Need some advice on repairing a PolyTunnel

[wizer]

Hi Guys, way off topic but I thought i'd post here as we have a lot of clever members

I have just been 'given' a polytunnel (large polythene covered greenhouse) that is attatched to an allotment plot (which I have also taken on).

Only problem is that it's damaged. Rain sitting on top has torn the polythene quite badly.

The whole thing is rather ramshackle but very sturdy. The cost of replacing the whole cover would be about £250. That's out of the question this year. I have a workshop to build!

So I'm thinking of way to repair it. I'm going to make an internal wire mesh to prevent further tearing. But fixing the polythene has got me thinking. I think if I just use tape to fix the splits then it will break again easily. I have thought about joining it with more polythene but the conundrum is how to join without tape.

more pics hereif interested.

hmm

any thoughts welcome

 

[RogerS]

I could be way off the mark here but my understanding is that all plastics gradually breakdown/become brittle as a result of UV. The better aka more expensive stuff has UV inhibitors/stabilisers? that slowdown this process.

Polythene used in poly tunnels is usually the former IIRC. I would guess that your polythene is terminal. You'll be sticking tape onto it until the cows come home...it will continue to rip and you'll end up a nervous wreck.

 

[wizer]

the polythene is only 2yrs old, despite it's derilict looks. It should last for about 8yrs. I'd prefer not to replace the whole lot this season if I can get away with a '12 month' repair.

 

[OLD]

The problem with poly is nothing will stick to it you can only get something into close contact but not sealed .
So framework either side of the damage to provide support for large patch under the cover so water is directed away and cover does not try to enlarge the damage.

 

[RogerS]

How about cutting the damage square. Then using some cheap timber to sandwich the existing poly with some new panels to fill the gap between two bits of timber screwed together?

 

[wizer]

that crossed my mind roger, but it's on the curve of the tunnel so i'll have to think of a clever way to do it without making it too rigid.

 

[Colin C]

that crossed my mind roger, but it's on the curve of the tunnel so i'll have to think of a clever way to do it without making it too rigid.

Could you not use some MR-mdf and paint it to get the curve, or have I missed some thing :shock:

 

[RogerS]

roll the vertical edges round two pieces of vertical wood then repeat with your patch panel. Screw the two pieces of wood together..that will let you curve round. It's the horizontal join that's a bit tricky :wink: