Custom Cover Questions, Answered
Custom covers from ALCO are made to your exact size, so customers often ask about materials, heat and cold ratings, cleaning and repairs. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have a question about a specific product? Your sales rep can help before you order.
Materials and Printing
Are your products fire resistant?
Although most of our products are manufactured with fire resistant material, you should check with your sales rep for an answer on a specific product.
Can you digitally print images or company logos on the covers?
In most cases, yes, for any custom products that we sell.
What does "MIL" and "OZ" mean?
A "mil" is a unit of length equal to 0.001 of an inch (0.0254 mm). Mil is used to measure the thickness of materials such as vinyl covers. As a general rule, the thicker the mil / cover, the better the quality.
An "oz" is the weight of the material per square yard. As a general rule, more ounces equals a better quality cover.
Heat and Cold Ratings
How much heat can the covers endure?
Vinyl material, including 13 and 18 oz vinyl materials, is rated for 140º F. If you have an application where 140 degrees of heat is present, then the covers can and will eventually fail.
A good example is an engine running with your foot all the way to the floor on the pedal. You are running it at its maximum ability and it will eventually fail. The same is true for using covers at their max temp rating. They will last, but there is no way to guarantee how long. The material becomes very soft and grommets can pull out or rips can occur.
Polyester is considered heat resistant (dryer and iron safe), with a melting temperature of about 480º F (in comparison, nylon starts to yellow at 350º F and melts at about 415º F).
How much cold can the covers endure?
Different materials have different low temperature ratings. These are very important, so please read carefully.
Clear Vinyl Covers
20 Mil Clear
10° F / -12° C
Ideal for temperatures going as low as 10° F or -12° C and above. If folded below these temperatures or blown around in the wind, the vinyl will likely crack. If your environment is likely to have temperatures below this range, then choose another material.
Opaque Solid Vinyl Colors
18 oz Coated
0° F / -17° C
Ideal for temperatures going as low as 0° F or -17° C. If folded below these temperatures or blown around in the wind, the vinyl will likely crack. If your environment is likely to have temperatures below this range, then choose another material.
Opaque Solid Vinyl Colors
22 oz Coated
-22° F / -30° C
Ideal for temperatures going as low as -22° F or -30° C. If folded below these temperatures or blown around in the wind, the vinyl will likely crack. If your environment is likely to have temperatures below this range, then choose another material.
Not sure which material fits your temperatures? Tell us where the cover will be used and we will recommend one.
Cleaning, Repairs and Chemicals
Are the covers easy to clean?
All of the vinyl covers are very easy to clean. They are a slick material that makes them ideal for washing down. Much like a shower curtain, the slick surface does not easily allow debris to stick to it.
To clean your industrial vinyl covers, you can use a cleaning product called "Simple Green". This cleaning material will not harm the PVC vinyl that your covers are constructed from. Please know you should never use a solvent-based cleaner. A solvent-based cleaner can damage the vinyl material. You can use a mild non-abrasive detergent if you have an excessive greasy or oily film on the covers.
All other materials such as nylon, canvas and polyester can be stained and will have special cleaning needs. Please ask your salesperson.
How do you repair an accidental rip or cut in the covers?
We don't sell any patch kits directly, but you can purchase Tear-Aid, which works great for vinyl. Make sure you purchase Type B, which is made for vinyl. If you have another type of material, please consult your ALCO representative.
What chemicals are the covers resistant to?
Most of the covers which require chemical resistance are made of PVC/vinyl. They are great for resistance to most chemicals. Here is a list of tested chemicals.