Julie's polytunnel

Hi Jangles,

Please have a look at this link http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/feel-good-polytunnels.49001/page-2#post-672144

My photos show the damage that can be done to your cover if you do not use anti hot spot tape, you basically put this tape on all over the frame wherever the cover might touch it to preserve the life of your cover.

The covers are cheap and will not last too long anyway, I have one cover on one frame now entering its third year, and I did not use the tape on that one either but its the white framed version so I guess it reflects the heat.

Have a look at my polytunnel topic too (link to that topic kindly posted by Kristen above), it shows two different methods for anchoring it to the ground, and a member named Scrungee used another method for strengthening his tunnel that is worth looking at too.

Steve...

 

I think putting reflective tape on the outside of the polythene would help - as a retro-fit I mean.

 

Maybe...a little.

But I think the tubes heat up due to the heat inside the tunnel, not necessarily from direct sunlight (although that would of course add to it) The other factor is that of abrasion, the covers on these newer galvanised framed tunnels are a much looser fit so they move about or flap around in the wind. I could not get the cover as tight on the galvanised framed tunnel as I could with the older white powder coated framed version.

With anti hot spot tape the outer surface of that tape is smooth and slippy so cuts down on the abrasion.

Julie, you mentioned how you did not use tape, I reckon if you can get a finger between the frame and cover you could probably still fit the tape, albeit with a bit of effort.

Steve...

 

Steve, if I cut strips of tape I could probably do it but I might just change the cover, will have a think about it. Mine doesn't flap like the small tunnels, its a good fit.

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