Flame retardant tarps come in a variety of different styles, types, colors, and materials to satisfy a wide range of needs and applications. While some of them satisfy strict California State Fire Marshal Guidelines, other styles and coatings are intended to satisfy the rules in other states. By learning and understanding the different kinds available, you can find the tarp that will get the job done safely and effectively.

Flame Retardant Vinyl Tarps - Coated Mesh

Vinyl tarps are ideal for using over the windows and walls of tents and canopies as well as indoor curtains and room dividers. They provide you with the protection of the flame retardant coating while the mesh, often 11x11 count, is heavy enough to provide you with at least 50% shading from the sun's strong rays. For the best quality, look for seams that have been strengthened with webbing and heat-sealed. Selecting a cover that has strong, brass grommets will also keep them from tearing or ripping out the holes.

Poly Tarpaulin With Flame Retardant Coating

This style of protective tarp is often found in white, cream, or silver rather than the blue commonly associated with poly tarpaulin. This material is ideal for covering damaged roofing, equipment, or recreational vehicles. They can also be used for things such as creating a tent, canopy, or space divider.

When looking for this style of poly covering, choose ones that have been thoroughly treated with UV protection and are resistant to water, rotting, and mildew. You will also want to be resistant against chemicals and acids, tearing, and the cold. To ensure this material can provide you with the strength you need, find ones that have rust resistant, metal grommets as well as seams that are heat sealed and strengthened with rope.

Laminated Vinyl Tarps

This style of flame retardant covering is sturdy at approximately 13 oz. This gives it enough weight and tear resistance to make it ideal for covering indoor floors, salvage covers, and dividers for indoor spaces. They also work well for covering indoor equipment. For added durability, look for ones that have heat sealed hems and seams in conjunction with grommets that will resist rusting. This material resists water while maintaining its original sizing over time.

Canvas Tarps

Fire retardant canvas tarps give you the protection of other materials while still allowing air to get through the material in order to prevent sweating. It resists rotting, water, and mildew, but you will want to keep in mind that they are not waterproof. This material works well indoors, but it is excellent for a variety of outdoor jobs.

As an added benefit, canvas tarps are made from cotton, which makes them an environmentally friendly choice. While canvas tarps do resist tearing, having seams that are tripled in thickness and double-stitched all the way around the outside will provide you with added strength. Also, be sure the canvas tarps you select are treated on both sides for the best protection.

Temper Tent Vinyl Tarps - Coated Polyester

The strength and affordable prices of this style of tarp make them a popular choice. Even the military has discovered the benefits of this flame retardant material. It is also resistant against water, tears, and maintains its resilience in the cold making them great for outdoor use. In fact, they have more strength than laminated vinyl and do not scratch like coated vinyl. This style can also have their seams strengthened with rope and heating.

These five varieties of flame retardant tarps will ensure you have the protection you need regardless of what you will be using them for provided you select the style that meets your needs. Vinyl tarps are ideal for indoor applications while outdoor varieties such as tempered tent are ideal for outside. The mesh canvas tarps are ideal when you want some shade or to keep out larger bugs.