GUIDES · MATERIALS
PVC vs PE tarpaulin: what is the difference?
The differences in strength, weight, lifespan and price, clearly explained.
The differences in strength, weight, lifespan and price, clearly explained.
PVC and PE are the two most widely used materials for tarpaulins. They look similar, but differ considerably in strength, weight and lifespan. When it comes to PVC vs PE tarpaulin, the best choice depends on how you use it and for how long. Below we explain both materials and set out the differences.
A PVC tarpaulin consists of a woven polyester fabric with a PVC coating. That makes it heavy, strong and fully waterproof. PVC tarpaulins last for years, are easy to clean and stand up to intensive use, wind and sun. They can also be repaired well by welding or bonding. That is why hauliers and industry almost always choose PVC.
A PE (polyethylene) tarpaulin is the lighter, low-cost builder's tarpaulin you often see on construction sites. It is water-repellent and handy for temporary covering, but less strong and hard-wearing than PVC. With intensive or prolonged use, and in strong sunlight, a PE tarpaulin wears out faster. For a short job or a one-off cover, however, it is a perfectly good, affordable solution.
| Property | PVC tarpaulin | PE tarpaulin |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Very strong | Limited |
| Weight | Heavy (250–900 g/m²) | Light (100–250 g/m²) |
| Lifespan | Many years | Months to one season |
| Waterproof | Fully | Water-repellent |
| Repairable | Yes (welding/bonding) | Limited |
| Price | Higher | Low |
| Ideal for | Permanent use & transport | Temporary use & construction |
Besides closed PVC and PE fabric, there is also mesh. This fabric lets wind and moisture partly through and is ideal for windy locations, scaffolding or agricultural applications where produce needs to breathe. For hay, straw or forage, a breathable fabric prevents heating and condensation. Take a look at our mesh tarpaulins and straw stack covers.
The lifespan of a tarpaulin depends heavily on the material, weight and maintenance. A heavy PVC tarpaulin that is stored dry and cleaned from time to time will last for many years. A PE tarpaulin that is constantly exposed to the elements loses its strength faster. Check the eyelets and hems regularly, as that is usually where wear starts.
PE is cheaper to buy but does not last as long. PVC costs more, but thanks to its long life and repairability it often works out cheaper per year of use. For business, intensive or permanent use, PVC is therefore almost always the wiser investment.
In short: for intensive, long-term or business use, choose PVC. For temporary, low-cost covering, PE will do. Still weighing up PVC vs PE tarpaulin? We are happy to advise you and make your tarpaulin to measure. Browse our tarpaulins or read our broader guide to types of tarpaulin.
PVC. Thanks to its woven polyester base with a PVC coating, it is much stronger and more hard-wearing than PE.
PE is water-repellent and keeps rain out, but it stays waterproof for a shorter time than a coated PVC tarpaulin.
With normal use, a quality PVC tarpaulin lasts for many years, depending on its weight and how hard it is worked.
PE is cheaper to buy, but PVC often works out cheaper in the long run because it lasts much longer.
Yes. PVC tarpaulin is easy to repair by welding or bonding, so you can keep using it for longer.
For hay, straw or forage, a breathable mesh fabric is often the best choice, so moisture can escape and the crop does not heat up.
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