| At Multi Shelter Solutions we offer 2 basic choices of coverings. Both of these have 2 primary choices. The woven material commonly referred to as tarps come in white and green and the extruded polyethylene comes in either clear or white. Each has their strong and weaker points and possible variations. The warranty on our covers has to do with deterioration by the sun. The U.V. coating which has been applied during the manufacturing process allows us to warranty these covers for 4 years.
#1. Green tarps are green on white with a black interior to allow virtually zero light penetration. The 14x10 strand count per square inch give it a very high tear resistance. The tarps are fabricated by heat sealing 12’ wide panels together. The welds usually run across the building. It is 12 mil and weighs 6.2 oz. per sq.yd. This material is pliable enough to be used in our springlock system for securing it to the building. Although the warranty is 4 years, the green tarps are rated as a 7 year material. We stock the material in 25’, 29’, 33’, 37’, 41’ and 48’ widths. Any custom size can be ordered with a 3 to 4 week lead time.
#2. The main difference between the white tarps and the green is that it is manufactured as white on white with a clear interior. This allows for a reasonable level of light transmission but not in the range that would allow plant production. It also has a 14x10 strand count so tear resistance is excellent. The tarps are also made of 12’ panels and are flexible enough to use in the springlock. Because the sunlight can go through this material the life span is not quite what the green tarps are. We stock the white in the same widths as the green. Many of our customers use a combination of tarps which includes white on the ends, there by not making it quite so dark inside.
#3. Clear plastic is the standard material used in plant growing applications. Many farmers are also learning of the positive impart this range of sunlight has on their young stock. 6 mil is the standard thickness although 4, 8 and 9 mil are also available. 4 mil and 6 mil are manufactured in Canada and the cost is relative to their comparative weight. The 8 and 9 mil come from overseas so the cost is more then the proportional weight increase. Not as many sizes are available and the wait is usually quite long. It is always extruded as one piece so there are no seams to be concerned about. When a structure is being heated in the winter, there are significant heat savings (up to 30%) by applying a double layer with air blowing in between. 4 mil can be used as an inside layer under 6 mil but is not recommended to use a 4 mil sheet by itself. A 6 year life span is not unusual when a double layer is being used. This plastic can be order with an anti-condensate coating to reduce dripping or an infrared coating for even greater heat loss reductions. The standard rolls are available from 20’ wide to 48’ wide in 4’ increments.
#4. White plastic has all the same characteristics and properties of clear plastic. Because of it’s opacity plants can not be grown in the application. The primary function of white plastic is to reduce heat gain and to reduce visibility. 4 mil thickness is not available. It is available in 24’, 32’, 40’ and 48’ wide. It is guaranteed for 4 years and usually does not stand much long.
There are modifications which can be done to the structures to allow them to be outfitted with a hard cover. Some of these choices are plywood and shingles, sheet metal, poly carbonate, dyneglass and hycore. It is also not only a concern for the additional weight of these products but for the extra snow weight on the building since the snow is not shed or melted the same way that plastic or tarps would. |
