Polytunnel repair in Exeter
Professional polytunnel repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
We're a general handyman service that turns its hand to things. We're not specialist installers.
Practical work on smallholdings and yards, by the hour. Polytunnels, field shelters, gates and fencing are handyman work; the ground they sit on usually is not.
£60 an hour including VAT, two hour minimum. How booking works
Bookable by the hour
- Polytunnel frames, covers and repairs
- Field gates, posts, latches and stock-proofing repairs
- Repairs to timber field shelters and stables
Take this to a specialist
- Groundworks, hardstanding and drainage
- Anything structural on an agricultural building
Not sure which yours is? Describe the job and we will tell you
Polytunnels repaired to extend their working life. I patch covers, straighten bent frames, fix doors and vents - whatever it takes to keep your tunnel productive.
When Your Tunnel Needs TLC
Polytunnels take a beating from Devon weather. Wind tears covers, frames bend, doors sag - but most problems are fixable without replacing the whole structure.
💡 Pro tip: Fix small tears immediately. A 10cm rip becomes a 2-meter rip in one windy night. Cheap repair tape now saves expensive cover replacement later.
Common Polytunnel Issues
| Problem | Quick Fix | Proper Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Small tear in cover | Duct tape (fails fast) | Polytunnel repair tape both sides |
| Bent hoop | Hope it holds | Straighten if minor, replace if kinked |
| Sagging door | Prop it with a brick | Rehang square and true |
| Loose cover | Hope for calm weather | Re-tension and secure properly |
What You're Getting
🔧 The Repair
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Check what's actually broken vs what's just worn |
| Patch/Fix | Repair covers, straighten frames, adjust doors |
| Secure | Make sure fixes will last through winter |
| Advise | Tell you honestly what needs replacing soon |
📦 End Result
- Weatherproof tunnel
- Structurally sound frame
- Working doors and vents
- Few more seasons of use
Pricing Guide
| Repair Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple patch or door adjustment | 1 hr | £60 |
| Multiple patches + frame fixes | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Major repair (multiple issues) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Basic materials included - major parts (new hoops, big sections of cover) cost extra.
Perfect For Your Garden If...
✅ Recent damage - storm tore the cover or bent a hoop
✅ Wear and tear - multiple small issues building up
✅ Door problems - won't close, draughty, hanging off
✅ Extending life - tunnel's decent but needs some TLC
Why Choose Us for Polytunnel repair in Exeter?
Covers patched weatherproof
Frames straightened and secured
Doors rehung properly
Extended tunnel life
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I check what's wrong - sometimes there's obvious damage, sometimes it's structural issues causing problems.
Step 2: Repair
Patch covers with proper repair tape, straighten or replace bent hoops, rehang doors, re-tension loose plastic.
Step 3: Weatherproofing
Make sure all repairs are sealed and secure. A polytunnel repair that fails in the next storm is pointless.
🔧 DIY Tips
Polytunnel repairs are pretty DIY-friendly:
🔧 Tools and materials
- Polytunnel repair tape (not duct tape)
- Spare hoops or pipe bending spring
- Drill and appropriate fixings
- Ladder for roof access
- Helper for cover repairs
📐 Patching covers
- Clean the area thoroughly (dirt stops tape sticking)
- Cut patch bigger than hole (at least 5cm overlap all round)
- Patch both sides if possible
- Press firmly, work out bubbles
- Smooth edges down properly
🔨 Straightening bent hoops
- Only works on minor bends
- Gentle pressure - don't rush it
- Support the hoop along its length
- If it's kinked (sharp angle), replace it
- Check ground spikes are still secure
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using duct tape (fails within weeks)
- Trying to straighten seriously kinked hoops
- Not cleaning before patching
- Patches too small - they peel back
- Overtightening cover (causes more tears)
💡 Pro trick: When patching near an edge, round the corners of your patch tape. Square corners peel up first.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Cover life: Even perfect covers only last 4-6 years in Devon sun. UV degrades the plastic. Cloudy or brittle cover needs replacing, not patching.
Wind damage: If you're getting regular damage, check guy ropes and ground anchors. Loose tunnels flap and tear.
Frame inspection: Walk around after storms and check for bent hoops before they get worse.
Door maintenance: Keep door frames square and hinges oiled. Prevents most door problems.
Replacement timing: Spring is best for major repairs or cover replacement - weather's calmer and growing season's starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you patch torn polytunnel covers?
Yes - small tears and holes can be patched with proper polytunnel repair tape. It's not beautiful but it's weatherproof and lasts a few seasons. Big rips or UV-damaged covers usually need replacing entirely.
What about bent frames?
Depends how bad. Slight bends I can usually straighten. Properly kinked or broken hoops need replacing - trying to straighten them weakens the metal. I'll be honest about what's fixable.
My polytunnel door won't close properly.
Usually the frame's shifted or the door's sagged. I can rehang it, adjust the frame, or add extra fixings. Most door problems are fixable without replacing anything major.
How long do cover patches last?
Proper polytunnel repair tape lasts 2-4 years depending on UV exposure and how big the patch is. Small patches on the sides last longest. Big patches on the sunny side fail faster.
Should I just replace the whole cover?
If it's got multiple tears, is cloudy from UV damage, or is brittle, yes - patching is throwing good money after bad. If it's one or two holes in otherwise decent plastic, patching makes sense.
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07427 800205How it worksOur Rates
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