ProSource Blue Tarpaulin 12x16 ft

The ProSource T1216BB90-BLU delivers 192 square feet of waterproof protection at 3.75 pounds — light enough to handle solo yet tough enough for Montana jobsites. At 5 mil thickness with aluminum grommets every 3 feet and rope-reinforced hems, it’s the tarp you’ll actually use rather than the one gathering dust in the truck.

Skip it if you need heavy-duty protection for multi-season exposure. This is a medium-duty tarp that excels at temporary coverage, not permanent installation. While contractors praise its durability and water resistance for general purposes, the 5-mil thickness might be less durable under extreme conditions compared to thicker or more specialized tarps.

Cold Weather Performance That Actually Matters

The polyethylene construction stays pliable in cold weather — a detail that separates working tarps from frozen plastic sheets. Anyone who’s tried unfolding a stiff tarp at 15°F knows the difference. The material bends without cracking, drapes without fighting you, and ties down without snapping grommets.

Those aluminum grommets spaced every 3 feet aren’t just rust-resistant — they’re positioned right for Montana’s wind patterns. Too far apart and the edges flap. Too close and you’re wasting tie-down points. Three feet hits the sweet spot for everything from lumber stacks to equipment coverage.

The rope-reinforced hem provides added strength to the edges, which matters when you’re cinching down against chinook gusts or securing loads for mountain passes. Edge failure kills more tarps than center tears, and ProSource built this one to hold.

Value Engineering Done Right

Specification	Value
Dimensions	12 ft x 16 ft
Coverage area	192 sq ft
Material	Polyethylene (PE)
Thickness	5 mil (0.005 in)
Weight	3.75 lbs
Grommet spacing	Every 3 feet
Grommet material	Rust-resistant aluminum

At 3.75 pounds, it’s light enough to grab one-handed from the truck bed. That matters at the end of a long day when you’re covering materials before the storm rolls in. The 12x16 footprint covers a full unit of plywood with overlap for tie-down.

UV protection prevents degradation from sun exposure — critical when tarps sit on rooftops for weeks during summer builds. The blue color isn’t just for looks. It signals “temporary protection” to inspectors and doesn’t fade to that sickly gray-green that makes jobsites look abandoned.

Real-World Applications

Ground cover for painting or concrete work stands out as a smart secondary use. Lay it down before cutting in foundations or spraying deck stain. Cleanup becomes folding up the tarp instead of scraping overspray off gravel.

Temporary roof or window patches make this a truck-box essential. Storm damage doesn’t wait for business hours. Having a tarp that deploys fast and secures easily means the difference between water damage and a dry interior.

Storage covering for wood or supplies represents the bread-and-butter application. Stack your lumber, throw the tarp over, weight the edges, and your materials stay dry. Simple protection that prevents warped boards and rusted fasteners.

The Bottom Line

ProSource built a working tarp here, not a showpiece. Reviews show positive sentiment for light to medium duty use. The Project Source comparable product earned 4.5 stars across 104 reviews, suggesting this design formula works for contractors who need basic weather protection.

Perfect for contractors who burn through tarps and need reliable replacements. Also right for homeowners who want one good tarp that handles multiple jobs without multiple trips to the store. The combination of cold-weather flexibility, proper grommet spacing, and reinforced edges delivers Montana-ready performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the 5 mil thickness compare to heavy-duty tarps?

This is a medium-duty tarp suitable for many general purposes, though it may not be ideal for heavy-duty or long-term applications where higher tear resistance and thicker materials are required. The 5-mil thickness offers good water and UV resistance but might be less durable under extreme conditions compared to thicker or more specialized tarps.

Q: Can this tarp handle Montana’s temperature swings?

Yes — the polyethylene material remains pliable even in cold weather conditions. This flexibility prevents cracking and tearing when deployed in freezing temperatures, a common failure point for cheaper tarps.

Q: What’s included with the tarp?

The package includes the 12x16 ft blue polyethylene tarp with integrated rust-resistant aluminum grommets pre-installed. Tie-down accessories like rope or bungee cords are not included.

Q: How long will this tarp last?

The tarp is designed for temporary or semi-permanent use and should be folded and stored in a dry place when not in use to maximize lifespan. UV protection helps prevent degradation from sun exposure during active use periods.