How to Mend Damaged Polytunnels.
- 1. A large roll of see-through tunnel tape. You should be able to get this from your local farm supplies shop, they' usually have them in stock as ...
- 2. A large roll of a good absorbent kitchen paper towel.
- 3. A large pair of scissors.
- 4. A stable stepladder that won't wobble if the damage is not within easy reach.
- 5. Someone to help hold the stepladder steady for you - (most important!) and also to hold an umbrella over you if it's raining while you're working ...
Can polythene repair tape be used on polytunnels?
Polythene repair tape is excellent for repairing tears in polythene sheets on polytunnels, cloches and can also be used to repair cracked panes in greenhouses. If you would like to discover more about Polytunnels then why not contact us at www.FirstTunnels.co.uk or join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/polytunnels.
How to repair tear in polytunnel covers?
For this task, it’s best to use polytunnel repair tape. UV resistant and highly adhesive, polytunnel tape is perfect for repairing tears in polythene covers. Stick it to your polytunnel and you needn’t worry about anything – from the sun’s rays to strong storms – undoing your work.
How do you line a polytunnel with polythene?
On one side of the polytunnel where the polythene cover is now lining the trench, lightly tension the cover and refill the trench. Start at the centre and work your way out to the ends, making sure that the cover is free from ripples and creases.
What's the best way to clean a polytunnel?
Or if your polytunnel supplier is near enough, they're sure to have it. There is a type of Sellotape sold in DIY stores for garden use - but the rolls are smaller and not quite so effective in my experience. 2. A large roll of a good absorbent kitchen paper towel. 3. A large pair of scissors. 4.

How do you repair a broken polytunnel?
For this task, it's best to use polytunnel repair tape. UV resistant and highly adhesive, polytunnel tape is perfect for repairing tears in polythene covers. Stick it to your polytunnel and you needn't worry about anything – from the sun's rays to strong storms – undoing your work.
How do you repair a tear in a greenhouse plastic?
3:096:32How to Repair Garden Greenhouse Zipper Seam Tears with Duct TapeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight along the zipper make sure that you cover this plastic area that's good to reinforce it and weMoreRight along the zipper make sure that you cover this plastic area that's good to reinforce it and we're also going to put staples in. And you're going to do both sides.
How do you reinforce a polytunnel?
3:0716:24Cheap Polytunnels | How to strengthen your tunnel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto the bit of wood a couple of extra strong cable ties just to hold it in place. And that's itMoreInto the bit of wood a couple of extra strong cable ties just to hold it in place. And that's it it's as simple as that. At the very base of that frame.
What can I do with an old polytunnel?
There are a number of companies, found online, which recycle polythene or give advice on recycling plastic. In some areas, your old or damaged polytunnel cover can be recycled via the normal council recycling services.
Can you sew greenhouse plastic?
It is possible to sew greenhouse plastic either by hand or using a sewing machine. Do not make unnecessary holes in the plastic and use the correct needle, thread, and stitch length to create a strong seam. The thickness of your greenhouse plastic will influence your choice of needle and thread.
How do you glue plastic to greenhouse?
There are four primary ways to attach greenhouse plastic to metal framing:Single Poly Lock Channel and Spring Wire (link to hardware)Double Channel Poly Lock and Spring Wire (link to hardware)Snap Clamps (link to hardware)Rope and Pressure (link to hardware)
How do you protect a polytunnel from wind?
The best, well only, way to provide extra protection from the wind to your polytunnel is to build a windbreak. A windbreak deflects prevailing winds away from your polytunnel providing added protection against storms or persistently strong winds. A line of trees will provide the best protection.
How do you reinforce a plastic greenhouse?
2:464:36How to reinforce a greenhouse the easy way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's the center of the greenhouse. Then it comes back up and then I run it around to the front. AndMoreIt's the center of the greenhouse. Then it comes back up and then I run it around to the front. And then straight back down to a post. Same on the other side.
How do you anchor down a polytunnel?
4:076:19How to secure a garden or allotment polytunnel part 1. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAcross here as well. So it should be pretty you should be pretty secure. So definitely a post inMoreAcross here as well. So it should be pretty you should be pretty secure. So definitely a post in each corner. If you can imagine so imagine one of these posts screwed onto that or nailed the post.
What can I put on the floor of a polytunnel?
Our tough and tear resistant Ground Cover, effectively inhibits the growth of annoying weeds inside your polytunnel. Also acts as excellent sub-base for use with bark, mulch or gravel.
What is the best plastic for a polytunnel?
I recommend the standard, light-diffusing polythene which admits around 89% of daylight. Always use horticultural grade polythene, which has a uv stabiliser, without which it would be brittle and break within a year.
What is polytunnel plastic made of?
A polytunnel (also known as a polyhouse, hoop greenhouse or hoophouse, grow tunnel or high tunnel) is a tunnel typically made from steel and covered in polyethylene, usually semi-circular, square or elongated in shape.
How do you repair a greenhouse?
2:3610:07Greenhouse repair and upgrade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo instead of just tearing it down and scrapping it the side walls are still in good shape. And theMoreSo instead of just tearing it down and scrapping it the side walls are still in good shape. And the frame is still relatively solid. So what I decided to do is just frame over the roof.
How do you reinforce a plastic greenhouse?
2:464:36How to reinforce a greenhouse the easy way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's the center of the greenhouse. Then it comes back up and then I run it around to the front. AndMoreIt's the center of the greenhouse. Then it comes back up and then I run it around to the front. And then straight back down to a post. Same on the other side.
How do you repair a tear in a plastic sheet?
If you have two separate pieces of plastic that need to be joined or if you have a crack, then you'll need to do some plastic welding. The basic idea is to apply heat to the edges being joined in order to melt the plastic until it is liquid enough to blend the edges together.
How to fix a hole in a tunnel?
If it's only a small tear or hole just cut off enough tape to mend to about 2ins-3ins either side of the damage and press the tape gently onto the area, working from the middle of the tear out, to avoid air bubbles which will attract moisture and gradually undo the mend. Once you've it stuck to the tunnel, use the rounded handle of the scissors to gently rub all over the area, working along the length of the taped bit, as if you were brass rubbing! This really seals the tape mend and squeezes out any small air pockets. You will see the area gradually become clearer, which means it's really stuck.
Where to start in the tunnel?
Start on outside of the tunnel first if it's within reach.
How to get your hand through to the outside?
It it's large enough to get your hand through to the outside and you can reach, put one hand on the outside and then you can push against it. Once you have done that - the first strip of tape should hold the area steady enough to enable you to get the rest of the tape on, again 'stitching' across larger areas first.
How to stitch a tear in a car?
Cut enough of the tape to 'stitch' across the tear to about 4-5ins either side of the damage, start in the middle, pulling it together, then work out from there either side , and literally doing large 'cartoon' stiches across the damage first. If it's really large, having another pair of hands to pull the tear together really helps - but I have often done this on my own.
How many people do you need to fit a polytunnel?
It may differ from the framework of your model. Fitting the polythene. Ideally this requires 2 people. Check the ground for sharp objects, stones, sticks, etc which may damage the polythene cover. Choose a calm day and roll the cover out along the side of the polytunnel loosening any folds held together with static.
How deep should a polytunnel trench be?
Digging needs to start 10cm away from the foundation tubes and the edge should be as straight and tidy as possible as your cover will locate against this side (dia. 2a & 2b). It is important that the trench is 30cm wide and to a minimum depth of 40cm as the weight of the eventual back-fill keeps your polytunnel anchored to the ground. Economical digging now, could prove to be a very costly mistake later.
How to nail a batten to a door frame?
Using the battens, nail approximately 15cm of the batten either side of centre onto the door frame lintel trapping the cover under the batten previously placed on the door frame (dia. 2g). Do not nail the entire length of the batten to the frame at this stage. Pull the cover tight along its length ( dia. 2h). With another batten cut to length nail into position trapping the polythene in the rebate created on the door frame.
How to nail polythene cover?
On one side of the polytunnel where the polythene cover is now lining the trench, lightly tension the cover and refill the trench. Start at the centre and work your way out to the ends, making sure that the cover is free from ripples and creases.
How long does polythene last?
However, if it is correctly applied to the structure, it is not uncommon to get 7 or even 10 years out of a cover. In the unlikely event that you have been supplied a defective cover we will give you another cover completely free if it fails in the first ear. The only manufacturing defect however where this is likely to happen is where the fold splits. However you are not covered if the fold splits and the cover is not tight. In the event of the premature failure, the following discounts will be given on the purchase of a replacement film To register a claim, contact the polythene supplier from whom the film as purchased and have the following information available:
How to get the best tension on polythene?
To get the best possible tension, the polythene should be held in one hand and pressed into the trench with one foot (dia. 2j).
What is the best cleaning agent for tunnels?
A cleaning agent called Algon is ideal for cleaning covers. Repairing holes in the tunnel can be done with repair tape Both are available from First Tunnels.
