What to Know About Repairs & Covers

Just like everything else in life, your polytunnel will need extra attention on occasions. Most of the time, it is the polytunnel covers that are affected by requiring a repair. However, if you have bought quality manufactured professional standard covers from a reputable supplier, your covers should last for a good while and receive a related length of time guarantee. Before you go ahead and carry out polytunnel repairs, make sure who is responsible for the repairs. If you put the tunnel up yourself, you are normally responsible for certain repairs to your tunnel and small garden, or domestic polytunnels are easily self-repaired.

Are Polytunnels Guaranteed?

Most, high-quality polytunnel covers you buy are guaranteed. Depending on the choice of cover and the supplier type. Quality polythene covers for your tunnel may be guaranteed for as long as five, or more years. There are terms and conditions attached with every guarantee. For instance, you may find you have to pay for polytunnel repairs if severe weather or accidents, has damaged your cover. This can be an added expensive and for large orginisations and commercial growers, it is important sometimes to have insurance policies in place.

Should I Pay for More Expensive Covers?

Setting up a polytunnel is like anything else in life - you pay for what you get. If you don’t want to risk crop damage, or unnecessary production downtime, it is better to pay for stronger more durable polytunnel covers.

The smart investment you can make is to ensure that you buy covers from a trusted manufacturer, or supplier. Doing so helps to reduce the percentage risk of unexpected polytunnel repairs.

It is easy to think that you should spend as little as possible when you set up your first tunnel. Spending less money is tempting, but you will probably find that you get more enjoyment from working in a well-constructed tunnel. The quality of your produce also improves when you use better quality and stronger materials.

In other words, it is better to spend extra on the right materials.

What Are Common Polytunnel Repairs?

There are many repairs that you can do yourself in your polytunnel. The most common type of repairs are rips and tears. They are often caused by falling or snagging debris or the unduly really bad weather conditions. To avoid repairs, consider where you place your tunnel. It is best not to place your tunnel under a tree. This increases the risk of damage from falling branches. Carry-out regular checks and good maintainence.

You can buy specialist kits to repair polytunnel covers. Ask your local polytunnel supplier about what repair kits are right for your tunnel. Repair kits are also available from popular sites such as eBay and Amazon.

Other kits you can buy when you need to make repairs or changes include vents and curtain, or access kits.

Final Thoughts

As polytunnel repairs can be expensive. On many occasions, if you have dealt with a trusted local supplier, you will find they are happy to help with advice, or offer to complete a major repair, or a replacement covering, small repairs can normally be carried out by the owner.

Your polytunnel covers last longer when you look after them well and do keep them clean, to retain good protection and environmental well-being. If you notice changes in the material such as colour changes, or thinning, it may be a good idea to start thinking about replacing your old cover.

Read More:

Polytunnel Refurbishment & What Type of Cover Is Right for Me?

Do I Have Enough Room for a Polytunnel?