| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Nick |
Polytunnel.I have, um, access to several used commercial polytunnel hoops. Going to be about 15 foot base to base, and probably 8/10 foot high in the middle. I can, sort of, have as many as I like. How far apart should they be, and where can I buy replacement polythene sheet for them? |
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| tahir |
Have they for the ridge poles and any other connecting bits or is it just the hoops, and do they come in two sections? And what about doors? All the polytunnel people do replacement covers. | ||
| Nick |
Just hoops. One piece, big semi circles that fit into 4 foot long posts that go into the ground. There were no doors, I'm going to have to timber frame the ends.
These were originally 30/50/100 hoops in a line across a field, and dozen upon dozens of parallel lines. (In fact, the uprights have a slot for a hoop on each side.) Old commercial strawberry tunnels, simply, um, abandoned, yeah, abandoned in a neighbours field. |
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| tahir |
Someone that knows more will be along shortly but you need something to tie the hoops into each other I believe. | ||
| Gervase |
Aye, you'll need to fix the hoops together with a ridge pole that goes under the hoops at the top. It's a good idea to fit a diagonal brace to the pairs of hoops at each end as well to ensure strength and rigidity.
Have a lok at the PDF catalogues on the Northern Polytunnels site to see what I mean. As for spacing, ours are at 5ft intervals, which is closer than usual to provide extra stability in high winds. Most tunnels have around 7ft spacing. Anti-hotspot tape is highly recommended - it allows the cover to move over the frame as it expands and contracts, and effectively doubles its life.Most makers will sell the various bits you need, like these. |
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| Nick |
Given the previous set up, I'm sure the other members will be available. It's about half an acre that resembles a polytunnel grave yard. 
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| jessy-mai |
Hi there,
Commercial hoops are usually laid about 5 - 8 feet apart depending on the size and the location of your tunnel. Any of the big suppliers will provide you with quotes for the various kinds of polythene you can get these days. You may start with National Polytunnels. they are a very good firm with a strong reputation in the commercial sector. If you have commercial hoops you may need to get planning permision.[/b] |
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| Tavascarow |
This is the cheapest place I've found for covers.
Don't know how much they charge for delivery as it's free in Cornwall. Regarding hoop spacing the diameter & thickness of the tube will determine how far apart they are best spaced. 2"OD can be put 8ft apart comfortably. The tubing for the ridge doesn't need to be as large a diameter as the hoops say 1.5" for 2" hoops, 1" for 1.5 hoops. Hot spot tape does make a difference to the covers life (Carters sell that to) but not for the reasons stated but as in its name. it acts as a thermal barrier between the plastic & the hot/cold metal (depending on the time of day). Constant heating & cooling of the plastic where it contacts the metal degrades it rapidly. |
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| Mary-Jane |
Re: Polytunnel.
Heh, heh, heh... |
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| alice |
I yearn for a polytunnel 
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| Green Rosie |
It would have to be very well anchored down I suspect  
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| alice |
It's a non-starter I'm afraid
One of these days I'll have a bash at some very low-lying, heavy, well built, aerodynamic cold frames, but that's about it 
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| fivespud364 |
Re: Polytunnel.
Lucky you !! any of the main polytunnel companies will help you and I strongly recommend you spend a little extra and go for the THB thermal covers they are well worth the money and last a good few years. |
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| fivespud364 |
Good link matey they have a fair bit I am interested in |
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| Tavascarow |
Good firm to deal with.
Bought tunnel covers, cloche plastic, carrier bags & fruit punnets from them in the past & always good service, quality & competative price. Nice people. |