Added Sturdiness and Robustness of Polytunnel Builds
Commercial polytunnels, also built as bespoke
heavy-duty polytunnels, have become indispensable assets in the agricultural
and horticultural sectors, revolutionising how fresh produce is grown under
protective polytunnel covers in all parts of the UK. Heavy-duty polytunnels are
crafted from robust materials like coated galvanised steel or aluminium, some
have tanalised timber for door frames and entrances, covered with durable, thicker
gauge polytunnel covers, either single. double, triple, up to a five-layered
covering with a UV-stabilised film applied at a certain micron thickness. This withstands
adverse weather conditions prevalent across the UK and with P-clips and tie-bars
that give added sturdiness, their versatility and resilience make them ideal
for different uses, including growing niche and mass-market crops or storage,
and housing livestock.
Quality Materials Used
The choice between aluminium and galvanised
steel for the structure of polytunnels often depends on specific needs and
environmental conditions. Aluminium, although lighter can be strengthened, has ease
of installation and is corrosion resistant, which helps to minimise maintenance
costs and improves life longevity. On the other hand, galvanised steel is known
for its exceptional strength and durability, capable of withstanding strong
winds, heavy snow, and hail, making it a preferred choice for certain UK locations
prone to severe weather.
The construction of commercial polytunnels
can be individually customised to meet various agricultural needs they are
required, from simple semi-circular Quonset designs to more complex Gothic Arch
and multi-span structures, that can be set side by side or in whatever
combination works best for that producer. The designs vary to improve
functionality and to suit crops grown within. Certain designs suit better snow
and rain shedding, with enhanced structural strength and optimal space utilisation
for different cropping systems to harvest easily within the tunnel.
Cover Options
The heavier gauge polytunnel covers are used
in covering heavy-duty polytunnels that are domestic-sized or much larger
commercial polytunnels that vary in their designs, each tailored to create
specific environmental conditions conducive to the growth of different plants
and crops.
There are quite a few differently
manufactured polytunnel covers such as:
- Polythene Single-Layer: A cost-effective choice that provides seasonal protection for crops.
- Double-Layer Polythene: Offers better insulation due to an air gap between layers, improving temperature control and energy efficiency.
- Thermal anti-drip or anti-fog polythene polytunnel films are used by many UK growers, for their ability to keep temperatures constant and for their superior strength
- Multi-wall Polycarbonate: Offers superior insulation and strength this robust material provides excellent protection against severe UK weather conditions.
- UV-Resistant PVC: The proficient ability to block, harmful UV rays, protecting tender plants from harmful burning and radiation damage.
- Shade Nets: Control temperature, these reflective cloths help to reflect unwanted radiation and heat, whilst providing a cooler environment inside the covering.
Practical Applications for Heavy-Duty
Polytunnels
Commercial polytunnels are not solely used
for plant cultivation; they are also suitable for storage and supplies or
housing farm livestock. The key to using polytunnels effectively is in the
correct preparation and introducing knowledgeable customisation, for safety,
ventilation, and insulation. Livestock, animals and poultry require
well-ventilated spaces to ensure the quality of health, prevent the build-up of
ammonia or other harmful gases and even fencing to stop them from penetrating
the cover. Storage areas require good airflow preventing moisture accumulation
and spoilage, selecting the best polytunnel covers requires knowledge
The ventilation and humidity ability to
maintain a consistent internal environment also offsets any introduction of
pesticides, promotes healthier growth, reduces wastage, and offers cost savings.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintenance practices for heavy-duty
polytunnels depend on the materials used. aluminium structures require less
upkeep due to their corrosion resistance, galvanised steel frames will require sporadic
inspections and treatments to maintain their integrity, if not initially
coated.
The development of commercial polytunnels reflects a blend of innovation and practicality of uses in modern cultivation and farming options. Whether it’s the robustness of heavy-duty polytunnels with galvanised steel or the corrosion resistance of aluminium, each element of a polytunnel is designed with durability and functionality in mind. With a range of thicker more durable polytunnel covers made from stronger more durable material and added film, offering tailored environmental controls, commercial polytunnels are a go-to solution for increasing agricultural and horticultural productivity, helping to, enhance the sustainability of mass crop production, and even diversifying into livestock housing under controlled conditions.
Read More:
The Necessity of Heavy Duty Polytunnels for UK Agriculture
Polytunnel Installation and Construction in the UK
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