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Frequently Asked Questions
Is canvas waterproof?
Water-resistant rather than waterproof, and that distinction matters.
It is treated rather than laminated.
In sustained heavy rain it will eventually let water through.
The treatment also wears off and needs periodic renewal.
What it gains in exchange is breathability.
That is the property the whole material is chosen for.
Why does breathability matter?
Because material underneath is not sealed in with its own condensation.
Moisture vapour passes through the weave.
A polyethylene tarp over damp timber traps the moisture.
Canvas lets it out.
Timber, hay, machinery and anything that sweats benefit directly.
Covering damp material with plastic frequently does more harm than leaving it uncovered.
How does it handle rough treatment?
Considerably better than plastic.
Canvas tolerates dragging, rubbing and rough handling.
Construction use and equipment covers suit it well.
So does anything moved frequently.
Plastic punctures and tears where canvas simply abrades.
That durability is much of why it survives in working environments.
Can it be used near hot work?
Yes - it does not melt, unlike polyethylene.
Welding, cutting and grinding all produce sparks and heat.
A polyethylene tarp would melt or ignite.
Flame-retardant treated canvas is the standard material for welding curtains.
Spark blankets use the same material.
The treatment and its certification matter where the application is regulated.
What are the drawbacks?
Weight and eventual water penetration.
Canvas is considerably heavier than PE, particularly wet.
A large canvas tarp is a two-person item.
Sustained heavy rain will eventually get through.
Water-resistant treatment wears and needs renewing.
It also costs substantially more than a polyethylene equivalent.
What is the mildew problem?
Canvas stored damp will rot, because it is natural fibre.
A tarp put away wet frequently comes out ruined.
Drying before storage is not optional with this material.
That is different from plastic, which tolerates it.
Rot-proofing treatments slow the process rather than eliminating it.
Storing in a ventilated place rather than sealed also helps considerably.
How is the treatment maintained?
By periodic reproofing, using a product suited to the fabric.
Water resistance declines with exposure and washing.
Reproofing restores much of it.
The fabric should be clean and dry first.
Flame-retardant treatment is a separate matter and generally cannot be renewed on site.
Where flame retardancy is certified, reproofing may invalidate it and should be checked.