When you need plastic sheeting, sometimes you need that sheeting to have special properties, especially if you work in a specific industry. Luckily, some manufacturers create light-duty clear plastic sheeting with unique properties and applications.

Special Feature #1: Fire Retardant

In many industries where plastic sheeting is used, plastic sheeting has to pass an independent fire test. To pass an independent fire test, the plastic sheeting has to have a fire retardant on it. This is for safety reasons.

For example, plastic sheeting used in shipbuilding or aerospace building has to be fire retardant. Plastic hung up in a home or used for decoration should have fire-retardant properties. That way, if a fire starts, the plastic sheeting will not add to the fuel source but will potentially work to stop the fire.

Special Feature #2: Anti-Static 

Another special feature that some industries require from their plastic sheeting is anti-static properties. Static may not seem like that big of a deal; however, the discharging of static can actually lead to a spark that could start a fire or that could damage the equipment that the tarp is covering up. In this case, the plastic sheeting would need electrostatic discharge protection and static dissipation protection to meet the anti-static requirements.

Special Feature #3: Vapor Retarding

Clear plastic is used in the building industry as a vapor barrier. The plastic has to pass stringent testing to be a vapor barrier that means it will not allow moisture through it. This type of plastic sheeting is different on a structural level than basic plastic sheeting. It is reinforced not to allow moisture through. Using plastic that doesn't meet the testing requirements for a vapor barrier can be an extremely costly and expensive mistake for a building to make, which is why quality builders will request evidence that the plastic was designed to be a vapor barrier.

Special Feature #4: Self-Adhesive

Another type of special plastic film is self-adhesive film. This film has an adhesive that allows it to stick to a surface, and when the sheeting needs to be removed, the sheeting can be removed without leaving behind a sticky residue. This type of plastic sheeting is commonly used in the construction industry as well.

When it comes to plastic sheeting, various special features can be added to the sheeting to customize its use and function. Before ordering, make sure you know exactly what type of plastic sheeting you need.

To learn more, contact a resource that carries options like light-duty clear plastic sheeting.

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