PVC vs Poly Tarps - Which One Should You Choose?
Not all tarps are created equal. If you’re a builder, owner builder or insurer looking for reliable weather protection, here’s what you need to know before making the call.
When it comes to protecting a building site, a roof or commercial assets from the weather, the choice usually comes down to PVC tarps or poly tarps. While both have their uses, the differences in durability, safety, cost and environmental impact over time are significant. Here’s what you need to know before making the call.
Here’s what you need to know before making the call.
THE CHEAP OPTION
What are poly tarps?
Poly tarps are made from woven polyethylene. They’re cheap, lightweight and widely available from hardware stores. Builders often buy them as a quick fix but they have major downsides.
The downsides of poly tarps:
- Tear easily in high winds
- Break down under UV exposure
- Not fully water resistant
- Limited eyelets or weak fixings
- Single use - end up in landfill within weeks
THE SMART CHOICE
What are PVC tarps?
PVC tarps are built tough from heavy duty polyvinyl chloride. Unlike flimsy alternatives, they’re thicker, stronger and made to handle long-term outdoor use without giving in to the elements.
Features that set them apart:
- Offer best protection against the weather
- UV stabilised for long-term sun exposure
- Ropes every metre for secure fastening
- Repaired and quality checked before every hire
- Hired, returned and rehired, not thrown away
THE REAL COST COMPARISON
Does buying really save you money?
X BUYING POLY
Hardware store poly tarp
6m x9m
$228.10
One time purchase
Typically lasts 1-2 weeks or days on a construction site before tearing, leaking or degrading under UV. Then you need to buy another one.
HIRING PVC
Flynn Tarps Heavy Duty PVC
6m x9m
$66.96
Per week
Quality checked, UV stabilised and built to last the entire duration of your project. No replacements, no surprises.
After just 2 weeks of Flynn Tarps hire ($139.72) you’re already ahead financially with a superior product that won’t fail on you.
Every week after that is pure saving. And unlike a poly tarp, our PVC tarp won’t end up in landfill when the job is done.
Poly vs PVC – Side by Side
Side by side
Why Hiring PVC Beats Buying Poly
Why Hiring PVC Beats Buying Poly
- One hire = reliable cover for the entire project
- Lower cost over time vs constant poly replacements
- Safer and more compliant installations
- Peace of mind knowing the home or site has maximum protection
- Better for the environment, not single use landfill waste
When to Use Each Type
When to use each type
- Poly tarps: Best for temporary, light-duty cover (backyard jobs, DIY)
- PVC tarps: Best for building sites, storm protection, commercial use, insurance make safe jobs
- PVC tarps: best for insurance make safe jobs
- PVC tarps: best for any job where failure isn't an option
BETTER FOR THE PLANET
The Environmental Case for Hiring PVC Over Buying Poly
One hire replaces dozens of disposable tarps in landfill
Cheap poly tarps aren’t just bad for your project, they’re bad for the environment. A single use poly tarp typically lasts a few weeks on a construction site before it tears, degrades and ends up in landfill. Multiply that across a busy building site over a year and the waste adds up fast.
Flynn Tarps’ heavy duty PVC tarps work differently. Every tarp in our fleet is hired out, returned, professionally repaired and rehired, again and again. One PVC tarp does the work of dozens of disposable poly tarps over its lifetime, dramatically reducing landfill waste.
For builders and businesses with sustainability requirements, environmentally conscious clients or green star rated projects, hiring from Flynn Tarps is the smarter, greener choice.
COMMON QUESTIONS
FAQs - Roof Tarp Hire for Builders
Are PVC tarps more expensive?
Yes, but they last significantly longer and perform better, making them better value in the long run. As well as being more environmentally friendly.
Do PVC tarps need special care?
No. Flynn Tarps inspects and repairs every tarp before every hire so you always get one in good condition. Our large fleet also means we have newer tarps.
Is hiring a tarp better for the environment?
Yes, significantly. A cheap poly tarp from a hardware store is essentially single use. It tears quickly, degrades under UV and ends up in landfill within weeks.
Our heavy duty PVC tarps are hired out, returned, professionally repaired and rehired meaning one tarp does the work of dozens of disposable poly tarps over its lifetime.
For builders and businesses with sustainability requirements, environmentally conscious clients or green star rated projects, hiring from Flynn Tarps is the smarter, greener choice.
Can poly tarps be used to cover a damaged roof?
We recommend that a poly tarp only be used in the short term as they have a high risk of tearing. For reliable roof protection, PVC tarps are the industry standard.
Do you install your PVC tarps?
No. Due to insurance reasons, either a builder, roofer or handyman installs tarps.
How long does a PVC tarp last vs a poly tarp?
A cheap poly tarp from a hardware store typically lasts 1–3 weeks on a construction site before it tears, leaks or degrades under UV exposure.
Our heavy duty PVC tarps are built to last significantly longer and because every tarp in our fleet is professionally repaired and quality checked before each hire, you’re always getting a tarp in top condition.
One PVC tarp can do the work of dozens of disposable poly tarps over its lifetime, making it the smarter choice for both your project and your budget.