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
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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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
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