Polythene

Top quality commercial grade covers

Polythene is a flexible translucent material. It creates a micro climate within a polytunnel so plants grow better than they would if not protected. Modern technology allows manufacturers to add compounds to the film. The XL range of films has three layers with different filters in each layer. An additive called Metallocene is also included to make the film stronger but thinner. All the polythene types have a UV guarantee of five years, with a life expectancy of seven to eight years

GUIDELINE SUMMARY

POLYTHENE TYPES AND USES

SunMaster Diffused

For vegetables, flowers and soft fruit. For over wintered nursery stock where only slight frost protection is required. For all crops where colour, especially red and blue, is important

SunMaster Clear

For vegetables and flowers. For cold over wintered crops including nursery stock. For all crops where colour is important, especially red.

SunMaster SuperThermic

For all crops which are to be heated. For vegetables, flowers soft fruit and bedding plants. For over wintered nursery stock where frost protection is required.

SteriLite

For all crops which are to be heated. For vegetables, flowers and nursery stock. For late in the year, over wintered, or early crops. For Organic soft fruit.

SunMaster SmartBlue

For all spring bedding plant production and for nursery stock requiring height reduction.

SunMaster SmartGreen

For all crops which are natural shade loving plants, for Ferns, Hostas, Hellebores, Violets. For camellias, Laurels, Ilex, Rhododendrons

PROPERTIES
Diffused - The diffusion scatters the light as it enters the film reducing shadows; helps reduce tip burning and moisture stress on the plant

Ultra Violet [UV] Transmission - Full transmission means the UV is open and encourages stronger bushier plants. Blocking the transmission means as botrytis and mildew need UV to reproduce so survive, diseases and pests struggle and are under better control.

Thermic - Thermic filters reflects back the long wave infra red that is stored during the day time and is released at night from the plants, pots, and soil. Benefits include 10% to 30% reduction in heating costs and less frost damage

Anti Fog - Reduces mist within the polytunnel

Anti Drip - Reduces condensation so the water runs down the cover as a thin film of water rather than droplets which can spread disease or damage cuttings

Light Transmission - Refers to the amount of PAR light that is transmitted by the film. The more light the better unless looking for a shade tunnel in which case Smart Blue or SmartGreen is used depending upon needs

	Anti Hot Spot Tape - A special self adhesive tape that is provided as part of our polytunnel kits. The tape prevents chafing of the cover, protects the polythene from the heat of the tubes and helps increase the life of the cover.
	Anti Hot Spot Repair Tape - This is used over old Anti Hot Spot Tape when replacing a polythene cover.
	Polythene Repair Tape - A very strong polythene tape that stretches the same amount as your film. The tape patches up most tears and rips in the polythene cover.
	Mulch Ground Cover Film - This ground cover is woven from black polythene; the threads allow water to drain away quickly. The cover is designed to prevent weed and unwanted plant growth.
	Knitted Net Fleece - This is a strong knitted net made from UV stabilised thermal poly tapes, with good light transmission, usable for several seasons. There is no condensation; it is washable, and suitable for recycling.
	Windbreak & Shade Netting - This netting is knitted from long lasting polythene threads and designed to maximise crop and plant protection against wind damage, so plants grow stronger and reduce root rocking.

Measurements for a polythene replacement cover

******** MEASURE TWICE, WE ONLY CUT ONCE ! **********

Width

Length

Measure the length and add the width. This allows for fixing round the doorframes and for the doors. Round up to the nearest half metre, Add two metres to cover the doors, if in doubt add another metre.