PE VS. PVC
Choosing the right tarpaulin is crucial. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide.
Feature | PE Tarpaulin (Polyethylene) | PVC Tarpaulin (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
Core Material | Woven PE fabric + PE lamination coating | High-strength polyester scrim + PVC composite coating |
Price | ✅ Low Cost - The most economical option for budget-conscious projects. | ❌ Premium Cost - Higher initial investment. |
Weight & Handling | ✅ Very Lightweight - Easy for one person to carry, deploy, and fold. | ❌ Heavy - Requires multiple people to handle and spread. |
Durability & Strength | ❌ Low Strength - Prone to tearing, punctures, and abrasion; fears snagging on sharp corners. | ✅ Excellent Strength - Superior tear, puncture, and abrasion resistance; extremely durable. |
Waterproofness | ⚠️ Water-Resistant - Effective against light rain but may leak under pressure or at stitched seams. | ✅ Fully Waterproof - Seams are heat-welded; completely impervious to water, even under pressure. |
UV & Weather Resistance | ❌ Poor - Degrades quickly in sunlight, becoming brittle and cracking; short outdoor lifespan. | ✅ Excellent - UV-stabilized additives prevent degradation, ensuring long-term performance in all weather. |
Lifespan | Short-Term (Several months ~ 1 year) | Long-Term (3 years ~ 8+ years) |
Low-Temperature Performance | ❌ Poor - Becomes stiff and brittle in cold weather, can easily crack or break. | ✅ Good - Remains flexible and functional in a wide range of temperatures. |
Flame Retardancy | ❌ Flammable - Melts and burns easily. | ✅ FR Options Available - Can be treated to meet fire-retardant (FR) standards (self-extinguishing). |
Mildew Resistance | ⚠️ Moderate - The material itself doesn't mildew, but the woven structure can trap dirt and moisture. | ✅ Excellent - PVC material and additives resist mildew, rot, and corrosion; easy to clean. |
Typical Applications | Temporary covers: construction site dust protection, short-term outdoor storage, picnic mats, simple shelters. | Industrial roofing & warehouses, Long-term truck/equipment covers, Marine & mining protection, Fire-resistant shelters,Chemical containment |
Your budget is limited.
You need a short-term, temporary solution (days or weeks).
100% waterproofing is not critical.
Light weight and easy handling are your top priorities.
Choose a PVC Tarpaulin if:
You need long-term outdoor use (months or years).
You require complete waterproofing, wind resistance, and superior durability.
You are protecting valuable assets (e.g., high-value cargo, sensitive equipment).
You value long-term cost-effectiveness and reliability over the initial price.
Yongyuan Films: Six Decades of Excellence in PVC & PE Film Innovation!