• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
alco-logo-2-mob
Exclusive DealsDesigned in America
Quotes
Cart
Contact
Track ORder
  • patio-furniture-coversPatio Furniture Covers
    • Table | Dining Set Covers
    • Sofas | Sectionals
    • Chair Covers
    • Ottomans
    • Fire Pits
    • Grill | Island Covers
    • Oversized Covers
    • Serving Cart Cover – Style 2Serving Carts
    • tv cover 55 inchTV Covers
    • outdoor-bar-island-kitchen-cover-style-2Patio Bar Covers
    • Build A Cover
    • View All Others
  • general-use-coversgeneral-use-covers-2General
    Covers
  • Industrial
    Covers
    • Build Your Cover Now
    • Storage Covers
    • Storage Covers | Large
    • Insulated Covers
    • GMP Equipment Covers
    • fumigation-tarps-alcoFumigation Tarps
    • outdoor-kiosk-cart-coverCustom Kiosk and RMU Covers
    • Rack Covers
    • Heat Covers
    • Scissor Lift Covers | Man Lift Covers
    • wash-down-cover-USDAUSDA Style Covers
  • Outdoor
    Curtains
    • Clear-Tarps-For-gazebosClear Tarps With Grommets
    • custom-made-outdoor-curtainsCommercial Enclosure Curtains
    • outdoor-curtain-walls (1)Outdoor Curtain Walls
    • Pavilion Curtains
    • wind-proof-curtains-1Super Duty Outdoor Curtains
  • Dumpster
    Covers
    • Dumpster Cover – Tarp
    • rib-dumpster-tarp-kitDumpster Cover – Ribbed
    • alco-roller-dumpster-coversDumpster Cover – Roller Style
    • lugger-coverDumpster Cover – Luggers
    • roll off dumpster coversDumpster Cover – Hardcover
    • Dumpster Cover – Stand Alone
    • covers-for-self-dumping-hoppers-onlineDumpster Cover – Scrap Hopper
    • hard-top-dumpster-coversDumpster Hardcover – Light Duty
    • steel dumpster guardsDumpster Guards
  • custom made tarps 3custom made tarps 3Custom Made Tarps
    • clear tarps for sale near meClear Tarps
    • Coated-Airbag-TarpOpaque Tarps
    • large mesh food plant covers tarpsMesh Tarps
    • mesh-dumpster-tarp-net-styleRound Mesh Tarps
    • Shipping Container Covers
  • patio furniture covers 60 inchpatio furniture covers 60 inchResource
    Center
  • Custom Made Covers
    • Industrial Covers
    • Patio Covers
    • covers for side tablesGeneral Use Covers
Home / Machine Covers / Waterproof Equipment Covers | Whats the Difference?

Waterproof Equipment Covers | Whats the Difference?

water-proof-equipment-cover

OVERVIEW

Are you looking for a waterproof equipment covers in plastic, vinyl or canvas? If so then it is important to know the difference before you make your selection as there is a lot of confusion to the actual term waterproof. Below you will see three different terms which are used to describe various states of industrial covers being waterproof, water repellent, and water resistant.

Water Tight Covers Vs Waterproof Covers VS Water-Repellent Covers

Customers use these terms interchangeably but they actually are not the same thing. Below you will find the actual definitions. (This video is helpful as well).

  • Water-resistant: able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely
  • Water-repellent: not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating
  • Waterproof: impervious to water
View More Details

Our Definition As It Relates To Covers

water-resistant-equipment-cover

Water Resistant Covers are the lowest level of protection from water. If a cover is labeled water resistant, that simply means that the cover itself is built in such a way that it is difficult for water to get inside. Or that it is coated with a spray that helps improve the covers water resistance.

Water-repellent Covers are a step up from water resistant covers. A cover which is labeled water repellent means that it has properties which allow it to repel water making it hydrophobic. These covers have a much better chance of standing up to water than your average cover.

Waterproof Covers are manufactured in such a way that they are impervious to water. The material itself is water repellent and the manufacturing process used makes the cover waterproof. This can include heat sealing as the manufacturing process as opposed to stitching the covers together. It can also include stitching with a special sealant along the seams.

You can see with the use of these three different terms there is a lot of confusion associated with their use. It’s no surprise that suppliers and customers often use them incorrectly. As a result, products labeled as water-resistant, water-repellent, or waterproof are often mislabeled or misrepresented in the market.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV  protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

Water-repellent-machine-cover

Waterproof Longevity

As with all products on the market, longevity comes into play when taking into consideration usage and the environment the covers are used in. Waterproof generally communicates the idea that a cover will be waterproof for the life of the cover and that it will never fail. While we provide some of the highest quality covers on the market, they eventually will fail. There are things you can do to ensure the longevity of your covers.

  • Reduce the amount of change outs (putting on the cover and taking off the cover)
  • Make sure all sharp edges on the equipment are covered
  • Inform ALCO in detail how the cover will be used so we can choose the correct material
  • Properly store the cover when not in use (dont store in the sun light)

How the Covers are Made

Our covers are made using a process of custom sewing or heat sealing based on your application requirements as they relate to the three terms above. Generally we use Vinyl, nylon, polyester or Tyvek depending on your application and environment. We also utilize features like grommets, webbing strapping, hook and loop Velcro and elastic to secure these covers tightly to your equipment. No matter which style you are looking for, ALCO can provide you with a cover that will be a perfect fit and that will keep your equipment dry.

Click Below To Get Started Now

Build My Cover Now

Filed Under: Machine Covers

Footer

Product Links

  • Patio Furniture Covers
    • Tables
    • Sectionals And Sofas
    • Chairs
    • Fire Pits
    • Ottomans
    • Grill And Smokers
    • Grill Islands
    • Umbrellas
    • Picnic Tables
    • Adirondack Chair
    • Chaise
    • Bench
    • Serving Carts
    • Patio Set
    • Patio Bar
    • Griddle
    • Build A Cover
  • Outdoor Curtains
    • Curtain Walls
    • Commercial Curtains
    • Pavilion Curtains
    • Super Duty Outdoor Curtains
  • General Use Covers

More Product Links

  • Storage and Equipment Covers
    • Industrial Custom Covers
    • Large Custom Covers
    • Custom Insulated Covers
    • USDA | CFIA Covers
    • High Temperature Covers
    • Tyvek® Covers
    • Pharmaceutical Covers
    • GMP Equipment Covers
  • Specialty Covers
    • Fumigation Tarps | Tarpaulins
    • Custom Kiosk and RMU Covers
    • Rack Covers
    • Scissor Lift Covers | Man Lift Covers
    • Cable Reel and Drum Covers
  • Stockpile Covers
    • Salt Pile Covers
    • Grain Bunker Covers
    • Stockpile Covers
  • Dumpster Covers
    • Hand Throw
    • Ribbed
    • Roll Off
    • Hard Cover – Roll Off
    • Hard Cover – Stand Alone
    • Lugger Covers
    • Shipping Container Covers
    • Dumpster Hardcover – Light Duty

Our Company

  • Home
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Privacy Statement

Get In Touch!

904-290-8007

Email Support

Corporate Headquarters 
Fernandina Beach, FL

Testimonials

"Ordered two custom covers from Alco for a pair of fire columns. Both are a perfect fit. I'm especially impressed by the quality of fabric and construction. They even have convenient tabs on the side that help with putting them on and taking them off. First class customer service too!" - George Pytlik 

"I ordered a custom cover by providing a drawing and Alco provided an accurate, excellent cover. I was unsure of the unseen, (by me), HD material, but it turned out great. I was impressed enough to immediately order a second custom cover for another application. Custom covers fit, look, and perform so much better than generic covers. To me, Alco covers are worth their price and are a true value.." - Ron Fasola

"The cover fit perfectly and seems to be of good quality. Alcocovers did a fantastic job. I would certainly recommend using them for any of your cover needs.." - Charles Smith

About Us

ALCO is a global supplier of custom made covers for industrial and commercial customers in the transportation, storage, construction, and commercial industries. We ship our products anywhere in North America to meet your needs and timeline. LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Satisfied Customers

Product Links

Patio Furniture Covers

Table Covers
Sectional and Sofa Covers
Chair Covers
Fire Pit Covers
Ottoman Covers
Dining Set Covers
Grill and Smoker Covers
Umbrella Covers
Picnic Table Covers
Adirondack Chair Covers
Chaise Covers
Bench Covers
Picnic Table Covers
Island Kitchen Covers
Daybed Covers
Serving Cart Covers
Patio Set Covers
Patio Bar Covers
Griddle Covers
Swing Set Covers
Water Fountain Covers
Storage Box Covers
Hammock Covers
Porch Swing Covers
Pizza Oven Covers
Pool Chairlift Covers
Hanging Chair Covers
Egg Chair Covers
Heater Covers
Outdoor Cabinet Covers
Patio Glider Covers
Smoker Covers
Side Table Covers
TV covers
Build a Cover from scratch

Outdoor Curtains

Clear Tarps | With Grommets
Commercial Enclosure Curtains
Outdoor Curtain Walls
Pavilion Curtains
Super Duty Outdoor Curtains

Custom Tarps

Clear Tarps | With Grommets
Opaque Tarps
Mesh Tarps
Round Mesh Tarps

Product Links

Storage & Equipment Covers

Industrial Custom Covers
Large Custom Covers
Insulated Covers
USDA | CFIA Covers
High Temperature Covers
Pharmaceutical Covers
GMP Equipment Covers

Specialty Covers

Fumigation Tarps | Tarpaulins
Custom Kiosk & RMU Covers
Rack Covers
Scissor Lift Covers | Man LIft Covers

Dumpster Covers

Hand Throw
Ribbed
Roll Off
Hard Cover - Roll Off
Hard Cover - Stand Alone
Lugger Covers
Shipping Container Covers
Dumpster Hardcover - Light Duty
Self-Dumping Hopper Covers
Steel Dumpster Guards

Pallet Covers

Reusable Covers
Heavy-Duty Insulated
Medium-Duty Insulated
Pallet Wraps

Resources

Furniture Covers

Material Options
How to Measure
Tie Down & Splits
Making Changes / Updating Orders

Ordering

Placing Orders
Lead Times
Warranty

Shipping

International Shipping
Lost or Damaged Shipments
Shipping Costs
Track your order

Company

Home

About Us
Contact Us
Rapid Quote
Order Your Quote
Terms
Privacy Statement
Mission Statement
Blog

Visit Our Shop

Furniture Covers
Dumpster Covers
Industrial Covers
Curtains
Stockpile Covers
Kiosk Covers
Fumigation Covers
General Use Covers