GARDEN STRUCTURES Compare us against the competition

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "GARDEN STRUCTURES Compare us against the competition"

Darrell Lucas
6 years ago
Views:

1 GARDEN STRUCTURES Compare us against the Competition GARDEN STRUCTURES Compare us against the competition

2 2

Intro About Us At Northern Polytunnels we have been designing, manufacturing and constructing polytunnels for over 40 years.

We think it s important to highlight the differences between our structures and those of our competitors.

This comparison looks at the quality and reliability of the products used within the structures.

3 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. 3

4 Compare us against the competition Framework 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. 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 32mm 25.4mm 28mm Number of Hoop Pieces (also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays) Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in 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 Crop Bar Hanger Diameter n/a n/a n/a Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays Not Needed (These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.) 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 Manufacturer Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. - Imported - 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! Misc Side Vent System 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 Doors Sliding 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 4 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.

5 Compare us against the competition Framework 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. 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 32mm 25.4mm 28mm Number of Hoop Pieces (also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays) Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in 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 Crop Bar Hanger Diameter n/a n/a n/a Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays Not Needed (These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.) 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 Manufacturer Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. - Imported - 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! Misc Side Vent System 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 Doors Sliding 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 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. 5

6 Compare us against the competition 12ft Polytunnel 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. 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 32mm 25.4mm 28mm Number of Hoop Pieces (also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays) Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in 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 Crop Bar Hanger Diameter 25mm n/a unknown Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays Not Needed (These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.) 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 Manufacturer Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. - Imported - 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! Misc Side Vent System 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 Doors Sliding 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 Our steel work is High Tensile. Material certificated available on request. 6 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.

7 Compare us against the competition 14ft Polytunnel 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. 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 32mm 35mm 38mm Number of Hoop Pieces (also see Storm Bars / Storm Stays) Number of Struts / Stabilisers per end Number of Pieces Struts / Stabilisers are supplied in 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 Crop Bar Hanger Diameter 25mm n/a unknown Storm Brace Bars /Storm Stays Not Needed (These are used to strengthen weakened point due to multiple hoop pieces.) 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 Manufacturer Bpi. Visqueen - UK designed and manufactured for the UK climate. - Imported - 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! Misc Side Vent System 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 Doors Sliding 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 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. 7

8 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 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. 3: Bracings 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. 2: Fittings 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. 4: Steelwork 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. 8

5mm use over 70% more steel than the frame work to ensure the foundations are as capable of withstanding the forces applied to them.

9 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. 9

10 Northern Polytunnels Mill Green, Waterside Road Colne, Lancashire, BB8 0TA Tel: Fax:

Compare us against the competition

Compare us against the competition Commercial Experts in Structures Since 969. you grow Our polytunnels helpfaster! bigger, better & polytunnels raised beds cloches fruit cages 08 8730 npstructures.co.uk