How to Tie Down a Tarpaulin: Professional Securing Methods for Every Application

A tarpaulin that isn't properly secured is worse than no cover at all — a loose tarp in wind can damage what it's covering, tear itself apart, or become a hazard. As the UK's leading tarpaulin specialists with over 60 years' experience, we've seen every securing failure — and every solution. This guide covers every professional method for tying down a tarpaulin, from the simplest garden fix to industrial scaffold sheeting.

The Most Common Tarpaulin Securing Mistakes

• Insufficient anchor points — using only corner eyelets leaves large spans of unsecured cover that catch wind
• Rope through eyelets only — without padding or ball protectors, rope cuts through eyelets under load
• Tying too tight on cold days — PE tarpaulins contract in cold; over-tightening causes tears when the material warms and expands
• Wrong cord for the application — thin twine tears through eyelets; bungee loses tension over time on long spans
• Ignoring wind uplift — even covers laid flat on ground need weighting at all edges

Method 1: Bungee Cords (Quick Fix — Light to Medium Use)

Best for: Vehicle covers, garden furniture, temporary light-duty covers.

Bungee cords are the fastest way to secure a tarpaulin for light use. Thread the hook through each eyelet and anchor to a fixed point below the cover. Use at every eyelet — not just corners. Key rules:

• Never rely on bungee cords alone for windy locations or heavy loads
• Check tension monthly — bungee degrades over time, especially in UV exposure
• For vehicle covers, route bungee underneath the vehicle between eyelets for maximum security

Browse our bungee cord range — available in 3mm to 12mm diameter for every load requirement.

Method 2: Rope Lashing (Standard — Medium to Heavy Use)

Best for: General site covering, agricultural use, construction material protection.

Rope lashing through the eyelets of a tarpaulin and secured to a fixed structure is the most versatile method. Use minimum 6mm polypropylene or polyester rope for medium-duty use; 10mm+ for heavy-duty site applications.

Tarpaulin lashing technique:

1. Start at one corner and thread rope through the eyelet
2. Run a continuous line through each eyelet along one side
3. Tension the line progressively, starting from the centre of each span
4. Secure with a bowline or truckers' hitch — never a slip knot
5. Repeat on all four sides
6. Add diagonal cross-lashing over the cover for wind uplift resistance

Method 3: Tarpaulin Clips (No Eyelet — Edge Grip)

Best for: Securing without eyelets, old tarps with damaged eyelets, odd-shaped covers.

Tarpaulin clips grip the material edge and provide an anchor point without needing a pre-formed eyelet. They can be positioned anywhere along the edge. For sizes over 6m, clips should be used at maximum 1m intervals. Available from our accessories range.

Method 4: Scaffold Tying (Professional — Scaffold Sheeting)

Best for: Scaffolding, construction enclosures, wind-rated applications.

Scaffold tarpaulin securing is a professional operation requiring specific technique:

• Use minimum 250gsm heavy duty tarpaulin rated for scaffold use
• Tie at every eyelet — never skip anchor points on scaffold
• Use scaffold lashing (square lash) or proprietary scaffold fixings — not bungee cord
• Overlap adjacent sheets by a minimum of 20cm
• Consider wind load: in exposed locations, sheeted scaffold increases wind load on the structure — engineer if needed
• Inspect after every gale warning — retension loosened fixings immediately

Method 5: Ground Weighting (Ground Sheets & Flat Covers)

Best for: Ground sheets, flat area covers, material protection.

For a tarpaulin laid flat on the ground or over flat materials:

• Weight all edges continuously — one sandbag per 1.5m of perimeter
• Use timber boards along edges for large areas
• Peg through eyelets with ground stakes on grass
• On hard surfaces, use water-filled weight bags for temporary fixing without drilling

Method 6: Ridge Line (Tent/Shelter Configuration)

Best for: Creating a sloping shelter or temporary tent over a site, storage area, or outdoor space.

Thread a ridge line (8mm+ rope) through the apex eyelets of your tarpaulin and tension between two fixed points. Angle the cover at 30–45° to shed water. Guy ropes from each corner eyelet complete the shelter. A 4m × 6m tarpaulin creates a substantial covered area this way.

Recommended Kit for Securing Tarpaulins

• Bungee cords — 5mm and 8mm for light to medium use
• Polypropylene rope — 6mm for standard, 10mm for heavy duty
• Tarpaulin clips — for edge-grip fixing without eyelets
• Rachet straps — for vehicle and transport securing
• Ground stakes — for securing on grass and soft ground

FAQs

Q: How do I stop my tarpaulin blowing off in the wind?
A: Secure through every eyelet — not just the corners. In very exposed locations, add cross-lashing over the top of the cover, and weight or peg all four corners.

Q: Can I tie a tarpaulin without eyelets?
A: Yes — use tarpaulin clips that grip the fabric edge, or bunch the material and wrap with rope (a "tarp ball" securing method used on lorries and farms).

Q: What knot should I use to tie a tarpaulin?
A: The truckers' hitch for tensioned lashing (allows tightening under load), and the bowline for fixed anchor points. Both hold reliably and release easily.

Browse our full range of tarpaulin accessories and tarpaulins UK or call 01744 520 110 for expert advice.