GSM in Tarpaulins – What is It & What to Consider While Buying?

Tarpaulins are made of various materials, which make them strong and durable depending on the purpose and objectives. You may see different combinations like HDPE Tarpaulins, LDPE Tarpaulins, Cross Laminated, and Multi-Layered Tarpaulins to manage the following conditions of very large, strong, flexible, heat resistant, and tough waterproof material.  

But how would you determine whether the strength of the Tarpaulin satisfies your use or purpose? Not the combination but many things that are used to determine the tarpaulin strength, such as the Tarpaulin’s thickness, the mesh’s density, and finally, GSM (Gram Per Square Meter). So, in this article, let’s find out what GSM is in Tarpaulins, how to determine the GSM, and how to choose the perfect one for your need.  

What is GSM in Tarpaulin?

Generally, Grammes per Square Meter is referred to as GSM. It has to do with how much tarp material weighs. The tarp will be more durable with a higher GSM value. One may argue that the GSM number is a crucial quality indicator. However, this does not imply that a greater GSM number is always better because different GSM numbers have varying application ranges. Here are some examples of typical GSM tarps and their uses.

Different GSM in Tarpaulins and Applications

Tarpaulins are available in a variety of sizes, compositions, forms, and hues. The tarpaulin GSM is the most crucial component. A greater GSM indicates a higher density, heavier heavy-duty canvas, and, generally speaking, a longer lifespan.

The GSM numbers often used for tarpaulins made of various materials vary. The following is a list of some GSM numbers typically used for tarpaulins made of various materials: 

Applications of HDPE Poly Tarpaulins

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) tarpaulins come in various GSM (Grams per Square Meter) weights, and their applications can vary accordingly. Here are some common applications of HDPE poly tarpaulins in different GSMs:

1. 80-100 GSM: 

• Temporary ground cover: Lighter-weight HDPE tarps are suitable for providing temporary ground cover to protect surfaces during construction, painting, or landscaping projects.
• Light-duty equipment or vehicle cover: They can temporarily cover small equipment, machinery, or vehicles.

2. 100-150 GSM:

• General-purpose cover: Tarpaulins in this GSM range are commonly used for general-purpose applications such as protecting goods during transportation, covering outdoor items, or creating temporary shelters.
• Agriculture and farming: They can be used for crop protection, greenhouse covers, or as nursery shade nets.

3. 150-200 GSM:

• Medium-duty equipment cover: Tarps in this range are suitable for covering medium-sized equipment, machinery, or vehicles for extended periods, protecting weather elements.
• Construction site covers: They can be used as construction site barriers, temporary walls, or as shelter covers for workers or materials.

4. 200-300 GSM:

• Heavy-duty equipment cover: Tarps with higher GSM are capable of providing robust protection for large machinery, heavy equipment, or vehicles in demanding environments.
• Industrial applications: They can be used as liners for ponds, reservoirs or as containment covers for hazardous materials.

5. 300+ GSM:

• Extreme heavy-duty applications: Tarps with very high GSM are designed for heavy-duty applications, including covering industrial machinery, large storage areas, or providing weatherproofing for structures.

Note: The specific application and suitability of HDPE poly tarpaulins may vary based on factors such as size, thickness, and quality of the tarpaulin. It’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project before selecting the appropriate GSM weight.

Application of LDPE Tarpaulins

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) tarpaulins are another type of poly tarpaulin that can be used for various applications. Here are some common applications of LDPE poly tarpaulins in different GSM (Grams per Square Meter) weights: 

1. 70-90 GSM:

• Light-duty covers: LDPE tarps in this GSM range are suitable for light-duty applications such as covering outdoor furniture and small vehicles or as ground covers for picnics or camping.

2. 90-120 GSM:

• General-purpose covers: Tarps in this range can be used for general-purpose applications like protecting goods during transportation, covering materials on construction sites, or as temporary weather barriers.

3. 120-150 GSM:

• Medium-duty covers: LDPE tarps in this GSM range offer increased durability and are suitable for medium-duty applications such as covering larger vehicles and equipment or as temporary roofing during construction.

4. 150-200 GSM:

• Heavy-duty covers: Tarps in this range provide enhanced strength and can be used for heavy-duty applications, including covering large machinery, industrial equipment, or as weatherproofing for temporary structures.

5. 200+ GSM:

• Extreme heavy-duty applications: LDPE tarps with higher GSM weights are designed for heavy-duty use. They can be used for applications that require exceptional strength and durability, such as covering industrial equipment, creating outdoor storage areas, or as protective covers for agricultural purposes.

Application of Cross Laminated Tarpaulins

Available GSM

• 90 GSM
• 120 GSM
• 150 GSM
• 200 GSM

Cross-laminated tarpaulins are known for their exceptional strength and durability due to their unique construction. While GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is not typically used to measure cross-laminated tarpaulins, here are some general applications based on their different thicknesses:

1. Light-duty cross-laminated tarpaulins:

• Temporary shelter: These tarpaulins can be used to create temporary shelters or coverings for events, construction sites, or outdoor gatherings.
• Camping and outdoor activities: They can protect against light rain or sun when used as ground sheets, tent covers, or improvised shelters.
• Dust covers: Suitable for covering furniture, equipment, or materials to protect against dust and light debris.

2. Medium-duty cross-laminated tarpaulins:

• Construction and building site cover: These tarpaulins can be used as weather barriers, temporary roofs, or protective covers for construction sites and building materials.
• Agriculture and farming: They are suitable for protecting crops, hay, or agricultural equipment from rain, sunlight, and other environmental factors.
• Industrial applications: Can be used for covering machinery, storage areas, or as liners for ponds or reservoirs.

3. Heavy-duty cross-laminated tarpaulins:

• Heavy equipment and vehicle cover: These tarpaulins protect large machinery, trucks, or vehicles against harsh weather conditions or outdoor storage.
• Industrial and commercial applications: Suitable for covering warehouses, storage yards, or construction sites requiring strong and durable weather protection.
• Disaster relief and emergency shelters: Cross-laminated tarpaulins can be used to create temporary shelters in emergencies or disaster relief efforts.

Due to their reinforced construction, cross-laminated tarpaulins provide superior strength and are designed for demanding applications that require long-lasting protection against weather elements and other hazards. The specific applications may vary depending on the cross-laminated tarpaulin’s thickness, size, and quality.

Applications of Multi-Layer Tarpaulins

Multi-layered tarpaulins offer enhanced strength and durability due to their construction with multiple layers of material. While GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is not typically used to measure multi-layered tarpaulins, here are some general applications based on their different thicknesses and layers:

1. Light-duty multi-layered tarpaulins:

• Outdoor covers: These tarpaulins can be used as covers for outdoor furniture, grills, or other lightweight items to protect them from rain, dust, and sunlight.
• Temporary ground covers: Suitable for providing temporary protection to surfaces during painting, landscaping, or other light-duty construction activities.

2. Medium-duty multi-layered tarpaulins:

• Construction site covers: These tarpaulins can be used as temporary roofs, weather barriers, or protective covers for construction sites, building materials, or equipment.
• Transportation covers: Suitable for covering goods during transportation, protecting them from weather elements, and providing security.

3. Heavy-duty multi-layered tarpaulins:

• Industrial and commercial applications: These tarpaulins are designed to withstand demanding conditions and can be used for covering warehouses, storage yards, or industrial equipment.
• Heavy equipment and vehicle cover: Suitable for covering large machinery, trucks, or vehicles, providing robust protection against extreme weather conditions and outdoor storage.

4. Disaster relief and emergency shelters:

• Multi-layered tarpaulins can be used to create temporary shelters in disaster-stricken areas or emergencies where quick and reliable protection is required.

The specific applications and suitability of multi-layered tarpaulins may vary based on factors such as the number of layers, thickness, size, and quality of the tarpaulin.

Over to You

Hope this blog explains to you well about the GSM in Tarpaulins and the several applications of different Tarpaulins. As previously mentioned, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying, depending on your requirements. If you have doubts about choosing the right Tarpaulin for your needs, you can approach VJ Tarpaulins, a leading tarpaulin manufacturer and distributor in Tamilnadu. VJ Tarpaulins manufacture tarpaulins depending on our customers’ needs and specifications. Contact our team to clarify your doubts or visit our website to learn about our products.