It is important to know how to keep a polytunnel in its best shape to maximize its longevity and performance. Once you know the key components that make up a polytunnel, you can guide your customers to self-refurbish and repair it so that it works in its best condition. So when they purchase a polytunnel kit, it is best that you educate them about the polytunnel accessories that can be repaired and replaced.
Polytunnel polythene cover
The fabric that covers the polytunnel frame is called a polytunnel cover and comes as a part of the kit when you purchase a polytunnel kit. The covers are usually made from durable plastic polythene material that is UV resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, the material cannot last forever and can get discolored, become brittle, or be torn. Also, small tears can appear on the surface but these can be quite easily repaired. Further damage should be avoided if a mishap doesn’t cause the damage. Some of the common sources of damage to the polyethylene cover are overhanging trees and blowing debris. So it should be made sure that the trees are cut back, and other objects are secured from blowing away. An additional hotspot tape can be applied to the framework if it rubs against the film.
The small cuts in the polytunnel cover can be repaired with specifically designed UV-stabilized polythene repair tape, available in a wide range of widths depending on the tear size. The polythene repair tape is highly adhesive and provides maximum light transmission to ensure no loss of performance. When applying the tape, it should be ensured that the weather is dry and the area around the tear is clean inside and outside. Better adhesion can be achieved if someone supports the tape on the opposite side when applying it. The tape should be applied inside and out to get the best results and ensure that an amount of tape is present on each side of the tear. It should be extended beyond the tear for at least a couple of inches.
Ensure you provide the necessary polytunnels to replace parts like anti-hotspot tape and polythene fixing components, including wiggle wire, timber battens, and polyethylene fixing strips. Before considering the customer’s order, determine if they want to add any additional elements to the tunnel, like ridge poles, ventilation, or crop bars. See to it that you get tunnel covers from reliable and industry-leading manufacturers. You can choose between the best cover materials like Visqueen Lumisol polyethylene to provide your customers with the best products.
Polytunnel doors
If the polytunnel doors have any rotten timber or corroded aluminum, it is time to replace them. You can ask your customers to check the screws in the door hinge and replace them with larger screws or countersunk bolts. A sliding door track can be repaired by securing the screws.
Polytunnel base rails
Base rails are the connections between the polyethylene and the foundation. Ensure you offer the best base rails, either made of treated timber or high-quality aluminum. Long-lasting and resilient base rails are critical for extending the life of a polytunnel. There are many types of polytunnel base rails, such as:
Trenched
Trenched base rails bury the polyethylene into the earth. However, when installing these, it should be ensured that the soil has not been washed out and can provide adequate and even tension to the polyethylene sheet. If not, more earth should be added in order to ensure a good hold.
Treated timber
It is also important that the bolts holding the timber to the foundations are tight. The base rails should be replaced if the wood shows any signs of decay.
Aluminum
Aluminum base rails may only need replacements when they start rusting when they are 15 years old. Natural oxidation can make the aluminum go slightly white, which is a protective barrier.
Polytunnel foundations
Anything sunken into the ground can corrode, irrespective of the material it is made from. Heavy corrosion or flaking of the metal indicates that it is time for a replacement. Even concrete can decay over time and become flaky and break up. Such polytunnel foundations should be replaced with new ones in order to prevent any potential damage to the rest of the structure.
Polytunnel nuts and bolts
Polytunnel nuts and bolts are the basic accessories you should offer. It should be checked that all the butts of the polytunnel are still tight, and none of the bracing has slipped. The gable ends should be vertical and should be rectified if not.
To sum up
The above points can help your customers extend their polytunnels’ lifespan and enjoy more growing seasons. Ensure that you provide any support and guidance on maintaining and repairing their polytunnels and also offer the necessary accessories for repair and replacements.
