Compare Us - Northern Polytunnels

GARDEN STRUCTURES
Compare us against the Competition
GARDEN STRUCTURES
Compare us against the competition
01282 873120
www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk
1

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

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.
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 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
Crop Bars
Main Crop Bar Diameter 25mm 25mm unknown
Number of Crop Bar Hangers 0 0 0
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.)
optional extra
optional extra
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.
www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - 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!
Unknown
Unknown
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.

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.
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 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
Crop Bars
Main Crop Bar Diameter 25mm 25mm unknown
Number of Crop Bar Hangers 0 0 0
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.)
optional extra
optional extra
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.
www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - 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!
Unknown
Unknown
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

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.
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 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
Crop Bars
Main Crop Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown
Number of Crop Bar Hangers 2 0 1
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.)
optional extra
optional extra
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.
www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - 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!
Unknown
Unknown
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.

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.
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 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
Crop Bars
Main Crop Bar Diameter 32mm 25mm unknown
Number of Crop Bar Hangers 2 0 1
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.)
optional extra
optional extra
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.
www.bpivisqeenhort.com
Unknown - Imported
Unknown - 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!
Unknown
Unknown
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

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

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

Northern Polytunnels
Mill Green, Waterside Road
Colne, Lancashire , BB8 0TA
Tel: 01282 873120
Fax: 01282 871733
10
www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk
info@npstructures.co.uk