Keeping materials safe, dry and protected from the weather is absolutely essential when running a construction site. Improper storage and coverage of building materials and equipment can result in costly delays - that's why it's important to deal with any damaged tarpaulin as soon as possible.

Taking action immediately after the damage occurs will minimize potential problems and headaches further down the line. Read on to find out exactly what to do when you notice that one of your tarps needs attention.

Assess the damage

A small tear will be dealt with differently than a large rip, so assessing the level of damage to the tarpaulin is important. Take care to look closely at the entire tarp to ensure that you don't miss anything. Sometimes, parts of the material may be folded over or hidden in such a way that the entire breakage is not immediately visible. Taking the time for more than a quick once over will pay off in the long run.

Put a temporary solution in place

Making sure that your materials stay protected while you wait for a fix is key, particularly with materials or equipment that are vulnerable to water damage. Finding a spare tarpaulin to cover the exposed areas is usually the easiest fix - keeping a few extras on hand means you'll be well prepared for any unexpected breakages.

If this isn't possible, then moving equipment or materials to an indoor or sheltered area is another option. This requires more labor, but is better than having to replace expensive items because they've been damaged by the elements. Never trust a good weather forecast - it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Arrange repair or replacement

Depending on how damaged the tarp is, you'll need to choose between a repair or replacement. Repairs are appropriate for small rips and tears and shouldn't affect the effectiveness of the tarp. They're also the best option if the tarpaulin has been specially made to fit a piece of equipment as you'll save the cost and hassle of having a new cover made. Branded tarpaulins are also worth repairing where possible, since you have paid extra for the printing.

For larger areas of damage, it's best to replace your tarpaulin. A repair may leave seams that are vulnerable to further damage in the future. For more information, contact a trap repair company in your area.

Prevent the problem from reoccurring

Consider the type of tarpaulin you choose when buying a replacement - could a heavier duty tarp be more suitable for your needs? You should also look at the placement of the tarp and the location of the item that is being covered, and consider whether there is anywhere better for it to go - for example, away from the wind, or in a less busy area of the site. Finding out how the damage occurred and making changes to stop it from happening again will save time and money in the future.