As a carrier, your customers count on you to do everything you can to protect their precious cargo. That’s why proper tarp maintenance is an element of your job you can’t ignore. Any holes, rips or tears can expose loads to the elements. This opens the door for damage to shipments as well as your bottom line. Whether you’re a fleet manager or a driver, knowing how to care for this essential equipment is paramount. With that said, here are a few tips that can help you get a handle on how to repair a flatbed tarp.
Inspect the Tarp Regularly
Assuming everything is fine is one of the best ways to turn tiny problems into big headaches. It’s always better to deal with issues before they have an opportunity to get worse. This is why you should always take the time to give tarps a quick inspection every time you use them.
Patch Small Holes Immediately
If you notice any small tears, don’t wait to repair them. If you do, there’s a good chance that they’ll continue to get bigger until you have a real problem on your hands. Patching tarps with vinyl cement and vinyl patches or tape can ensure the entire piece will last much longer and offer complete protection.
Always Clean the Tarp First
If you don’t take a moment to clean before attempting to fix it, there’s a chance all your hard work will go to waste. That’s because grit and other debris can hurt adhesive’s ability to cling to the material. Giving the surface a good washing with soap and water or a solvent help your patches stick to the tarp, not the dirt. Make sure to clean an area large enough for the entire patch.
Use the Right Materials
You want to be sure that your patched flatbed tarp will continue to work as well as it did when it was new. This is why it’s so important to use the best possible materials. Use high-quality cement that dries quickly and creates a watertight seal. Vinyl fabric will provide the closest match to your existing tarps.
Repair Both Sides
Large-scale tears call for additional help. Apply patches to both sides, and you’ll have a much stronger fix that will be less likely to re-open on the road. Allow the repair to set entirely on one side before tackling the other.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes, the flatbed tarp may be too damaged to fix yourself. When that happens, professional assistance can help you salvage it. As a recognized leader in durable tarp systems, Verduyn Tarps has the expertise to provide a full range of repair services for whatever you need. To learn more about what we can do for you and your equipment, get in touch today.
