What kind of tarp can I use that won't fall apart in a year in the sun?

I would recommend taking a look at the PTM tarps since they are heavy duty and efficient.

I want to cover the sides of my awning. I need 8x20 and 10x20. What do you suggest I use?

I would suggest a PTM Heavy Duty tarp in those dimensions, an 8x20 can be found here .

Is polyethylene the same as vinyl?

Vinyl is synthetic resin or plastic consisting of polyvinyl chloride or a related polymer, whereas Polyethylene or polythene is the most common plastic. Vinyl can also come in a high grade and a low grade.

I want a tarp to cover my outdoor kitchen granite and appliances. The main reason I want a tarp is to protect my investment from the harsh summer sun.I need two of each, 10'x 20' tarps. Which material do you suggest and can I cut the material?

I would you advise you to cut the material as it is hemmed and would likely unravel. We carry heavy duty poly tarps, that would work well for this use, PTM Tarps Heavy Duty Desert Polyethylene Tarp - 10' x 20' - TD1020

I want 12' x 12' tarp to cover 5 open doors. What type of tarp do you recommend when considering high winds?

Any of our heavy duty tarps will do the trick. Please note, the finished sewn size will be 4-6 inches shorter than the 12' x 12' original cut size, so you may want to order a larger size if you need 12' x 12' exactly.

Do you have anything thicker that 12 mil on clear tarps?

The thickest tarps that we have will be 12 mil.

Which tarp is best for sun blocking silver/silver or silver/black? Also are vinyl tarps better then poly tarps and longer lasting?

While both tarps would block the light equally well, the silver/silver tarp would reflect the light and heat away better than the silver/black tarp. Both vinyl and poly tarps will have the same life expectancy, but some tarps are better than others in certain climates.

Our group goes to Honduras annually for 10 days to provide medical and dental services to remote villages. We rent 12 trucks and need to cover our supplies each day to protect from dust and rain. In the past we have used tarps and tied them down with rope, but the tarp grommets often rip and at high speeds, the tarps often come loose and flap so much that there is not much protection from dust. Also, we often lose cargo that bounces out on the rough roads. This year, we are thinking of combining a tarp with a mesh cargo net over the top. What size and weight of tarp would you recommend?

Thank you for your inquiry. We would suggest a heavy duty tarp and make sure you get a larger tarp than the exact size to cover. The grommets are about 16 - 18 inches apart to keep the tarp tied down and secure your shipment.