Why Our Tarps Stand Out

#	UV RESISTANCE
ARK Tarps XF Film	UV inhibitors are incorporated in the raw material blend – 3 Year UV Guarantee
Other woven tarps	UV inhibitors are usually applied as a thin surface coating, which wears off faster, reducing long-term sun protection
Canvas	Limited UV resistance: typically untreated, which leads to faster degradation in prolonged sun exposure
PVC	UV resistant but may degrade over time depending on the thickness and treatment of the PVC coating
#	WATERPROOFNESS
ARK Tarps XF Film	Raw material is inherently waterproof throughout
Other woven tarps	Waterproof coating is applied on the surface, but this thin layer can degrade, leading to reduced water resistance over time
Canvas	Water-resistant but not fully waterproof; canvas can absorb water and may require additional treatments to stay water-resistant
PVC	Fully waterproof with a thick PVC coating, ideal for heavy-duty outdoor use but prone to cracking in high temperatures
#	LONGEVITY
ARK Tarps XF Film	Long life as tarp is 100% waterproof and UV resistant through the entire thickness of the product
Other woven tarps	Coating wears off, causing cracking and peeling, which leads to shorter lifespan and vulnerability to elements
Canvas	Durable but susceptible to mildew, mould, and rot if frequently exposed to moisture, leading to a shorter lifespan
PVC	Long-lasting in stable conditions, but coating can crack or peel over time with high exposure to sun and cold
#	STRENGTH
ARK Tarps XF Film	Layers are laminated in opposing directions creating greater cross directional strength
Other woven tarps	Woven in a single-direction weave, which can be inherently weaker and more prone to tearing under stress
Canvas	Strong and tear-resistant but less flexible; canvas can rip if punctured or cut, especially after wear
PVC	High tensile strength; resistant to tearing but less flexible than XF Film, making it more likely to rip under heavy stress
#	EYELETS
ARK Tarps XF Film	Ultrasonically welded on a sleeve of thick plastic, making them part of the tarp material
Other woven tarps	Rivetted on the tarp making them more vulnerable as they punch through the tarp material causing potential tear points.
Canvas	Typically riveted or grommeted; canvas can weaken around eyelets due to fabric tension and moisture absorption
PVC	Metal or plastic grommets; more durable than canvas or woven tarps but still prone to pulling out under heavy strain
#	MATERIAL & MANUFACTURING PROCESS
ARK Tarps XF Film	Constructed from multiple cross-laminated layers with UV inhibitors and waterproofing embedded in the raw material. Layers are laminated in opposing directions, enhancing cross-directional strength and resistance to tearing.
Other woven tarps	Made by weaving polyethylene or polypropylene threads in a pattern, then coated with a thin layer of poly material for added strength. Coatings are often thin and may wear off over time.
Canvas	Woven from thick natural cotton or synthetic polyester fibers in a tight weave; often treated with wax or waterproofing agents to resist water and UV exposure.
PVC	Produced from synthetic PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers laminated over a woven polyester scrim. The PVC is coated and heat-sealed or welded for waterproofing, though high temperatures can affect flexibility and longevity.
#	ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
ARK Tarps XF Film	Fully recyclable as made from virgin plastic material, with a focus on UV resistance to prolong lifespan and reduce frequency of replacement.
Other woven tarps	Typically, non-recyclable; coatings may degrade faster, requiring more frequent replacement.
Canvas	Biodegradable if untreated, but typically treated canvas is less eco-friendly due to waterproofing chemicals.
PVC	High environmental impact from PVC production; often non-recyclable and may release chemicals upon disposal.