GARDEN STRUCTURES Compare us against the Competition
GARDEN STRUCTURES
Compare us against the competition
01282 873120 www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk 1
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Intro 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.
Notes from our Structural Engineer At Northern Polytunnels we have our own in-house team of design and construction engineers, our Structural Engineer John has put together some notes which can be found on pages 8 and 9.
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Compare us against the competition
8ft Polytunnel Northern Polytunnels
First Tunnels
Premier Polytunnels
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 System
Up to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into place
none
only available when the cover is trenched
Framework
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
25mm
25mm
unknown
0
0
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)
optional extra
optional extra
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
Purpose made commercial fittings
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - Imported
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
Gearbox 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
Sliding doors as standard manufactured from timber or aluminium
Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.
Hinged only, manufactured from timber.
0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”)
0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’)
0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown
Crop Bars Main Crop Bar Diameter Number of Crop Bar Hangers Crop Bar Hanger Diameter Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays
Not Needed
Timber and Aluminium
Fittings Type of fittings used Polytunnel Covering Polythene Manufacturer
Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer
Misc Side Vent System
Doors
Single Door Sizes
Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request.
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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.
Compare us against the competition
10ft Polytunnel Northern Polytunnels
First Tunnels
Premier Polytunnels
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 System
Up to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into place
none
only available when the cover is trenched
Framework
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
25mm
25mm
unknown
0
0
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)
optional extra
optional extra
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
Purpose made commercial fittings
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - Imported
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
Gearbox 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
Sliding doors as standard manufactured from timber or aluminium
Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.
Hinged only, manufactured from timber.
0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”)
0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’)
0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown
Crop Bars Main Crop Bar Diameter Number of Crop Bar Hangers Crop Bar Hanger Diameter Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays
Not Needed
Timber and Aluminium
Fittings Type of fittings used Polytunnel Covering Polythene Manufacturer
Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer
Misc Side Vent System
Doors
Single Door Sizes
Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request. 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.
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Compare us against the competition
12ft Polytunnel Northern Polytunnels
First Tunnels
Premier Polytunnels
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 System
Up to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into place
none
only available when the cover is trenched
Hoop Spacings
5ft or 6ft
5ft
5ft
Hoop Diameter
Framework
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
32mm
25mm
unknown
2
0
1
25mm
n/a
unknown
(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)
optional extra
optional extra
End Timber Sizes
75mm X 40mm
47mm x 75mm
51mm x 76mm
Side Timber Sizes
75mm x 40mm
47mm x 75mm
51mm x 76mm
Crop Bars Main Crop Bar Diameter Number of Crop Bar Hangers Crop Bar Hanger Diameter Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays
Not Needed
Timber and Aluminium
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
Purpose made commercial fittings
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - Imported
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
Gearbox 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
Sliding doors as standard manufactured from timber or aluminium
Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.
Hinged only, manufactured from timber.
0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”)
0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’)
0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown
Fittings Type of fittings used Polytunnel Covering Polythene Manufacturer
Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer
Misc Side Vent System
Doors
Single Door Sizes
Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request.
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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.
Compare us against the competition
14ft Polytunnel Northern Polytunnels
First Tunnels
Premier Polytunnels
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 System
Up to 250mm of tensioning is available by raising the hoops and locking into place
none
only available when the cover is trenched
Hoop Spacings
5ft or 6ft
7ft
6ft
Hoop Diameter
Framework
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
32mm
25mm
unknown
2
0
1
25mm
n/a
unknown
(These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.)
optional extra
optional extra
End Timber Sizes
75mm x 40mm
47mm x 75mm
51mm x 76mm
Side Timber Sizes
75mm x 40mm
47mm x 75mm
51mm x 76mm
Crop Bars Main Crop Bar Diameter Number of Crop Bar Hangers Crop Bar Hanger Diameter Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays
Not Needed
Timber and Aluminium
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
Purpose made commercial fittings
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
U Bolts / Q clips / P Clips
Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - Imported
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
Gearbox 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
Sliding doors as standard manufactured from timber or aluminium
Hinged or sliding options, manufactured from timber.
Hinged only, manufactured from timber.
0.9m (3ft) x 2m (6’6”)
0.7m (2’3”) x 1.8m (6’)
0.8m (2’8”) x height unknown
Fittings Type of fittings used Polytunnel Covering Polythene Manufacturer
Anti Hot Spot Tape manufacturer
Misc Side Vent System
Doors
Single Door Sizes
Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request. 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.
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Notes from our Structural Engineer At 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 Bars
2: Fittings
Crop 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.
Commercial 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: Bracings
4: Steelwork
All our polytunnels are supplied with 32mm bracing to all corners.Providing large diameter, high tensile bracing in one piece ensures the polytunnel stays rigid under high wind loads.
All 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.
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5: Ground Tubes With 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 Frames With 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.
Door Brackets
7: Hoop Sections Many 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’.
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Northern Polytunnels Mill Green, Waterside Road Colne, Lancashire , BB8 0TA Tel: 01282 873120 Fax: 01282 871733
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www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk info@npstructures.co.uk