Your Complete Guide to Polytunnel Covers

Polytunnels have been offering plant growers a protected and controlled environment for decades. They allow the growers to nurture a diverse range of crops and plants. The polytunnel covers are one of the most important components that make this possible. When you purchase a polytunnel kit, you need to pay extra attention to the polytunnel covers since the individual covering capabilities dictate the tunnel's durability and influence the microclimate created. 

Polytunnels are designed to be versatile and suitable for backyard or domestic settings to provide an appropriate environment for a wide array of cultivation. You can purchase a polytunnel kit in various types, from compact structures to more extensive units that offer a large amount of produce.  

Types of Polytunnel Covering

Polytunnel manufacturers offer various polytunnel covers to cater to varied horticulture needs. These include:

• Polyethylene: This is the standard covering available with many polytunnel kits. It is known for its affordability and functional efficiency. Polyethylene covers offer a good balance of light transmission and insulation, thus promoting a healthy growth environment for plants.
• Polycarbonate: This is perfect for those looking for a durable alternative. Polycarbonate covers are manufactured in solid or twin-wall variants. They offer superior insulation and protection against adverse weather conditions. 
• UV-Resistant: These are processed polytunnel covers that are treated to resist degradation from UV radiation. It also offers a longer lifespan while protecting plants from harmful solar radiation.
• Shade Netting: In regions that receive intense sunlight, shade nets can be used as a primary covering or alongside other covers inside the tunnel. It helps to regulate light penetration and prevent plant scorching. 

Polytunnel tunnel kits from manufacturers often come with a standard type of cover, i.e., a polyethylene sheet. However, some of them offer upgrades or alternatives such as:

• Diffused: These covers scatter sunlight to reduce shadows and ensure light distribution, promoting uniform plant growth.
• Reinforced: These covers are enhanced with a mesh of supporting material that provides added strength and durability. The coverage can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Customizing Polytunnel Covers

For customizing the coverings, you need to understand the locale and the types of plants your customers intend to grow. Many manufacturers offer customization options that allow one to tailor any size of the polytunnels as per customers' needs. 

It would help if you remembered that different climates necessitate different types of covering; a region with heavy snowfall will require heavy-duty cover. The type of plants to be grown in the polytunnel will dictate the light and temperature needs, thus guiding the choice of the covering.

Maintenance and Durability

No matter what type of cover is chosen, it is important that one ensures proper maintenance of the polytunnel to enhance its durability and lifespan. These covers require regular checks for wear and tear and cleaning to remove dirt, algae, and an over-maintenance environment. This will help to increase the longevity of the cover. 

Quality of Polytunnel Covers

The longevity of the polytunnel covers depends on their quality and strength of thickness. You may not get the best quality when you buy cheaper kits. Though it may seem cost-effective initially, it might be a thinner gauge that eventually leads to reduced life expectancy and the need for more frequent maintenance. 

This may not be a big issue for garden or domestic polytunnels as walls, fences, and hedging usually protect them. However, large commercial polytunnels must withstand open spaces without protection and may require heavy-duty coverings. 

Another factor that plays a significant role is the weather elements. No doubt polytunnel covers naturally degrade over time, and harsh conditions further speed up this process. Some manufacturers offer polytunnel coverings with protection from harsh sunlight, wind extremes, hailstones, snow, and heavy rain conditions.

More About Heavy-Duty Polytunnel Coverings

Larger polytunnels require heavy-duty covers as they offer better life expectancy. They can be either single or multi-span structures. Some of these covers can even cover an entire field area. Most of them require galvanized steel or aluminum frames. 

Heavy-duty covers are stronger, more durable, and made of thicker types of polythene or PVC. They are usually UV-stabilized and can effectively deal with harsh conditions like strong winds, freezing weather, and rising temperatures. They also come with a longer life guarantee. Though they are costlier, they offer better performance and longevity.

Heavy-duty covers can deal with all types of conditions. They are a popular choice for commercial growers who want to extend three all-year-round seasons for growing and producing well-protected crops. One can have healthier and more abundant produce with heavy-duty polytunnel covers. Their installation systems offer good insulation and ventilation options, providing ideal and stable microclimates. 

Summing Up

The polytunnel covers are manufactured and treated through different processes and are available in different grades that cater to various needs. Retailers should know about the multiple types of polytunnel covers and offer them to the customers as per their needs.