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.
Polytunnel Construction FAQ’s - www.premierpolytunnels.co.uk/...
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19 мар 2016
