Fitting a Polytunnel Cover using Base Rails - Timber and Aluminium options | Covering a Polytunnel
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- Опубліковано 19 бер 2016
- The use of Base Rails is a very popular option for covering a polytunnel. Available in timber or aluminium options, Base Rails do away with the need for digging a trench and allow for cover tensioning.
This video demonstrates how to fit your polythene cover to Timber Side Rails and to Aluminium Side Rails - the methods applied are the same for fixing to Base Rails.
Timber Side/Base Rails - Roll the cover out down one side of the polytunnel and, holding the edge of the sheet, pull over the framework. Check the cover is central down the length and width of the tunnel - do not worry if the cover does not reach the floor on the ends of the polytunnel.
Starting at one end of the polytunnel, fix the polythene to the timber door frame lintel using a timber batten and nails. Pull the cover tight along the length and fix to the timber lintel at the opposite end.
Down one side of the polytunnel, starting in the middle, tension the polythene cover down to the timber rails. Fix in place using timber battens and nails - the battens should be fixed tight up to the rebate batten. Continue this process out to each end of the polytunnel.
Repeat this process on the opposite side of the tunnel - this time getting as much tension into the cover as possible.
At each corner, cut the polythene in line with the end hoop below the timber rails. Pull the excess around the end hoop to the door frame, twisting your wrist to create pleats in the cover. Fix the cover to the door frame using timber batten - the batten should be fixed tight up to the rebate batten.
Repeat this process at the opposite end.
At each corner, tension the cover down to the timber rails from the hoop to the door post, fixing with a timber batten tight up to the rebate.
Once the cover is entirely fixed around all the timber rails and door frames, loosen the Side Rails/Base Rails fixings and lower the rails back to their original position - this will add extra tension to the cover. Re-tighten and secure all fixings with a self drill screw.
It is important to now fix all hoops to foundation tubes using self drill screws.
Taking care, trim off any excess around the door frames.
Aluminium Side/Base Rails - Roll the cover out down one side of the polytunnel and, holding the edge of the sheet, pull over the framework. Check the cover is central down the length and width of the tunnel - do not worry if the cover does not reach the floor on the ends of the polytunnel.
Starting at one end of the polytunnel, fix the polythene to the timber door frame lintel using a timber batten and nails. Pull the cover tight along the length and fix to the timber lintel at the opposite end.
Down one side of the polytunnel, starting in the middle, lightly tension the polythene cover down to the aluminium rails. Carefully fix in place using grey PVC 'U' profiles - these 'U' profiles should be inserted into the slot on the aluminium (this is the top slot on Side Rails). Continue this process out to each end of the polytunnel.
Repeat this process on the opposite side of the tunnel - again, only lightly tension the cover down to the aluminium.
At each corner, cut the polythene in line with the end hoop below the aluminium rails. Pull the excess around the end hoop to the door frame, twisting your wrist to create pleats in the cover. Fix the cover to the door frame using timber batten - the batten should be fixed tight up to the rebate batten.
Repeat this process at the opposite end.
At each corner, lightly tension the cover down to the aluminium rails from the hoop to the door post, carefully fixing with a grey PVC 'U' profile.
Insert a grey PVC 'T' profiles into all 'U' profiles.
Once the cover is entirely fixed around all the aluminium rails and door frames, loosen the Side Rails/Base Rails fixings and lower the rails back to their original position - this will add extra tension to the cover. Re-tighten and secure all fixings with a self drill screw.
It is important to now fix all hoops to foundation tubes using self drill screws.
Taking care, trim off any excess around the door frames.
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Really glad I ordered timber base rails with my polytunnel - the cover is drum tight. Thanks for all your help. :-)
Make the valley of the creases on the inside by pushing up the fold whilst standing outside. This eliminates water and dust being trapped .
You have absolutely no business making it look this easy 😂😅 IM STRUGGLING 😑😭🤯
Ha ha! Oh dear. Keep going - you can do it. Don't be shy when you're pulling the polythene tight - you won't tear it. Good luck!
It might be better to use screws instead of nails. When it comes time to change the polly, it is easyer to unscrew
Yes, you can certainly choose to use wood screws if you prefer. :-)
How safe is your sawing method? I ask because i don’t know any DIY and am using this video to learn the methods to set up a poly tunnel, but sawing looks like a scary business.
Our construction team are used to using handsaws, but for someone who is new to DIY and cutting pieces of timber using a handsaw for the first time, it really is best to lay the piece of wood on a table - Take a look at this video for guidance: ua-cam.com/video/xpu75Lq9aFU/v-deo.html&app=desktop
Looks tidy. How many micron was the plastic? Thanks
Hello Ryan,
Thank you :-)
The polythene cover on this polytunnel is 720 gauge/180 micron.
Full details of our polythene films can be found on our website - www.premierpolytunnels.co.uk/shop/accessories/polythene-films/
Kind regards,
Premier Polytunnels
As I'm in a very high wind zone I was going to use 260 micron plastic. Do you think you could still form the pleats on the curves with that thickness of plastic? You guys make it look easy :) Thanks
@@RRYANWATT Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your enquiry.
It would still be possible to create pleats on the ends of the polytunnel (as the cover is pulled around the end hoop and fixed down the door frame), however it would probably be better to fold fewer larger pleats rather than lots of little pleats as shown in our videos.
We would also recommend using bigger timber for securing to the door frame and using wood screws as well as nails.
Hope that helps :-)
Kind regards,
Premier Polytunnels
What is the dimension of the batten your using? I don't think we have the same size in Canada.
The batten we use is 19mm x 38mm.
Thanks! And what is the dimension then of the base rail timber? I take it this would have to be twice the width?
that hammer seen some use
Where do you buy the plastic to cover it entirely ,I can't find one big enough
Replacement covers are available on their website. I tried posting the link but UA-cam deleted it.
Hello,
You can purchase a full polytunnel cover on our website: www.premierpolytunnels.co.uk/shop/replacement-covers/
Alternatively, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Wouldn't it be easier to use screws and a drill
You can certainly choose to use wood screws if you prefer.
I am fucking sick of trying to set up my polytunnel. Fuck first tunnels and thank you for making clearer videos
We are pleased our videos have been of assistance James.
Wear safety glasses! Don't eat the nails!
...and don't forget the red tape ;-)