Commercial Polytunnel Refurbishments
- polytunnelsrusweb
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Operating commercial polytunnels involves a wide variety of operational tasks including polytunnel refurbishments. This operational service looks at performance and functionality and often depends on structure age and degradation, the day-to-day work operations concerning machinery and staff that could cause damage, environmental outdoor stresses and the original build specification of materials used in terms of longevity, are common elements that may at some stage lead to opting for several service choices concerning what level of polytunnel refurbishments is required.
The most common replacements are the coverings, as different grades of polythene can be used, although on small garden polytunnels a standard clear UV stabilised covering is supplied, each grade has a unique life expectancy, the thicker the grade the more durable and robust which extends the covers related life expectancy and these are used more on commercial polytunnels. Polythene degrades due to harsh weather conditions and exposure to strong sunlight or through natural degradation of wear and tear. A new cover provides optimal performance in protection and microclimate conditions, offering improved light transmission, insulation, and protection to crops grown inside commercial polytunnels. Commercial polytunnel refurbishments are usually quite an in-depth process.
General Wear and Tear
Commercial operatives will often upgrade to a more durable and robust, thicker, more expensive cover material, such as polycarbonate or advanced layered or insulated UV-resistant film, depending on cultivational and locational needs in places around the coast and inland in the UK. The grades of coverings allow for differing life expectancies, with standard stabilised covers having a guarantee of 4 to 5 years, and thicker grades up to 6 to 8 years, on more durable and robust polythene materials. With 10 to 20 years for polycarbonates, as given by the individual manufacturers and suppliers.
The frame material specification also provides a life expectancy of 20 years for thicker and more durable materials used in the initial construction. Often, parts and fittings may require attention, either by replacement or reinforcement, if they have sustained damage from weather conditions or simply due to the ageing of the materials. This is where commercial polytunnels need an expert eye to ensure everything is properly inspected and attended to if damaged or bent, or if it requires replacement during bespoke or full polytunnel refurbishments.
As commercial producers and other produce enterprises develop, including farming operations often there is to add or develop additional space, if so, this can be exercised when carrying out any polytunnel refurbishments or working on other structures, either linking multiple tunnels or adding a new section, all can be easily and quickly attained by professional fitters. Full and complex polytunnel refurbishments require careful planning, normally by a site visit ensuring that it is structurally sound and does not require further bracing or anchoring and whatever the work project entails it can be integrated seamlessly.
Based on their suggested longevity, commercial growers might need to adopt or replace more efficient or automated growing systems within their tunnels. There are so many types of commercial polytunnels and refurbishments vary to include items like ventilation, irrigation systems, hydroponic setups, guttering and water storage options, or automated climate control systems, the refurbishment tasks depend on individual customer demands and operational needs.
As polytunnel suppliers ensure garden and commercial polytunnels become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, many different types of operators will add guttering for rainwater to water storage and use on irrigation systems. This can be part of a broader cost-saving strategy simply by adding solar panels for free electricity or heating to make the operation more self-sufficient.
Effective Services
Site visits and inspections are a common service that polytunnel companies all provide. A good majority of providers will need to visit before deciding on what level and how many polytunnel refurbishments need to be estimated for. Through these inspections and by visually checking the condition of the existing structure and covering, experts assess any bent or damaged parts to be replaced, evaluating the site for optimal performance and productivity. If any extensions or upgrades are required, these checks determine what work or replacement parts may be needed and help identify any challenges that might affect the progress in polytunnel refurbishments.
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