Supplier of quality polytunnel covers. Wide range of covers available, including: Visqueen XL & other heavy duty polytunnels covers. Recovering service offered on all types of domestic, commercial and garden polytunnels, guarantee on all supplied & fitted coverings.
Quality manufactured heavy duty polythene covers provide similar protection to a greenhouse, but at a fraction of the price. There are various types and colours of polythene coverings available that can be fitted over a semi-circular metal frame, consisting of hoops and uprights. Polytunnel covers are available in clear, diffused white, green and other colours, each colour type offers a different micro-climate to be introduced into the tunnel, the most popular, being clear, opaque (diffused) white, green, and a mix of green and white.
Polytunnels coverings are typically made out of plastic polythene with an added UV stabilised film protection, or can be purchased in polycarbonate for added strength for canopies and walkways. All coverings provide durability and a resistance to UK weather conditions, due to the manufacturing process and the design.
Heavy duty polytunnels covers are manufactured and designed to protect crops from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and extreme cold and hot temperatures. Heavy duty polythene covers are stronger than domestic covers and are used mainly on commercial tunnels which are much larger in span, length and height. These types of covers require a thicker gauge polythene to be used for its increased strength and durability, many are also UV stabilised to prevent the polythene from becoming hard and brittle.
Different colours and additives are used to place a film on the polythene cover, helping to create different warm humid environments inside the tunnel. The various types of polytunnel covers offer different micro-climates, suitable for growing a variety of crop types, which can include, plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
Certain polytunnels covers are designed to be removed, or rolled up, during the summer months to allow increased ventilation, while others are permanent structures and can have vents, flaps or doors fitted.
There are various types of polytunnel covers available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits, which are embedded during the manufacturing process. Covers are available in different gauges (thickness) of polythene and different film layers (Micron) with associated additives used, all of which help to offer commercial, domestic, horticultural and agricultural growers a choice.
Here are some commonly used types of polytunnel covers:
Clear polyethylene: This popular type of plastic polythene is commonly used for general purpose growing, this clear covering, is durable, UV resistant, and allows maximum light transmission, making it an ideal choice for growing a wide variety of crops.
White, or reflective polyethylene: Very popular again, this opaque white, or fogged reflective polyethylene plastic, has a white or reflective coating manufactured on one side. It is specifically designed to reflect sunlight (warmth), back onto the plants, helping to reduce the heat loss and increase the amount of light available for continuity of plant growth.
Translucent or semi-transparent polyethylene: This type of polythene covering is a type of plastic that allows a certain amount of light to pass through it, but not as much as clear polyethylene. Semi-translucent is used to create a more diffused light environment, which offers an effective environment benefit, for certain types of crops.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a stronger processed plastic that is more durable and impact resistant than polyethylene. This is more expensive to produce, but is a good choice for open areas which are known for extreme weather conditions, or where a heavy duty polytunnels covering will be used frequently with increased foot traffic working inside the tunnel.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a composite material made from glass fibre’s embedded in a resin, processed onto the cover. It is a very popular choice for some growers, being lightweight and durable, thus making it easy to install. However, it is perhaps not as UV resistant as plastic, so it may need to be replaced more frequently and does cost more to recover.
When selecting a heavy duty polytunnels cover, it is important to consider the specific needs of your plants and the climate seasons in your area. Differently manufactured types of heavy duty polytunnels covers, all offer an individuality and may be more or less suitable for certain growing conditions. It’s important to choose a cover that will provide the right balance of light, heat, and protection for your crops.
It is always advisable if you are new to polytunnel growing, to seek advice from a specialist polytunnel covering and fitting service.