Extra Large Polycryo Sheets

[David Gardner]

The usual largest size sheet of polycryo that can be obtained with a window insulation kit is 7' x 10'. However, I just spotted rolls of 7' x 25' on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-V8425-Shrink-Wind-Window/dp/B000AXXD7O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1448051414&sr=8-2&keywords=window+insulation+roll I think Thermwell is a Frost King brand. Doesn't give the thickness. Doesn't come with double-sided tape for hemming the edges, but 3M's tape works better than Frost King anyway. The larger size allows more tarp construction options, such as integrated vestibules at the ends of an A-frame tarp. It can also be used to make tarps for hammocks, for which the regular sheets are too short.

[Billy Ray]

Painter's Plastic used for covering windows and walkways while painting comes in wide/long rolls. I don't know if it is the same stuff as Polycryo but it is very thin and light… similar… it's not clear; it's kinda 'milky' and usually has some kind of text or graphics on it. Just an idea. I plan to experiment with it as a ground cloth. billy

[David Gardner]

Do you know what kind of plastic the painter's rolls are? If it's polyethylene it will break down relatively quickly when exposed to sunlight. I've used it for prototypes only, for that reason. Don't know about all the plastics available, but cross-linked polyolefin (polycryo) is extraordinarily strong and durable, especially if you can get it in 1.5 mil thickness. I have been torture testing a tarp made from it by setting it up outside for more than 18 months and it shows no signs of breaking down or tearing. Wish I could find a source for 2 or 3 mil sheets!

[Billy Ray]

"Do you know what kind of plastic the painter's rolls are?" Don't know… "If it's polyethylene it will break down relatively quickly when exposed to sunlight." Not a problem if using it for a ground cloth… And maybe not a problem for a shelter if you only put it up at night… billy

I know David knows this, and probably a lot of other folks here at BPL… but for those that do not know, the term “polycryo” is a completely, 100%, made up work, by the folks at GossamerGear.

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