1

GARDEN STRUCTURESCompare us against the Competition

01282 873120

www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk

GARDEN STRUCTURESCompare us against the competition

2

3

About Us

At Northern Polytunnels we have been designing, manufacturing and constructing polytunnels for over 40 years. We have combined experince and knowlege that ensures you recieve the best quality polytunnel.

Why have we made this comparison? We think it’s important to highlight the differences between our structures and those of our competitors. We want to tell our customers the reasons we manufacture and design our polytunnels the way we do. This comparison looks at the quality and reliability of the products used within the structures.

Intro

Notes from our Structural EngineerAt Northern Polytunnels we have our own in-house team of design and construction engineers, our Struc-tural Engineer John has put together some notes which can be found on pages 8 and 9.

4

Northern Polytunnels First Tunnels Premier Polytunnels

Framework

Foundation Tubes

Heavy duty galvanised foundation tubes with a 3.5mm wall thickness to give increased protection from

corrosion.

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Framework Tensioning SystemUp to 250mm of tensioning is available

by raising the hoops and locking into place

noneonly available when the cover is

trenched

Hoop Spacings 5ft or 6ft 5ft 5ft

Hoop Diameter 32mm 25.4mm 28mm

Number of Hoop Pieces(also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays)

2 4 3

Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end 2 2 2

Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in

1 2 1

Strut / Stabiliser Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Ridge Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Crop Bars

Main Crop Bar Diameter 25mm 25mm unknown

Number of Crop Bar Hangers 0 0 0

Crop Bar Hanger Diameter n/a n/a n/a

Storm Brace Bars /Storm StaysNot Needed

(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)

optional extra optional extra

Timber and Aluminium

End Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Side Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Base Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 37mm x 14mm 37mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Side Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 55mm x 14mm 55mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Fittings

Type of fittings used Purpose made commercial fittings U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips

Polytunnel Covering

Polythene ManufacturerBpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate.

www.bpivisqeenhort.comUnknown - Imported Unknown - Imported

Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer

We have used the same manufacturer for as long as the records date. It seems almost daily we get offers for tape that costs much less. However our tests have shown that the adhesive simply isn’t up to the job - so much so,

we have given up testing other suppliers and stick to what we know!

Unknown Unknown

Misc

Side Vent SystemGearbox operated steel tube with

spring clips to secure the polythene.

Gearbox operated steel tube with spring clips to secure the

polythene.

Manually roll a steel tube with spring clips to secure

the polythene

DoorsSliding doors as standard

manufactured from timber or aluminium

Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.

Hinged only, manufactured from timber.

Single Door Sizes 0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”) 0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’) 0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown

Compare us against the competition

8ft Polytunnel

Disclaimer. Every effort has been made to accurately reresent the products of our competitors at the time of going to print. The findings above are based on information that is widely available on the internet.We suggest all customers research these findings before purchasing their own Polytunnel and not base their decision on which supplier to select on the findings above.

Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request.

5

Northern Polytunnels First Tunnels Premier Polytunnels

Framework

Foundation Tubes

Heavy duty galvanised foundation tubes with a 3.5mm wall thickness to give increased protection from

corrosion.

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Framework Tensioning SystemUp to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into

placenone

only available when the cover is trenched

Hoop Spacings 5ft or 6ft 5ft 5ft

Hoop Diameter 32mm 25.4mm 28mm

Number of Hoop Pieces(also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays)

2 4 3

Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end 2 2 2

Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in

1 2 1

Strut / Stabiliser Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Ridge Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Crop Bars

Main Crop Bar Diameter 25mm 25mm unknown

Number of Crop Bar Hangers 0 0 0

Crop Bar Hanger Diameter n/a n/a n/a

Storm Brace Bars /Storm StaysNot Needed

(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)

optional extra optional extra

Timber and Aluminium

End Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Side Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Base Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 37mm x 14mm 37mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Side Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 55mm x 14mm 55mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Fittings

Type of fittings used Purpose made commercial fittings U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips

Polytunnel Covering

Polythene ManufacturerBpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate.

www.bpivisqeenhort.comUnknown - Imported Unknown - Imported

Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer

We have used the same manufacturer for as long as the records date. It seems almost daily we get offers for tape that costs much less. However our tests have shown that the adhesive simply isn’t up to the job - so much so,

we have given up testing other suppliers and stick to what we know!

Unknown Unknown

Misc

Side Vent SystemGearbox operated steel tube with

spring clips to secure the polythene.

Gearbox operated steel tube with spring clips to secure the

polythene.

Manually roll a steel tube with spring clips to secure

the polythene

DoorsSliding doors as standard

manufactured from timber or aluminium

Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.

Hinged only, manufactured from timber.

Single Door Sizes 0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”) 0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’) 0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown

Compare us against the competition

10ft Polytunnel

Disclaimer. Every effort has been made to accurately reresent the products of our competitors at the time of going to print. The findings above are based on information that is widely available on the internet.We suggest all customers research these findings before purchasing their own Polytunnel and not base their decision on which supplier to select on the findings above.

Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request.

6

Northern Polytunnels First Tunnels Premier Polytunnels

Framework

Foundation Tubes

Heavy duty galvanised foundation tubes with a 3.5mm wall thickness to give increased protection from

corrosion.

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Framework Tensioning SystemUp to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into

placenone

only available when the cover is trenched

Hoop Spacings 5ft or 6ft 5ft 5ft

Hoop Diameter 32mm 25.4mm 28mm

Number of Hoop Pieces(also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays)

2 4 4

Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end 2 2 2

Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in

1 2 1

Strut / Stabiliser Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Ridge Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Crop Bars

Main Crop Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Number of Crop Bar Hangers 2 0 1

Crop Bar Hanger Diameter 25mm n/a unknown

Storm Brace Bars /Storm StaysNot Needed

(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)

optional extra optional extra

Timber and Aluminium

End Timber Sizes 75mm X 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Side Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Base Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 37mm x 14mm 37mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Side Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 55mm x 14mm 55mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Fittings

Type of fittings used Purpose made commercial fittings U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips

Polytunnel Covering

Polythene ManufacturerBpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate.

www.bpivisqeenhort.comUnknown - Imported Unknown - Imported

Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer

We have used the same manufacturer for as long as the records date. It seems almost daily we get offers for tape that costs much less. However our tests have shown that the adhesive simply isn’t up to the job - so much so,

we have given up testing other suppliers and stick to what we know!

Unknown Unknown

Misc

Side Vent SystemGearbox operated steel tube with

spring clips to secure the polythene.

Gearbox operated steel tube with spring clips to secure the

polythene.

Manually roll a steel tube with spring clips to secure

the polythene

DoorsSliding doors as standard

manufactured from timber or aluminium

Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.

Hinged only, manufactured from timber.

Single Door Sizes 0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”) 0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’) 0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown

Compare us against the competition

12ft Polytunnel

Disclaimer. Every effort has been made to accurately reresent the products of our competitors at the time of going to print. The findings above are based on information that is widely available on the internet.We suggest all customers research these findings before purchasing their own Polytunnel and not base their decision on which supplier to select on the findings above.

Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request.

7

Northern Polytunnels First Tunnels Premier Polytunnels

Framework

Foundation Tubes

Heavy duty galvanised foundation tubes with a 3.5mm wall thickness to give increased protection from

corrosion.

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Pre-galvinised steel tube with 1.5mm wall thickness

Framework Tensioning SystemUp to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into

placenone

only available when the cover is trenched

Hoop Spacings 5ft or 6ft 7ft 6ft

Hoop Diameter 32mm 35mm 38mm

Number of Hoop Pieces(also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays)

2 4 4

Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end 2 2 2

Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in

1 2 1

Strut / Stabiliser Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Ridge Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Crop Bars

Main Crop Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown

Number of Crop Bar Hangers 2 0 1

Crop Bar Hanger Diameter 25mm n/a unknown

Storm Brace Bars /Storm StaysNot Needed

(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)

optional extra optional extra

Timber and Aluminium

End Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Side Timber Sizes 75mm x 40mm 47mm x 75mm 51mm x 76mm

Base Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 37mm x 14mm 37mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Side Rail Aluminium Section Sizes 55mm x 14mm 55mm x 14mm No aluminium option

Fittings

Type of fittings used Purpose made commercial fittings U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips

Polytunnel Covering

Polythene ManufacturerBpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate.

www.bpivisqeenhort.comUnknown - Imported Unknown - Imported

Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer

We have used the same manufacturer for as long as the records date. It seems almost daily we get offers for tape that costs much less. However our tests have shown that the adhesive simply isn’t up to the job - so much so,

we have given up testing other suppliers and stick to what we know!

Unknown Unknown

Misc

Side Vent SystemGearbox operated steel tube with

spring clips to secure the polythene.

Gearbox operated steel tube with spring clips to secure the

polythene.

Manually roll a steel tube with spring clips to secure

the polythene

DoorsSliding doors as standard

manufactured from timber or aluminium

Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.

Hinged only, manufactured from timber.

Single Door Sizes 0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”) 0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’) 0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown

Compare us against the competition

14ft Polytunnel

Disclaimer. Every effort has been made to accurately reresent the products of our competitors at the time of going to print. The findings above are based on information that is widely available on the internet.We suggest all customers research these findings before purchasing their own Polytunnel and not base their decision on which supplier to select on the findings above.

Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request.

8

Notes from our Structural EngineerAt Northern Polytunnels we don’t leave anything to chance. We only use the highest grade materials in all of our polytunnels, on these pages our Structural Engineer John explains why.

1: Crop BarsCrop bars stiffen up the srtructure during strong winds. They can also help keep the legs tied together under heavy snow.We use large diameter, high tensile steel to ensure the structure remains rigid under both wind and snow loads.

2: FittingsCommercial grade, welded fittings help keep the Polytunnel rigid under high winds reducing wear and tear on the cover, as well as ensuring our tunnels remain how we design them to be.

3: BracingsAll our polytunnels are supplied with 32mm bracing to all corners.Providing large diameter, high tensile bracing in one piece ensures thepolytunnel stays rigid under high wind loads.

4: SteelworkAll our framework is manufactured from high tensile pre-galvinised steel to give a stronger structure. Our steel is typically 48% stronger than standard structural steel, with material certificates available on request.

9

5: Ground TubesWith ground tubes being in the ground, they are likely to be in contact with water for extended peiriods of time. We use heavier gauge ground tubes which are hot dip galvinised to reduce the chance of corrosion. Our ground tubes, with a wall thickness of 3.5mm use over 70% more steel than the frame work to ensure the foundations are as capable of withstanding the forces applied to them.

6: Doors and Door FramesWith sliding doors as standard, and a wide opening of 0.9m (1.8m for a double door), we offer much better value and quality than other manufacturers. In addition, each are constructed using supplied 90 degree brackets making it a very simple process.

7: Hoop SectionsMany other polytunnel companies will supply hoops in 3 and 4 piece’s due to transport restrictions. However, each joint within the polytunnel will create a weak point.

They provide ‘optional’ extra parts to strengthen these weak points. These extra parts are often referred to as ‘storm bars’. Using as few hoop sections as possible keeps the structure as strong as possible. This is why at Northern Polytunnels, we will ONLY supply hoops in 2 sections and our hoops DO NOT need ‘storm bars’.

Door Brackets

10

www.northernpolytunnels.co.ukinfo@npstructures.co.uk

Northern PolytunnelsMill Green, Waterside RoadColne, Lancashire , BB8 0TA

Tel: 01282 873120Fax: 01282 871733