Do Mesh Tarps Keep Rain Out?

No, mesh tarps do not keep rain out. Their woven design is specifically made to allow air, light, and water to pass through, so they offer essentially no protection from rain.

☔ Why Mesh Tarps Don’t Stop Rain

Mesh tarps are constructed from woven polyethylene or similar materials with small openings between the threads. This breathable design is their defining feature, but it also means they are not waterproof.

Here’s what actually happens when it rains:

• Water drains through: Product descriptions for mesh tarps consistently note that they “let wind and water through”. One gardener noted that “the rain drains right through the mesh, preventing water from pooling”.
• They are not waterproof: A tarp retailer clarifies that mesh tarps are “certainly not waterproof” and are completely different from solid poly or vinyl tarps which act as a solid barrier to water and air. Another source explicitly advises to “avoid porous mesh if you need water protection”.

✅ What Mesh Tarps Are Actually For

Since they let water through, mesh tarps serve entirely different purposes, mostly related to airflow and shade:

• Shade and Sun Protection: They block a percentage of sunlight (often 50% to 75%) while allowing cool breezes to pass through.
• Wind Resistance: The mesh design reduces wind drag, making them ideal for covering loads on trucks or trailers without flapping excessively in the wind.
• Ventilation: They prevent heat and moisture buildup, which is useful for protecting plants from fungal growth or for covering materials that need to breathe.

If your goal is to stay dry, you would need a solid, waterproof tarp (like a heavy-duty polyethylene or vinyl tarp), not a mesh one.