3 Things to Remember as You Repair Tarps

Tarpaulins need to be free from any damage if they are to protect the covered material (goods on a flatbed truck, for example) from the elements and contaminants. However, there is no need to discard a tarp once it develops a tear. You can use tarp tape to repair the damage and prolong the useful life of that tarp. This article discusses some important tarp repair tips that you should keep in mind as you repair a tarp that covers the cargo on your truck.

Pay Special Attention to Cleanliness

The tarp tape is unlikely to adhere effectively on the damaged part of the tarp if there is dirt, grease or water on the surface of that tarp. You should therefore clean the damaged part thoroughly so that there is nothing that will prevent the tape from sticking to the torn segment. You can use a recommended cleaning chemical to ensure that no grease remains where you want to place the patch. Once the tarp is clean, let it dry in the sun for several minutes. Your repair will be successful if you perform it on a clean tarp.

Use a Hard Surface

Choose the surface where you are going to perform the repairs carefully. Select a flat surface. That surface should also be hard. Such a surface will enable you to press the tarp tape onto the damaged section so that there are no bubbles or wrinkles formed within the patch. Bubbles and wrinkles are a sign that some air was trapped between the tarp tape and the tarpaulin. Such wrinkles or bubbles can provide an inlet for dust and moisture to get onto the items that were supposed to be protected by the tarp.

Beware of Heat Guns

Some truckers think that using a heat gun will make the tarp tape to adhere more effectively onto the tarpaulin. However, it may be risky to use a heat gun during the tarp repair process because the intense heat may affect the chemical composition of the tarp tape to the extent that it breaks sooner than it would. Avoid taking this risk by using your hands to press down on the tarp tape so that it adheres well.

In case you have fears that the repaired patch may not be as strong as it should be, places a patch on either side of the damaged tarp. Contact a tarp repair professional if you have any other queries that need to be addressed regarding how your damaged tarp can be restored.