Using a tarp to build a shelter is very common in outdoor activities because the tarp is a versatile material. Whether you are camping, picnicking, or having an outdoor party, building a waterproof shelter is necessary. This article will teach you how to make a structurally sound tarp shelter.
1. Choose the right tarp material
You need to choose the right tarpaulin for your needs. Different materials have different strengths and durability, so you must select them according to your needs.
Poly Tarps(PE Tarpaulin):
Poly tarps are made of polyethylene. They are normally UV coated and will not easily stretch or tear. They are best fit for temporary covers and are naturally waterproof.
Canvas Tarps:
Canvas tarps are usually made of heavy-duty cotton material or hemp. It is not normally treated for UV protection. It comes in two different types – Plain and duck (untreated cotton). Tarps Mlebr Tarps are made with premium brass tie-down grommets, and they’re double stitched with rot-resistant thread for maximum performance. This is because they find maximum application as dust protection tarps, equipment covers, and mural canvas.
Vinyl Tarps:
Vinyl tarps are built for heavy-duty uses. They are durable and possess superior tear resistant. Our vinyl tarps selection ranges from flame retardant vinyl tarps, vinyl coated tarps, heavy duty, and custom vinyl tarps. They are resistant to liquids including oil and grease.
Mesh Tarps:
Our Mesh Shade Tarps and Covers are made from top-quality vinyl, polyethylene or polyester which make them perfect for sunshade canopies. Mesh tarps are ideal for mesh windscreens, mesh truck tarps for trailers or shade coverings, windscreens, patio shade, horticulture and outdoor pool covers.
Neoprene Coated Nylon Covers:
These are corrosion resistant due to their intense ability to withstand different types of chemicals, acids, and corrosive fluids.
PolyVinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most popular plastics in the world. It’s economical, versatile and known for its diverse applications including construction, welding curtains, floor coverings, and automobile
2. Determining the size and shape of the Shelter
Before building a tarp shelter, you first need to consider its size and shape. This depends on the number of people you will be accommodating and the purpose of use.
Rectangular/Square Shelters are ideal for significant events or gatherings and have plenty of room for more people.
- Triangular shelters: Ideal for singles or small groups, they are simple and easy to set up and take down.
- Round Shelter: beautiful and suitable for patio decoration and small parties or leisure activities.
According to the size you need, you can contact us to customize the waterproof cloth
3. Choose the proper support structure
Tarpaulin shelters need a stable support structure to ensure their safety and durability. Common support structures are:
- Bamboo/wooden poles: suitable for lightweight shelters, easy to install and economical.
- Steel Pipe/Aluminum Alloy Frame: This type of frame is suitable for shelters that require higher-strength support that can withstand greater wind and weight.
- Tent support: For temporary use, you can choose a specialized tent support frame that is easy to set up and take down.
When choosing a support structure, ensure it is solid and wind resistant, especially in windy or stormy weather conditions.
4. Tarpaulin Installation
The installation of tarpaulin is the core step in setting up the Shelter. The following are some standard methods of tarp installation:
Hanging Installation: The tarp’s corners are secured to support poles or trees, usually tied off with rope or zip ties. This method is suitable for lightweight, mobile shelters.
Covered Installation: The tarp is laid flat on a framed structure and secured to the four corners by tensioning ropes or hook and loop. This method is suitable for shelters that are more structurally stable.
Side fixing: For areas that need to be sheltered entirely, the tarpaulin can be fixed on the side to increase the windproof effect and ensure the Shelter’s stability in the wind and rain.
Hang a Shade Tarp by Using Trees or Structures:Let’s say you want to install a shade tarp to park your truck under during your two-week summer vacation. Some truckers do this to prevent excessive heat buildup while they are away. In either case, you need to get the tarp up high enough to accommodate the height of your tractor. Tent poles are probably not going to be suitable for this situation.
The easiest way to accomplish this idea is to string the tarp between trees or building structures on your property. Just tie a rope to each of the four corners, and away you go. The only tricky component of this installation is determining the right tie-down locations without running ropes too far. The longer the ropes, the more difficult it will be to maintain good tension. These are primarily easy and better ways to hang tarps for shade.
A-Frame House Shade Tarps Installation:The second installation method is one that campers use all the time for erecting tarps above their tents. It is known as an A-frame installation because you create a shape similar to an A-frame house. It is simple, so it’s pretty effective for many different uses.
To begin with, string a piece of rope between two trees or structures near the area you want to be shaded. Next, lay the tarp over the rope exactly where you want it. Finally, secure the tarp with additional ropes and stakes driven into the ground. You now have an A-frame shade structure to sit under, park your bicycles, etc.
4-Pole Installation to Make Shade with Tarp:There is no better installation to create a shaded sitting area than the 4-pole installation. You need four tent poles, a sturdy rope, and a few stakes for this installation. You can easily make your own tent poles if you don’t already own them. You can easily create a tarp shelter without trees and structure by using 4-poles.
Installation is simply placing a tent pole at each of the four corners, attaching a rope to each pole, pulling the ropes until they are taut and staking them down. For extra structural integrity, add more poles around the perimeter or stake the tarp directly to the ground with a rope.
Recommended viewing:How To Make A Tarp Shelter
5. Increase ventilation and light transmission
Although tarpaulin can effectively block sunlight and rain, it is easy to feel stuffy if used for a long time in a confined space. Therefore, the following ways can be considered to increase ventilation and light transmission:
Setting up ventilation windows: open air vents on the top or sides of the tarp, and use mesh fabric or zipper windows to maintain ventilation.
Transparent roof: If more natural light exposure is needed, a partially transparent tarpaulin can be used as a roof to maintain the shelter function and increase the brightness of the space.
6. Ensure the stability of the shelter
To improve the stability of the tarpaulin shelter, especially in bad weather conditions, the following aspects need to be paid attention to:
Reinforcement of support structure: Use ropes or ground spikes to fix the support structure on the ground to avoid tilting or collapsing when the wind is too strong.
Windproof design: You can choose windbreak fabric or strengthen the support pole to prevent the tarpaulin from being blown up by high winds. Installing solid pull ropes or ground anchors for large shelter areas can improve windproofness.
7. Disassembly and maintenance
After the tarpaulin shelter is used, it should be disassembled and maintained in time. Wash and dry the tarpaulin to avoid mould or damage due to moisture. When storing, it is best to roll up the tarp and place it in a dry place to extend its service life.
Conclusion
Building a tarp shelter is a good way to cope with sudden weather changes and adds a lot of fun and comfort to outdoor activities. By choosing the right materials, support structures and installation methods, you can quickly build a tarp shelter that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether camping, going on a field trip, or having a family gathering, a tarp shelter will provide you with a cosy and safe space.