The main purpose of insulated tarps is to protect a facility from heat, cold, and unexpected weather conditions. They are different from other tarps as they’re made with insulating material while the exterior side is usually made of polyurethane. While curing blankets might look similar to insulated tarps, they’re way different.

Concrete curing blankets are light-weight concrete blankets that are effectively used in providing insulation to construction sites. When placed on fresh concrete, the purpose of a curing blanket is to retain the required heat within the layer of concrete especially in winter.

Since there’s a difference in the design, material, and application of an insulated tarp and curing blanket, both need special consideration before making a purchase. In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose both these essentials.

How to Choose the Right Insulated Tarp

Since your property’s maintenance is highly dependent on how effectively an insulated tarp protects it during harsh weather situations, it’s a must to choose one that meets your expectations. Following these tips will help you out:

Ask yourself why you want an insulated tarp

Do you want an insulated tarp to protect the roof of your house from harsh weather or are you looking for one to serve an industrial purpose? In both situations, you’ll need to consider the size and quantity of the insulated tarp. Since industrial applications require robust material, it’s important to look for the tarp that comprises thick foam that blocks cold while preserving heat. The weight of the tarp should also be maneageable.

Know the material

Insulated tarps are usually made of polyethylene. But the main challenge is to choose a tarp that comprises a considerable layer of foam. It should also be UV treated. It’s a good idea to prefer waterproof insulated tarps that are durable and weather-resistant.

Ask if you can get customized insulated tarps

It’s always better to order customized tarps as compared to those with a fixed size, material, and design. List down your requirements first, and then, ask the seller if they offer customized insulated tarps. You can get 6-inch wide tarps as well as 12-inch wide tarps. But if you prefer a different size, you should order a custom size that aligns well with other specifications.

If a heavier covering is your preference, let the seller know so they can offer you a customized tarp accordingly. They might even give you a discount if you’re looking for tarps in a higher quantity.

How to Choose an Effective Curing Blanket

You’ll need a high-quality curing blanket when the aim is to preserve the layer of concrete you’ve just poured onto the floor of a construction site. Its application is most practical in extreme climate, i.e. in cold. The end result should be that the construction project is able to strongly hold concrete. A curing blanket will help retain the desired temperature. But having the best curing blanket should be the goal.

Let’s explore how to choose one.

Check the certifications

Every construction project is considered a high-involvement project. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that each material used in construction isn’t only durable but credible as well. The same is true when it comes to choosing a curing blanket. Using only certified curing blankets will make all the difference in layering down high-quality concrete onto the surfaces.

Certified curing blankets also meet electrical standards. At the same time, they’ll never let you compromise on quality of concrete in unstable weather conditions. So, if you want to see improvements in the overall curing process, it’s wise to ask if there’s a certification for a curing blanket.

Know if it can maintain the temperature

https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-cement-2219024/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-cement-2219024/

Concrete cures under specific temperatures for ensuring strength and effectiveness. Most curing blankets display descriptions so you can easily assess their effects on temperature. If the blanket’s description says that it can maintain more than 50 degree Fahrenheit, it means that it’s a good option to strengthen your concrete under the desired temperature. But when in doubt about temperature maintenance, you should ask the seller.

Assess if it can also retain temperature

Besides temperature maintenance, a curing blanket should be able to retain moisture to make the concrete stronger. That said, it should provide a specific level of moisture. Before purchasing a curing blanket, ask the seller about the moisture retention so the concrete goes smoothly throughout its hydration process. This will help you prevent concrete from getting weak.

Ask if it has easy installation and removal process

A construction project can either be on a small or large scale. In either case, what matters the most is that the curing blanket should be easy to install. This will not only reduce the completion time of a project but will also reduce the amount of work delegated to the workers. Installing a curing blanket in a short time will also ensure that the overall construction operations are being performed without any delay.

The removal process should also be as easy as its installation. Fast removal of a curing blanket means that the workers can follow a specific schedule.

The Takeaway

Remember that various sellers will claim that they offer the most effective insulated tarps and curing blankets. But it’s up to you to assess if their products will actually meet your expectations. Look for credibility, read the reviews, ask around, and never settle for less. Besides, following the above-mentioned tips will help you make a sound buying decision.