G A R D E N & S M A L L G R O W E R T U N N E L S
H O U R S O F B U S I N E S S
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 1pm & 2pm – 5.30pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Polydome, Crinkill House, Birr, Co Offaly
Tel: 057 912 0424
Fax: 057 912 0944
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.polydome.ie
Make growing easyThe difference will amaze you. Free from the ravages ofthe weather you can create ideal growing conditionsfor all sorts of vegetables and flowers in a Polydome,avoiding the frustrations of growing outdoors.
No more plants being drowned by torrential rain,frozen and battered by the wind, eaten by birds andrabbits and smashed by hail stones etc. You will alsoreduce and be better able to deal with problems withslugs, greenfly and other pests.
In a Polydome you will enjoy an extended growingseason, being able to plant earlier in the season withless risk of frost (and even earlier again if you use a frostprotection heater) and enjoy plant growth longerthan is possible outdoors.
If you are new to growing you will be able to enjoyproducing healthy organic crops and if new togrowing your own vegetables you are in for a surpriseas the taste of fresh vegetables picked and eaten thesame day is really fantastic.
You can experiment with exotic or tender varietieswhich are not going to survive at all outdoors, andimpress all the friends and neighbours with the weirdand wonderful things you are now growing.
Lastly, if you have found Murphy’s law to be true thatwhenever you have a day off to get away from thehustle and bustle of modern living out into the peaceand quiet of the garden the weather is most likely to beawful, with a Polydome your personal space will beavailable to you year round to forget about work andenjoy your hobby no matter what way the weather is.
About Us Polydome was established in 1985. Since that time
we have grown to be one of the leading suppliers
of Polytunnels in Ireland. We manufacture
‘Polydomes’ using state of the art computer
controlled bending equipment at our premises in
Birr. This efficient production system enables us to
produce Polytunnels cost effectively giving you
better value for money and means if you need a
custom made tunnel we can quite easily tailor-
make it to suit your needs, please tell us if you
need anything not shown in our brochure.
Why purchase from us?Large stock
We carry a large stock of Polytunnels and havereplacement polythene in Jumbo rolls which we cut torequired length. Although it will be at least 5 or moreyears before you need a replacement cover it is good toknow when you do need one you will be sure to get agood after sales service from us.
Quality products
Our ethos is to try always to generate satisfied customersthrough giving good service and high quality products.When things go wrong as sometimes they may, we lookat complaints as an opportunity to turn a liability into anasset, treating customers as we would like to be treatedourselves.
Delivery and advice
We deliver our structures using our own vansthroughout Ireland on a scheduled basis. This gives us anopportunity to meet with you when we are deliveringyour structure to help advise you on siting (butultimately the choice of siting is the customer’s as youknow the characteristics of your own site better than wedo) and explain any queries you may have onconstruction.
Extensive product range
Visitors are welcome to view our Polytunnel andGlasshouse display area.
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How are they constructed?Each Polydome is supplied with easy to follow instructionsand they are basically quite simple. For those who havetwo left hands we do offer a construction service.
Firstly foundation tubes are driven into the ground andthe framework is assembled on these, it simply push fitsand bolts together. Some drilling of holes and a powerscrewdriver will be required to assemble and fit door posts.
Concrete or a steel anchorage system called ‘augers’ maybe required depending on the model and if a cladding railis used, see tunnel specifications on the next pages.
A trench is dug all the way around the frame (unless acladding rail is chosen).
The polythene cover is pulled over the frame, buried in thetrench (or fitted to the cladding rail) and pulled tight.Lastly the doors are fitted.
Siting your PolydomeA sunny position is most important for plants to growwell. For strength you must point the gable end towardsthe prevailing wind. If there is a slight slope on the siteyou should run the length of the Polydome down theslope (apart from structural reasons this will helpventilation). You need to allow room all around thePolydome for digging trenches and avoiding snaggingthe cover on things, if we are constructing we ask forabout 1.5m on either side of the Polydome and 2m ateither end if possible. You should have some shelterfrom prevailing winds using trees or windbreak netwhich will filter the wind.
You should avoid choosing a stony, boggy or very slopingsite if possible as it requires extra materials and work tobuild, increasing your costs.
How long does it take to construct? This depends on many factors suchas ground conditions, theweather, the equipment available,the number of people and theirexperience etc. but for example, ingood conditions a 3.6m x 6mPolydome will take two exper-ienced people about 5.5 hours onsite and a 6m wide x 20m longPolydome with crop support barsand steel doors both ends willtake three experienced peopleabout two days to construct.
When is the best time of yearto erect a Polydome?The best time to save labour andto get the cover nice and tightduring construction is during thesummer, but in practice thesummer is our quietest time. It isquite usual to cover in coldweather, the cover will expandand look loose in warm weatherbut in all Polydome Polytunnelsthe cover can be re-tightened inthe summer and it is very simpleand easy to do.
Gable End OptionsGable end options for Polydome Small TunnelsDoors or vents are required at both ends of aPolydome to ensure air flows through for ventilation.Ventilation is necessary to control heat and humidity.Except for stormy weather or when you are heating itis beneficial to leave vents or doors open all the yearround. In summer it cools and in frosty weather itpromotes air circulation to help get rid of frost. Youcan have whatever combination you like, PVC flapsboth ends or steel doors both ends or one of each.
Tanilised Timber gable end with a PVC flapThe timber is pressure treated (tanilised) for long life.Galvanised steel brackets and screws are supplied foreasy assembly. The PVC flap is a strong flap with strapssewn onto it at intervals around the edges, quick releasebuckles are fitted to the straps allowing easy openingand closing.The PVC flap can be closed for stormy weather. The PVC flap can be opened at the side for access.The PVC flap can be opened from the top down like awindow, great for ventilation without letting the dog in.The PVC flap can be rolled up fully for ventilation andaccess.
Steel gables with hinged doorsHinged doors provide convenient access to thePolydome. The standard door is covered completelywith polythene but we can at extra cost modify thedoor to have a windbreak net upper part to provideconstant ventilation when the door is shut.With our 5.5m and 6m wide models the steel gableend option includes a triple aluminium rail over theend hoop facilitating the fitting of a separate coverfor the gable end, which looks attractive as it avoidsthe pleats and folds which other gables have.
Sliding doorsSliding doors give excellent access, are the nicestlooking and most wind resistant option, but mostexpensive, we can supply them to order.
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4.5m & 5mPolydome Tunnels
(15ft & 16.5ft)
These models are semi circular in shape. They offer
the most cost effective way of having a Polydome
tunnel per square metre. Supplied in any length
in multiples of 2m as standard.
Specification
32mm diameter galvanised steel frame
Wall thickness 1.5mm or 2mm (optional)
Strength rating:
Suitable for inland sheltered areas with 1.5mm wall hoops
Suitable for all areas with 2mm wall hoops
Polythene cover supplied
800 gauge Polydome Film
Dimensions 4.5m model 5m model
Ridge height. 2.25m 2.53m
Height taken 55cm in from
the sides: 1.51m 1.6m
Steel gable dimensions 4.5m model 5m model
Doorway width: 1.23m 1.23m
Doorway height: 2.19m 2.47m
Timber gable dimensions 4.5m model 5m model
(when using PVC flaps)
Doorway width: 1.4m 1.9m
Doorway height: 1.88m 1.88m
Crop support bars 4.5m model 5m model
(optional)
Height under the
crop support bar: 1.92m 2.0m
3.6m & 4.4mPolydome Tunnels
(12ft & 14.5ft)
These models have straight
sides and are produced on
our own computerised bend-
ing machine. Supplied in any
length in multiples of 2m as
standard.
Specification
32mm diameter galvanised steel frame
Wall thickness 1.5mm or 2mm (optional)
Strength rating
Suitable for inland sheltered areas with 1.5mm wall hoops.
Suitable for all areas with 2mm wall hoops.
Polythene cover supplied
800 gauge Polydome Film
Dimensions 3.6m model 4.4m model
Ridge height: 2.19m 2.5m
Height taken 55cm in
from the sides: 1.67m 1.86m
Steel gable dimensions 3.6m model 4.4m model
Doorway width: 1.23m 1.23m
Doorway height: 2.15m 2.47m
Timber gable dimensions 3.6m model 4.4m model
(when using PVC flaps)
Doorway width: 1.4m 1.9m
Doorway height: 1.88m 1.88m
Crop support bars 3.6m model 4.4m model
(optional)
Height under the
crop support bar: 2.0m 2.0m
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These models have a straight side for 1m before
curving to maximise use of space and at the same
time remaining extremely strong. They are
produced on our own computerised bending
machine. Supplied in any length in multiples of 2m
as standard.
We supply a diverse and innovative
range of commercial structures in
Single Span and Multispan units.
We can tailor-make structures to
customer requirements using our
computerised bending equipment.
There are numerous ventilation
options for commercial models
including roll up sides and several
types of roof ventilation - all of
which can be motorised and
automated if required. We provide
a range of construction service
options to suit your needs and even
bring our own machinery to do any
heavy manual handling work such
as digging holes and trenches.
Please contact us to discuss your
requirements.
Specification
50.8mm diameter galvanised steel frame
Wall thickness 1.5mm or 2mm
Strength rating:
Sheltered areas with 1.5mm wall hoops. All areas with
2mm wall hoops.
Polythene cover supplied
800 gauge Polydome Film
Dimensions 5.5m model 6m model
Ridge height: 2.53m 3.0m
Height taken 55cm in from
the sides: 1.95m 2.1m
Steel gable dimensions 5.5m model 6m model
Doorway width: 1.62m 1.62m
Doorway height: 2.25m 2.25m
Timber gable dimensions 5.5m model 6m model
(when using PVC flaps)
Doorway width: 1.93m 1.93m
Doorway height: 1.88m 1.88m
Crop support bars (optional)
Height under the
crop support bar: 2.06m 2.25m
5.5m & 6mPolydome Tunnels
(18ft & 19.5ft)
Commercial Tunnels
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Polydome filmThis is the cover we recommend for mostcustomers growing a variety of vegetables (orbedding plants and flowers). Polydome 800 gauge(200 micron) clear polythene gives high lighttransmission which is most important in thiscountry and it is also ‘thermic’ meaning it is goodat reducing heat loss on cold nights. It gives somediffusion of the light which reduces sun scorch.While most of our customers grow organically weneed to point out to those who use chemicals thattheir use around the polytunnel can affect the lifeof the cover.
We give this film a 5 year warranty against UVdegradation although it can last longer dependingon the amount of sunlight it receives during itslifetime and the laying conditions duringinstallation. A cover tensioning system in ourPolydomes helps to prolong the cover’s life. Being800 gauge it is tougher than lighter films whichhelps protect it in storms and gives longer life thanlighter films. There are other films that we cansupply such as heat reduction films which providespecific benefits for a short time in the year, but fora film which will be most suitable in this country formost of the year Polydome Film is what werecommend for all growers of vegetables and/orbedding plants and flowers.
Crop support barsCrop support bars give addedstrength to the frame, increasingsnow and wind resistance by around10% to 20%.
They are very useful for hangingirrigation lines in larger tunnels (likethe 6m wide model) and of coursefor suspending crops and hangingbaskets from.
With our smaller tunnels (3.6m to 5mwide) crop support bars will reducehead height so please check you willbe happy with the height dimensionsbefore ordering your tunnel.
Anchorage
When you are burying your polythenecover in the ground, most of our hobbytunnels do not need to be furtheranchored (by concreting or othermethods described below) as the forceson the structures are convenientlytransferred to the ground. Theexceptions are (A) our 5.5m and 6m widemodels which we always recommend beanchored and (B) if your ground is boggyor very stony. If you are using a claddingrail you will need to anchor the structure.
Concrete: The size and shape of foun-dation depends on ground type, pleaseconsult with us if you have anythingother than normal soil and wish to useconcrete.
Fenox augers: This system is fastest andeasiest method of anchorage to installand is suitable for normal well drainedsoil where stones are generally smallerthan 80mm diameter.
Screw augers: This system is suitable forboggy ground without stones. A posthole borer engine is useful for drivingthem down (which we can bring ifconstructing). A steel tube needs to befitted along the bottom of the tunnel ateach side to fit the augers to, this alsohelps stop the tunnel sinking in boggyground.
Flat feet and rawlbolts: This method isfor fixing the polytunnel down to aconcrete floor. The flat feet arerawlbolted to the concrete.
Technical Information for your Polydome
Aluminium cladding rails When the ground is not suitable for burying the cover for example if it is too stony and willdamage the cover or if you are erecting it on a concrete floor an aluminium cladding rail isrequired to secure the cover to. Some people with diggable soil prefer to have an aluminiumcladding rail instead of burying the cover in a trench, particularly if the tunnel is quite long asit will save labour on digging trenches and redigging them when they need to recover. Analuminium cladding rail also is useful if you have limited space as one needs only 60 cm or soto work along both sides of the tunnel instead of over 1m when using trenches. You mustanchor your tunnel when using a cladding rail.
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GlasshousesPolydome is not a name that suggests Glasshouses but in fact we are a leading
supplier and stockist in Ireland. We offer sizes from very small domestic models to
large commercial structures and they are available in a host of standard models and
colour choices. We also supply and construct greenhouses modified to sit on a
dwarf wall or for wheelchair access or completely bespoke (custom made)
Glasshouses including Victorian Style models. Please contact us for further details.
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Gardening Accessories from Polydome
Useful fabrics
Ground Cover fabric: Heavy duty, long lasting
woven polypropylene material designed to
suppress weeds and is laid directly onto the soil.
Insect Mesh: Re-useable protection for vegetables
from carrot fly and cabbage root fly.
Frost protection Fleece:
Use in the greenhouse or outside, lay directly on
top of plants and seedlings. Protects plants from
carrot fly and cabbage root fly as well as frost.
Windbreak and shade net: Protect your
greenhouse investment and promote outdoor
plant growth.
Watering systems
Overhead irrigation spraylines: At the turn of a
tap this system will water the whole tunnel evenly.
Drip irrigation systems: This system delivers water
more efficiently than spraying allowing more
control over the amount and the foliage does not
get wet.
Hand watering: Spray pistols and lances.
Capillary matting: Matting to sit your pot plants
on which distributes water and nutrients evenly.
Frost Protection Heating
Electric Heaters: Keep your plants frost free
and extend the growing season. Specialist
range not available generally in shops.
Gas Heaters: These produce CO2 which
enhances growth and no need for electricity.
Thermostatically controlled.
Propagation Equipment
Soil warming cables and heatmats: These
provide a thermostatically controlled heat
source with which to propogate in larger
volumes than propagators allow.
Propagators: Help plants germinate quickly
which leads to a healthier and more vigorous
growth.
Polytunnel covers and accessories
Polythene repair tape and glue:
First aid kit for polythene covers.
Replacement tunnel covers: Cut from jumbo
reels to your required length.
Pond liner: Flexible polypropylene pond liner.
Miscellaneous accessories
Benching: A comprehensive selection to suit
your needs from Two-tier Aluminium Staging
and Aluminium Slatted Staging to Professional
Aluminium Benching.
Cloches and Cold Frames: These provide the
benefits of a greenhouse on a very small scale.
Books: A selection of books to assist growers to
get the most out of their Polydome with down
to earth practical advice.
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