Skip to main content
search
0

Use code SPRING10 for extra 10% off polytunnels for a limited time

EasyBuild Polytunnel Covering – Key Steps & Tips

Getting a tight, professional finish on your polytunnel cover comes down to following the right steps. When installed correctly, your cover should be smooth, and well-tensioned.

The key steps:

  1. Pick the right day – calm, low wind conditions make a huge difference
  2. Centre and align the sheet before fixing anything
  3. Secure the lintels first, pulling the cover tight
  4. Fix the sides while maintaining tension as you go
  5. Take care pleating around doors and gables for a clean finish
  6. Trim up the polythene – fold and add second wiggle wire where necessary
  7. Tension the frame (jack the hoops) – this is where the real tightness comes from

Follow these steps and you’ll get a smooth, tight, long-lasting finish.

1. Preparation (Often where things go wrong)

  • Check sheet orientation
    • Writing must face inside (anti-drip coating)
  • Choose the right conditions
    • Avoid wind (ideally calm conditions)
    • Wind = poor alignment + lost tension
  • Lay out carefully
    • Don’t drag or snag the sheet
    • Use folds to help centre and align

👉 Key insight: Most tension issues start here – if the sheet isn’t straight and centred, you’ll fight it all the way through.

Go to next step 2

2. Pulling the Cover Over

  • Pull side-to-side over the tunnel
  • Keep it even along the length
  • Use folds as a guide

💡 Tip: Use a small piece of wiggle wire to temporarily hold the sheet if wind picks up

Go to next step 3

3. Fix the First Anchor Points (Critical for tension)

  • Start at the door lintels (gable ends)
  • Pull the sheet tight before fixing
  • This sets your baseline tension

💡 Pro tip: A small incision at the doorway can help you grip and pull tighter (done carefully)

👉 Key insight: If this first fixing isn’t tight, the whole tunnel will look slack no matter what you do later.

Go to next step 4

4. Fix the Sides (Maintain tension as you go)

Side with vents:

  • Fix to upper side vent rail first
  • Work down the verticals
  • Keep tension consistent

Side without vents:

  • Fix directly to the base rail

👉 Golden rule: Always tension as you fix – never fit slack and “hope to tighten later.”

Go to next step 5

5. Door & Gable Ends (Where finish quality shows)

  • Work from inside pushing outward
  • Wrap tightly around frame
  • Pleat neatly into doorway
  • Secure progressively with wiggle wire

💡 Tip: Take your time here – this is where DIY builds often look messy

Go to next step 6

6. Trim & Finish

  • Trim excess polythene
  • Fold edges neatly
  • Add a second wiggle wire pass if needed
Go to next step 7

7. Final Tensioning (Most commonly missed step 🚨)

This is the key differentiator for EasyBuild.

  • Loosen vent rails (if applicable)
  • Jack each hoop upward from inside
  • Insert bolt to hold position
  • Repeat for every hoop

👉 What happens:

  • The frame expands slightly
  • The cover tightens evenly across the structure

👉 Key insight: This is where the final tension comes from – not just pulling the sheet.

⚠️ Common Reasons for Poor Polytunnel Cover Tension

  • Cover fitted in windy conditions
  • Sheet not centred properly
  • Not pulling tight at lintels first
  • Fixing sides without maintaining tension
  • Skipping or rushing hoop jacking stage
  • Not loosening vent rails before tensioning