Commercial polytunnels are indispensable for modern cultivation needs, providing controlled environments that extend growing seasons and protect crops, from the UK’s adverse weather patterns throughout the year. Polytunnel covers provide effectiveness and efficiency to these structures depending on their design, location, span size, and intended cultivation program throughout the year, by selecting a durable, robust, and suitable, protective cover and strong frame material, you will have a structure fit for its required purpose.
The reason why commercial polytunnels come in different span sizes and the importance of using heavy gauge thick covers. The span size of a polytunnel refers to the width of the structure, length from one end to the other, and factor in its tailored design to meet the diverse requirements of different crops or plants to match commercial operational use.
Crop Requirements:
Different crops have varying space needs to suit their natural growth. For instance, certain vegetables might require a smaller span, whereas tomatoes and strawberries need room to spread or fruit trees and larger plants need more height and width space. Customising the span and design of sides ensures that suitable crops or plants receive an optimal growing environment.
The size of the polytunnel should align with the scale of the cultivation project or operation. A small-scale organic grower or vegetable farm may only require a modest-sized domestic polytunnel, while extensive commercial producers growing different crops or plants, will require significantly large or multiple structures to accommodate plants and necessary harvesting equipment.
Larger spanned tunnels can also allow for additional features such as increased headroom, better ventilation systems, and more entry points. Certain features are essential for maintaining a suitable and reliable growing environment, accommodating ease of access and operational duties within the polytunnel.
Heavy-Gauge Covers
Commercial polytunnels are exposed to rigorous use and harsh environmental conditions around the UK. Hence, the durability and suitability of various polytunnel covers that are purposely manufactured in different processes, are paramount to match a grower's crop or plant choices. Heavy-gauge UV-stabilised polytunnel covers offer several inherent advantages:
Durability:
Multi-layered and thicker heavy gauge polytunnel covers are manufactured to withstand severe UK weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and hail. Quality-manufactured covers are designed to last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements. as they span larger structures and so take more environmental punishment. A UV-stabilised and heavy gauge cover can with good care last up to 8-10 years or more, compared to the 4-5 years lifespan of standard thickness polythene covers used on garden and domestic sizes that are somewhat protected and sheltered within a garden or allotment surrounding.
Thicker covers provide a higher level of protection for crops more resistant to damage such as punctures, tears, or accidental damage. Keep the internal climate stable and the crops are better protected from pests and contaminants. UV-stabilised covers prevent deterioration and brittleness, from prolonged sun exposure and maintain the cover's integrity and effectiveness, offering increased longevity.
Regular Checks and Maintenance Prolong Life Expectancy
Professionally installed domestic or commercial polytunnels built with high-quality materials can offer many years of service if properly maintained. Inferior materials and poorly built construction practices may and can lead to frequent repairs resulting in a shorter lifespan. Regular inspections, maintenance and cleaning keep polytunnel covers and structure components in optimal condition, safeguarding crops and poor returns.
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