FAQ's about Polytunnels
Select question from list...
- How easy are they to construct?
- What orientation is best?
- Do they blow away?
- What can I grow in my Polytunnel?
- Polytunnel or Greenhouse?
- Are Polytunnel Organic?
- What type of doors are available?
- Do I need to treat the Timber Doors and Frames?
- How long does the Polythene cover last?
- How much does a replacement cover cost?
- What is Anti Hot Spot Tape?
- What happens if I tear the Polythene?
- Can Polytunnels be moved or extended?
- What are all the different Polythene Covers?
- Can Polytunnels be heated?
- What are the planning regulations for Polytunnels?
- How will it be delivered?
- I still have a question...
How easy are they to construct?
In the year 2009 First Tunnels sold over 2500 polytunnels. Each of those customers erected their own polytunnel without any difficulty, thanks to the comprehensive and detailed instructions that we provide click to view. If you do run into a problem or difficulty, you can contact us by email at help@firsttunnels.co.uk or telephone our office on 01282 601253. Alternatively we also have a website www.polytunnels.tv which contains numerous videos relating to the construction of our polytunnels - typical movies show the method used to assemble doors, hoops, foundations and most importantly the method we employ when fitting the cover.
You'll need several basic items of equipment - spade, tape measure, pegs and string for marking out, lump hammer, a drill and metal bits. Also spanners - or even better a socket set - both Philips and flat headed screwdrivers, scissors or a Stanley knife, hammer and saw. A step ladder will also come in handy.
What can I grow in my Polytunnel?
Anything and everything. Today the polytunnel is used to protect 80% of soft fruit (tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries & blackberries) sold through supermarkets. You probably have eaten a fruit that has been grown under polythene. Polytunnels also protect onions, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, lettuce, beans and flowers. The list is endless.
Prior to the introduction of Polytunnels in England only 50% of soft fruit was Grade 1, now it is nearer to 90% - For today's commercial growers this represents the difference between having a business and going out of business.
Over the years all types of plants (flowers & vegetables) have been grown with outstanding results, a large percentage of championship plants have been grown under polythene. The growing season is greatly extended by the protection they offer and many new comers are caught out by the rapid plant growth early in the year.
Polytunnel or Greenhouse?
One of the major advantages of a polytunnel is cost. The cost of a greenhouse and polytunnel will vary greatly, depending on the type, design and size of model that is required. Generally, based on like-for-like square footage, the set-up costs for a poly tunnel will always prove the cheaper option.
Are Polytunnel Organic?
The vast majority of people would argue that the environmental benefits of using a polytunnel hugely outweigh the environmental costs of its production. Using a polytunnel will significantly reduce the quantity of fruit and vegetable you need to buy, avoiding the associated food miles, energy costs and packaging.
All the timber we use is sourced from the UK from sustainable forests and has the FSC accreditation. A polytunnel cover should last for around five years, which makes it a fairly small part of the plastic consumption of a "Westerner". The cover can be recycled and be made into smaller covers for cloches and cold frames and a host of other applications around the garden.
The enclosed nature of polytunnels also reduces the need for pesticide and chemical control. A Polytunnel provides an environment that is a natural way to protect plants from disease and the UK weather.
Many champions of the "Organic" and "Self Sufficiency" movement own Polytunnels. Buy that polytunnel, enjoy all the extra food it lets you produce - and start totting up the environmental savings.
What type of doors are available?
Your first big decision when choosing a Polytunnel is almost always..."What size is ideal?". But with First Tunnels theres another important factor to take into consideration..."which doors do I want?".
First Tunnels provides a hinged door for each end... as standard. This means optimum ease of access and extra versatility when it comes to controlling ventilation. So its doubly important you make the perfect choice...
In addition to hinged doors First Tunnel also offer sliding doors. So...what are the benefits of Sliding Doors? - Proper ventilation of your polytunnel is an absolute must during the summer months. And we’ve made it really easy by introducing our fantastic sliding doors as an option on any of our polytunnels. They’re space saving…giving you more room to grow. They don’t blow in the wind. And our ground bolt system lets you control the exact amount of airflow you need. Perfect!
All timber used in our doors and frames are constructed from impressively heavy grades of timber for outstanding rigidity and performance. And because they're so solid, we've even bevelled the edges to make them user-friendly too.
We also understand that some customers have access to a supply of timber or may prefer to design their own size and type of door. If this is the case then you also have the option of excluding the timber door frame and doors and receive a discount.
*SPECIAL OFFER * - FREE SLIDING DOOR UPGRADE on all Polytunnel orders placed by 30th September 2010. Simply select the FREE upgrade when placing your order and we’ll look after the rest. If no sliding door options have been selected we will supply our hinged doors.
Do I need to treat the Timber Doors and Frames?
All of our Polytunnels are supplied with doors at both ends of your polytunnel. All the timber used for our doors and for base/side rails has been impregnated with TANALITHE wood preservative under controlled conditions in a vacuum pressure impregnation plant. Following impregnation the preservative bonds with the wood structure making it impossible to remove. The timber is then protected against fungal (rot) and insect attack to ensure long service life.
How long does the Polythene cover last?
We have a number of polythene types. All First Tunnels polythene used is 720 gauge (180 micron) - that's the thickness used on Commercial polytunnels and will last at least 4 or 5 years, but it has been known for a cover to last 10 years. We stock our own range of Polythene (unique to the UK market) that are guaranteed for 5 years, other specialist types of film are are also available and are guaranteed for 4 years. When comparing specifications with our competitors ensure you check that they are supplying a 720 gauge polythene cover and ask what the guarantee is....
How much does a replacement cover cost?
The cost of a replacement polythene cover is approximately 15% - 20% the cost of the original Polytunnel.
What is Anti Hot Spot Tape?
Anti Hot Spot Tape is a self adhesive foam tape which acts as a cushion between the steel hoops and the polythene and will help to prolong the life of the cover by at least one year. Also allows the cover to glide over the frame preventing abrasion.
What happens if I tear the Polythene?
Repair Tape is available to repair accidental damage and will allow your cover to last its full term.
Can Polytunnels be moved or extended?
Yes. This is best done when your cover needs replacing as the polythene cannot be reused.
What are all the different Polythene Covers?
With First Tunnels offering different types of covers you can achieve whichever type of environment suits your needs. Super White polythene offers a cooler environment for shade loving plants/shrubs or animal shelters. A Thermal Anti Fog cover is also available which retains more heat and reduces condensation helping to reduce water borne diseases. There is even the option of covering your Polytunnel in Net.
Can Polytunnels be heated?
Yes. The polythene is designed to withstand both hot and cold environments. See our range of Heaters.
What are the planning regulations for Polytunnels?
Take extra care if your site has a listed building or resides in a conservation area, national park, or area of outstanding natural beauty. There are further restrictions to planning in these cases. Please click here to download a planning guide for householders.
If you are thinking of ordering a large commercial sized structure or more than one or you have any worries at all, have a word with your local planning department. Please click here to download a planning guide for farmers.
How will it be delivered?
A 12ft x 25ft polytunnel would typically consist of approx 10 items and weigh 160kg in total - this can vary depending on the additional options that you choose. Obviously smaller and larger sized structures will differ. A large commercial structure could weigh as much as a ton.
The majority of polytunnels will be dispatched via a nationwide carrier and although we will try and accommodate any special requests regarding delivery we cannot specify a specific date or time. Domestic polytunnels are normally dispatched within 5 working days, for commercial sized structures we would ask for approx 15 working days for delivery. At peak periods this may increase. Once the polytunnel has left our building it is generally in transit for approx 2/3 days. To view our current lead times please click here.
If you have any concerns regarding delivery please telephone our office on 01282 601253 and we will try and accommodate any special requests you have.
I still have a question.
We are more than happy to assist or provide further information relating to our polytunnels. You can contact us by email at sales@firsttunnels.co.uk or telephone our office on 01282 601253.
