FAQ
What Are Tarps Made Of?
Most of our heavy-duty tarps are made from polyethylene that has been treated to be waterproof, rot-proof and resistant to UV rays and mildew. Polyethylene enables our tarps to be versatile and affordable for a variety of uses.
Some of our tarps are made from vinyl, which is stronger and more industrial-grade. It is built to offer some protection from hazardous chemicals, and is strong enough to contain large truckloads.
Others are made from a canvas material that is more breathable but not as waterproof as polyethylene.
How Do I Attach Two Tarps Together?
There are several ways to do this, and the grommets alongside the edges of most of our tarps make it easy. We offer several solutions, including ball bungie ties, tarp clamps and ratchet straps.
How Should I Store my Tarp?
Once you have ensured they are dry, simply fold them up and keep them in a cool, dry area. Make sure they are kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat.
How Do I Find the Right Size Tarp?
The right size is one of several considerations to make when choosing a tarp. In a nutshell, get an approximate measurement of what you want to shelter or protect, then add a foot or two.
How Long Will my Order Take to Ship?
All in-stock orders will ship about one to three business days from the time the order is placed. Normal transit times for West Coast customers is one to four business days and five to seven business days for Midwest and East Coast customers. Expedited shipping options are guaranteed times and will be processed immediately. Custom orders can take up to 12 to 15 business days to fabricate before shipping.
What if I Want to Cancel my Order?
If for some reason you need to cancel your order, contact our sales office through email and request a cancellation. Cancellations will not be accepted by telephone. If the order is still pending shipment, we will void the order and refund the appropriate amount to the original credit card used for the purchase. If the order has already shipped, it is the responsibility of the customer to pay the return shipping charges back to our warehouse. If the order is refused, all return shipping charges will be charged to the customer's account. Once the item has arrived back to our warehouse and has been inspected and approved, a credit to the customer's account will be issued for the cost of the merchandise.
What if my Merchandise Was Damaged or Lost During Shipping?
If upon receipt of the merchandise, you notice that the item(s) were damaged, either refuse the package or have the driver make note of the damage by starting a damage claim. We will not replace any damaged or lost merchandise if the packages are signed for as complete and damage free. Please contact our sales office immediately if damaged or lost merchandise is discovered.
What if I Ordered the Wrong Item or Color?
If after placing an order with us, you realize that you ordered the wrong color, size or item number, please contact our sales office immediately. If the order has not been shipped, we will make the adjustments to your order and charge or refund the appropriate amount. In the event that the order has already shipped, you must wait for the order to arrive and pay for the return shipping back to our warehouse. If the order is refused at the time of delivery, all return shipping charges will be charged to your account.
What Shipping Methods Do you Use?
All items weighing less than 145 pounds will be shipped by either UPS or FedEx. Multiple item orders or heavy item orders exceeding 150 pounds will be shipped through LTL Freight. Shipping charges are calculated by the total weight of the shipment and what state it is being shipped to.
What Should I Do if my Merchandise Has a Defect?
If upon delivery of the merchandise, you notice a manufacturer defect, please contact our sales office immediately. We will ask you to email a picture of the defective item and describe the nature of the defect. If after reviewing the pictures, we feel that the merchandise is defective due to manufacturing, you will be asked to package the item back in the original box and wait for a call tag. We will replace the defective item with new merchandise the following business day. All defective merchandise must be reported to our sales office no later than 15 days following the original invoice date. Please do not confuse a defect with damage during the shipping process.
How Long Have You Been In Business?
A1 Tarps is a family-owned and operated business. Established in 1981, A1 Tarps started as a 10 x 10 booth space in the swap-meets of Southern California and over the years, has grown to be one of the nation's largest suppliers of tarps, canopies and accessories. We offer more sizes, colors and inventory than any of our competitors. We pride ourselves on our large on-hand inventory as well as our ability to ship our products quickly.
How Much Do the Canopies Weigh?
| FRAME SIZE | STANDARD FRAME | H.D. FRAME | COMMERCIAL FRAME |
| 10X10 | 55 LBS | 77 LBS | 147 LBS |
| 10X20 | 95 LBS | 129 LBS | 219 LBS |
| 12X30 | 147 LBS | 200 LBS | 319 LBS |
| 20X20 | 117 LBS | 161 LBS | 256 LBS |
| 20X30 | N/A | 229 LBS | 347 LBS |
| 20X40 | N/A | 289 LBS | 432 LBS |
Can I Pick up my Order From Your Warehouse?
Yes, our location is equipped to allow for will call orders. Please contact our sales team and let them know you want to pick up your order. We will enter a sales order so that the merchandise is ready upon arrival.
How Do I Measure the Diameter of my Pipe?
The diameter of tubing is found by measuring the inside diameter from wall to wall.
Do you Offer Discounts for Large Size Orders?
Yes, A1 Tarps will provide discounts for large size orders. The percentage of the discount is determined by the quantity ordered and the total cost of the merchandise. Please contact our sales team if you feel your purchase will qualify for a discount.
What Is the Standard Leg Height for the Canopies?
Legs height can vary from one manufacturer to another. Generally, the industry standard is 6'8". Most canopies offered can have taller legs if requested.
Do you Offer Container Load Discounts?
Yes, A1 Tarps is one of the nation's largest suppliers of tarps and canopies. We keep a large stock of all of our merchandise. If you are interested in purchasing a container of merchandise, please contact our sales office for special pricing.
How Do I Determine the Correct Size Cover for my Canopy?
This is one of the most common questions that we receive.
The first step is measuring the canopy frame dimensions. This is done by first measuring the canopy's width from inside leg to inside leg and the length from inside leg to inside leg. We will always ask what the standard length and width dimensions are.
The next step is determining the angle of pitch for the roof rafters. The angle can be broken down into three common categories: Flat Roof, Low Peak and High Peak. Flat roof canopies have an angle of 90 degrees. Low peak canopies have an angle of 102 degrees and are slightly raised in appearance at the roof-line. High peak canopies, also referred to as A-frame canopies due to their shape, have an angle of 120 degrees. The high peak canopy is the most commonly sold frame on the market. Please contact us to learn more about how to set up a canopy.
Have you Ever Worked With the Government?
Yes, A1 Tarps has many years of experience working with government agencies and government sub-contractors. Over the years, we have provided many of the tarps used in temporary roofing for hurricane victims. If you are a government official or sub-contractor looking for product please contact our sales team. We take pride on our large stock and ability to ship our products out fast.
Do I Have to Pay Sales Tax?
All shipments to California residents will be charge sales tax. If you live outside of California, no sales tax will be charged.