Polytunnel Repairs and Plastic Cover Replacements are Essential

With all outdoor structures left exposed to nature's seasonal elements and the natural ageing process. Durable protective plastic covers do require maintenance and polytunnel repairs at some time in their life, especially due to their individual size and environmental location. Repairs made in a correct and timely manner help prevent further damage or additional costs. When plastic covers reach the end of their lifespan, a full replacement is necessary in commercial settings, where poor maintenance or actual fitting can result in produce and cost losses.

Small Polytunnel Repairs and Simple Maintenance

From tears, snagging, workforce damage, poorly fitted plastic covers, loose fixings, or damaged doors if left unattended, they can quickly escalate into larger and even costlier problems. Strong, gale-force winds can catch and enlarge small holes, tear the whole cover and blow open doors off. Condensation and temperature loss can cause disease, and pests may find their way in.

Cover and structural repairs are generally straightforward, and with the right repair materials, such as UV-stable tape, polythene patches, or, if faulty, replacing cover clips or fastenings and prompt action to reinforce or seal damaged areas on plastic covers, helps to extend the life of the tunnel.

All plastic polytunnel repairs should be performed on dry, clean surfaces, with proper tension and sealing to prevent peeling or flapping in the wind. A poorly carried out repair can cause more damage if you do not ensure a clean and dry surface to bond to.

When a Replacement Cover is Necessary

Even the best-grade plastic covers will eventually need to be replaced. On average, commercial-grade polythene lasts 5 to 8 years, although it may last longer due to high UV exposure, weather conditions, general wear and tear or workplace accidents. Replacement signs include:

• Integrity, Performance and Functionality

• Brittleness or cracking of the cover material

• Discolouration or loss of light transmission

• Sagging, poor tension, or flapping in the wind

• Reducing condensation or leaks

• Not attending to polytunnel repairs, rips or tears promptly

Harsh weather, storms, high winds, heavy snow and rain or poor fitment and care can also lead to sudden cover failure, making replacement urgent to avoid crop damage. Basic polytunnel repairs and maintenance help prolong the longevity of plastic covers.

Replacing Small Standard Ones vs Commercial Polytunnel Covers

With basic tools, skills, and awareness, most domestic-sized tunnels can be re-covered or repaired in a few hours, often using professional replacement film or a repair kit. Quickly installing replacement polytunnel covers or attending to simple polytunnel repairs on small or medium-sized tunnels is a relatively quick and simple job that many owners can do themselves.

Replacement polytunnel covers on complex or multi-span builds are a much more involved task. These tunnels can span tens or hundreds of metres, with larger surface areas, higher frames, and additional fittings like side vents, crop bars, and guttering systems. The polythene itself is heavier, and maintaining correct tension, alignment, and sealing across the whole structure is critical.

Commercial operators often choose to work with professional installation teams or have an in-house maintenance team at hand. The trusted polytunnel company should possess the necessary equipment, tools, knowledge, experience, skills, and manpower to remove old covers and correctly re-fit the new polythene, ensuring professional standards are maintained, supporting longevity and ideal growing conditions.

Overview

Polytunnel repairs and replacement plastic covers are essential for protecting your crops and extending the life and integrity of the complete structure. While small polytunnel repairs can be simple if done promptly and properly, especially on a commercial scale and installed by professionals. Timely action, correct material choice, and expert fitment ensure that new or replacement plastic covers continue to function, protect, and perform.

Read More:

Why Professional Polytunnel Coverings Matter

Why Commercial Polytunnel Covers Differ from Domestic Ones