Source for quality tarp for coop?

[porcupine73]

I'm trying to find a good quality tarp to cover my duck coop. I'll need at least a finished size of 22' x 24'. Tarps in this size seem to go for $150 on up. What's a good source for a quality tarp or other material that will last say at least five years?

I looked at Tractor Supply but their 'heavy duty' tarps have poor reviews saying they last only a few months. I've seen this kind of review/problem at other places too such as Harbor Freight. I looked at TekSupply, they have tarps that look like they would work, but with no reviews I have no idea if they are any better quality than those mentioned above.

The coop is 3/4" sch 40 PVC conduit bent over into a frame every 12 inches. It is 24 foot long. There is a roof beam running on the top for additional support in case of snow loading. It has 1/2" hardware cloth everywhere and galvanized metal roofing for the ends and doors at each end.

It is a ton more work than I expected to build this thing. In hindsight I'd have just put up a conventional building with plywood, it would have cost a bit more but I don't think it would have take any longer to construct.

 

[4 the Birds]

I have used heavy duty canvas tarps that are mild due and water resistant. They are easy to cover things and they look nice. I got mine at Mennards. The tarps have metal tie-down eye holes at the corners and along the sides. It was sized around 20x30 or something similar. It would last a lot longer than the plastic blue sheets that are much cheaper and pretty thin. Those shred after awhile. You may want to nail or screw down all the edges and make sure you have it sloped (snow or rain will pocket in the tarp). These days I stay away from tarps and replace tarp covers with exterior bead board. Tarps tend to flap in heavy winds and invariably rip or fail after time.

brown tarp cut to size and nailed for canopy covers in dog run.

 

[RonC]

The poly tarps that are sold will only last about a year if you are lucky. Canvas is a more durable solution but much more expensive. Securing it tightly like 4 the Birds suggested will help the durability either way. The UV rays from the sun plays havok with the poly tarps.

 

[legghorn]

Could you use an old trampoline may?

 

[duckinnut]

I would call a local tent rental company. Often times they have older tent tops that they no longer use due to broken tie down straps and such. They might sell you one or even give it away just to get rid of it. A garnered a couple from a friend who got some from a tent rental company for nothing. Mine are for a 20x20 tent, one i use for a run cover the other covering my firewood. Worth a shot. Seeing that you live on the lakes another shot is a marine canvas company. See if they have any leftovers from a special order roll that they will never use or an order that was never picked up, they might cut you deal to modify it to your needs just to get rid of it. Even if you have to put out a little cash for these long term these will out last anything you can buy locally.