install waterproof tarps in that area. Once covers are removed on the day of play, you will find a completely dry surface.
3. Roof on a hunting cabin – If you have a small hunting cabin somewhere in a forest and it does not have proper protection, consider installing a tarp.   

Roof tarp is preferred covers for multi-purpose applications due to their strength, durability and price. Polyethylene covers are commonly found to be UV treated, waterproof, mildew and rot resistant, contain sun blocking materials and contain fibres that resist arctic temperatures.