Choose HDPE tarpaulin when you want a light, waterproof sheet at a lower cost for covering goods, stacks and loads. Look at PVC tarpaulin when the sheet will be folded, dragged and refitted constantly, or must be joined by welding. For most storage and cover jobs in India, a suitable HDPE grade is the sensible place to start.
What is the difference between HDPE and PVC tarpaulin?
HDPE tarpaulin is woven polyethylene fabric laminated so that the weave is closed against water. PVC tarpaulin is usually a polyester fabric coated with PVC. That coating makes it heavier and more expensive for the same area, and it gives good resistance to rubbing and repeated handling.
| Point | HDPE tarpaulin | PVC tarpaulin |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Woven polyethylene, laminated | Usually polyester fabric, PVC coated |
| Handling weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Good for | Stacks, loads, site and farm cover | Constant folding, rubbing and refitting |
| Joining | Stitched or as supplied | Often heat welded |
Which material suits which job?
| Job | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One monsoon over a stack | Plastic tirpal | Low-cost and waterproof for short-term use |
| Cover left in place for longer | Heavier HDPE grade | UV stabilised and bought against a stated GSM |
| Sheet bought against a tender | Numex or Vinex Platinum | GSM and strength figures are published |
| Grain or goods that sweat | Canvas tarpaulin | The weave breathes, so moisture can escape |
| Folded and refitted every day | Compare PVC | Its coating is made for repeated handling |
What should you check on an HDPE sheet?
- GSM: our range runs from 70 GSM to 500 GSM. The rate follows the weight, as explained in how tarpaulin is priced.
- UV stabilisation: this matters on any sheet that stays out in the sun.
- Temperature rating: Numex is rated from -30°C to +70°C.
- Tensile strength: Vinex Platinum is a 200 GSM grade, laminated on both sides and tested at 600 N/5 cm.
Is PVC always the stronger choice?
No. Strength depends on the grade, so compare stated figures and not material names. A heavy HDPE sheet with published numbers can be a better buy than an unspecified sheet of either kind. The practical question is how the sheet will be used: left in place, or moved and refitted every day.
What do we supply?
Our published range covers HDPE tarpaulin, canvas tarpaulin, laminated fabric, plastic tirpal and fumigation covers, cut to size. PVC is not part of that listed range, so we will tell you plainly if your job needs it. You can also read our HDPE and canvas comparison, or our Hindi guide on which tirpal suits farm work. Tell us what the cover has to do, and for how long, and we will suggest a grade.
