Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Tarps: Understanding the Difference

Tarpaulins (tarps) are versatile covers used to protect everything from backyard furniture to commercial freight. However, not all tarps offer the same level of water protection. Understanding the difference between waterproof and water-resistant tarps is crucial information for both homeowners and businesses when deciding on the right cover for their needs. This article breaks down the basics of both levels of water protection by comparing the four main tarp materials characteristic of both industrial and residential buyers.

Waterproof Tarps: A waterproof tarp is completely impervious to water. Its surface does not allow any moisture to penetrate or pass through it. Even in the case of heavy rain or submersion, a true waterproof tarp will not leak. This high level of protection most commonly comes from vinyl or polyethylene coatings that have sealing properties. Due to this seal against the water, waterproof tarps also block air circulation, meaning they are not at all breathable. Waterproof tarps are ideal for keeping assets entirely dry, but can lead to condensation if moisture is trapped under the cover.

Water-Resistant Tarps: Water-resistant tarps are designed to repel water but only to a certain degree. These tarps usually have a specialized coating (typically a wax, oil, or silicone fabric treatment) that causes water to bead up and run off. They can endure light to moderate rain for a significant time, but they are not completely waterproof. Under heavy rainfall or prolonged exposure, a water-resistant tarp’s material will eventually become saturated, and moisture will seep through. The trade-off is that water-resistant tarps are more breathable, allowing some airflow, which helps fight off condensation and mildew. In short, water-resistant tarps offer moderate rain protection with an ideal amount of airflow beneath.

Materials Matter: Comparing Poly, Vinyl, Canvas, and Mesh Tarps

Not all tarps are made from the same cloth. The fabric of a tarp largely determines whether it is waterproof or water-resistant, as well as its durability and breathability. Below, we compare the four common tarp materials: polyethylene, vinyl, cotton canvas, and mesh.

Polyethylene Tarps (Poly Tarps)

• Water Repellency: Polyethylene tarps are made from woven plastic (often with a laminated coating) and are inherently 100% waterproof​. They will not let water through their plastic layers, making them suitable for full rain protection.

• Breathability: Poly tarps do not breathe (no air passes through the plastic). Any moisture under a poly tarp can get trapped, so consideration is needed to avoid condensation.

• Material Characteristics: Constructed from woven polyethylene strips fabric and coating, they are lightweight and resistant to stretching or tearing for their weight​. Poly tarps often have built-in UV resistance as well, but prolonged sun exposure can eventually make the plastic brittle. They are usually thinner and less heavy-duty than vinyl tarps, but easier to handle.

• Best Uses: Poly tarps are commonly used for temporary outdoor covers and projects: covering wood piles, securing a leaky roof, camping ground cloths, or shielding construction materials from a surprise rain​. Homeowners often recognize blue or silver poly tarps as inexpensive covers for yard projects or emergency rain protection. Commercially, they’re used in construction and landscaping when an affordable, portable waterproof cover is needed. Keep in mind that while waterproof, they may not hold up to heavy-duty or long-term use as well as vinyl even though they offer the best strength to weight ratio of all waterproof tarps.

Vinyl Tarps (PVC Tarps)

• Water Repellency: Vinyl tarps are among the most completely waterproof tarps available – water simply cannot penetrate the vinyl-coated layer​. They are designed to endure heavy rain, snow, or even pooling water without leaking.
  

• Breathability: Like poly, vinyl tarps are non-breathable, forming a total barrier against water and air. This makes them excellent for moisture protection if the covered item is dry to start with.

• Material Characteristics: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polyester, vinyl tarps are essentially heavy-duty industrial plastic sheets​. They are thicker, heavier, and more durable than poly tarps, built to resist rips, abrasion, chemicals, and UV damage​. Their robustness also means they are less prone to blowing around or tearing in high winds. Vinyl tarps often come in heavy weights and can also have features like flame retardancy in specialized versions.
  

• Best Uses: Heavy-duty and long-term applications. Because of their superior strength and waterproofing, vinyl tarps shine in industrial and commercial uses: covering equipment or machinery, flatbed truck covers, construction site enclosures, and any scenario demanding all-weather protection​. For example, trucking companies use vinyl lumber tarps to keep cargo dry at highway speeds, and construction crews use vinyl tarps to cover unfinished roofs or building materials through storms. For home users, vinyl tarps are great for long-term outdoor covers (boats, RVs, pool covers) or as fixed awnings and canopies where a durable waterproof cover is needed​. They are more expensive, but their longevity and toughness often justify the cost for critical applications.

Canvas Tarps

• Water Repellency: Traditional canvas tarps are made from cotton fabric and are treated with waterproofing agents (wax, oil, silicone) to repel water​. They can handle light rain, and will cause water to bead up and run off initially. However, canvas is a porous woven material, so if water pools on it or rainfall is prolonged, it will eventually soak through the fibers​. In other words, canvas tarps resist moisture but are not fully impermeable like plastic tarps​.

• Breathability: A major advantage of canvas is its breathability. The natural fiber weave allows air to pass through, preventing moisture buildup and condensation under the tarp​. This quality makes canvas ideal for covering items that benefit from air circulation to stay dry by avoiding trapped humidity. Canvas tarps also tend to regulate temperature better under the cover, thanks to airflow.

• Material Characteristics: Made from heavy cotton duck, typically with a wax-based treatment for water and mildew resistance​. Canvas is durable in a different way than vinyl – it is thick and tough, resistant to tearing, and can withstand rough handling and moderate weather. However, it is generally less tear-resistant and less durable in extreme weather compared to vinyl​. Canvas can also be heavier to handle than poly tarps, and being a natural fiber, it can shrink slightly when wet and deteriorate slowly if stored damp.

• Best Uses: Canvas tarps are favored for tasks where ventilation is important or only mild dampness is expected. Common uses include covering supplies or machinery in storage to protect from dust and light moisture while avoiding condensation. For instance, covering woodworking equipment or furniture in a garage with a canvas tarp. They are popular in camping as tent flies, ground cloths, or equipment covers because they are quiet (no loud rustling) and breathable​. Canvas is also used on construction sites and farms to cover lumber, hay bales, or trailers because it keeps rain off but does not trap humidity, preventing mold or rust on the covered materials​. Keep in mind that canvas tarps should be tightened to avoid water pooling, and they should be dried out after use to maintain their longevity.

Mesh Tarps

• Water Repellency: Mesh tarps are made of woven strands with holes in between, so they do not block water at all. Rain, humidity, and airflow pass directly through a mesh tarp’s openings. As such, mesh tarps are not suitable for keeping things dry.
  

• Breathability: Breathability is the defining feature of mesh tarps. Because of their mesh construction, they allow maximum air circulation. This means excellent ventilation, no heat buildup, and no condensation underneath (but again, no moisture protection either)​. Mesh tarps also filter some sunlight and wind, acting more like a shade or windscreen than a rain cover.
  

• Material Characteristics: Typically made from synthetic fibers like polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl-coated polyester woven into a mesh netting. They are lightweight and easy to handle, and often designed to withstand UV exposure​. Many mesh tarps are rugged enough to hold up under stress, such as covering a truck bed that contains debris, but they sacrifice a solid surface for the sake of airflow. They come in different weave densities that determine how much light or wind they block.
  

• Best Uses: Mesh tarps excel in applications where you need to cover something without trapping heat or moisture. For instance, they are commonly used as shade tarps over patios, greenhouses, or truck beds, providing cooling shade while letting rain through intentionally​. They are used as privacy screens or windbreaks and for debris containment, like covering a dump truck or trailer carrying gravel or yard waste. In agriculture, mesh tarps can cover plants or hay stacks to shield them from the sun but allow ventilation. Anytime ventilation is the priority and water protection is not needed, a mesh tarp is the go-to option.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tarp is not just about size or color, it is about understanding what level of protection each material offers. Whether you are working on a job site, storing equipment, or covering something at home, knowing the difference between waterproof and water-resistant tarps helps you avoid damage from water, mold, or trapped moisture.

Polyethylene and vinyl are best when you need complete water protection. Canvas and mesh are better when air circulation matters more than staying completely dry. Each has its place, and choosing the wrong one can cost time, money, or gear.

If you are unsure which tarp fits your needs, browse our selection of waterproof and water-resistant tarps at Humphrys.com, or call our team at (215) 307-3363. We are here to help you choose the right cover.