Are Natural Rubber Tarp Straps Right for Outdoor Use?

Natural rubber tarp straps are a popular choice—and for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to stretch, and perfect for a wide range of light-duty tasks. But here's where things get tricky: many people buy them for outdoor use without realizing that natural rubber simply isn't built for harsh weather.

That lower price tag might seem like a win—until the straps start to crack, lose elasticity, or break altogether after a few months in the sun. It’s not a flaw in the product. It’s just a case of using the right tool for the wrong job. Like any material, natural rubber has strengths and limits. When you understand what it’s best suited for, you can get the most out of every strap—and avoid the cost and hassle of frequent replacements.

What Natural Rubber Is Best At

Natural rubber straps have some real advantages—especially when used in the right environment. They offer excellent stretch, grip well, and snap back quickly, making them ideal for jobs that require flexibility and tension. And when the weather’s not a factor, they’re a solid choice that balances performance and cost.

Here’s where natural rubber tarp straps shine:

• Indoor and Warehouse Use – Great for securing materials inside a controlled environment.
• Short-Term Outdoor Projects – Ideal when you only need them exposed for a few days or weeks.
• Mild Climates – Perform well in regions with limited sun, low ozone levels, and minimal temperature swings.
• Budget-Conscious Applications – When cost is the priority and replacements aren’t a big deal.

Why Outdoor Environments Wear Natural Rubber Tarp Straps Down

While natural rubber has great stretch and strength, it doesn’t play well with the elements. Outdoors, it’s constantly exposed to UV rays, ozone, moisture, and temperature changes—and that’s where problems start. Over time, these conditions trigger a process known as ozone cracking and UV degradation, causing the straps to dry out, become brittle, and eventually snap.

The damage often appears as surface cracks or a loss of elasticity, especially around stress points. In cold weather, natural rubber can stiffen and lose flexibility; in hot, sunny environments, it can break down even faster. These issues don’t mean the product is faulty—they just highlight the limits of what natural rubber is designed to handle.

If you’re relying on your tarp straps to perform day in and day out outdoors, you need a material that’s built for the challenge. That’s where EPDM comes in.

Meet EPDM: Designed to Last Outdoors

EPDM rubber may not have the same low price point as natural rubber, but it earns its value through performance. Built to stand up to the elements, EPDM is naturally resistant to UV rays, ozone exposure, and extreme temperatures—hot or cold. It won’t crack in the sun, stiffen in the cold, or degrade when exposed to weather over time.

That’s why EPDM is the material behind Enterprise Rubber’s Classic and Platinum Line of tarp straps. They’re engineered specifically for outdoor use, making them a smart choice for anyone who needs long-term reliability without constantly replacing worn-out straps. Whether you're hauling materials, securing tarps, or strapping down equipment in unpredictable weather, EPDM gives you the peace of mind that your setup will stay secure.

The Real Cost: Long-Term vs. Upfront Savings It’s easy to grab the lowest-priced strap and call it a day. But when it comes to outdoor use, that “cheaper” strap may end up costing you more in the long run. Natural rubber straps typically last 6 to 9 months in harsh weather before cracking or losing tension. That means you’re replacing them 2–4 times as often as an EPDM strap—which is built to last 2 to 3 years outdoors. 

At the end of the day, it’s not about which tarp strap is “better”—it’s about choosing the right one for your job. Natural rubber tarp straps from the Classic line are flexible, cost-effective, and perfect for indoor use or short-term outdoor needs. But if you're working in sun, rain, snow, or temperature swings, the Platinum EPDM tarp straps offer long-lasting durability that saves you time, money, and stress.

Knowing the difference lets you buy smarter. And when your straps perform the way they’re supposed to—no matter the weather—you’ve made the right call.