Repair tape · poly patch · batten · not a kit

High-tunnel plastic repair tape / poly patch kits / batten tape — when to patch vs replace (sourced)

Growers search greenhouse poly repair tape, patch kits, Gorilla Clear Repair, UV greenhouse tape, and batten strap after wind or hail tears. This page is the patch sibling — clean/dry inside-and-outside method, the UW Gorilla + fiber sandwich, non-sticky batten vs adhesive tape, and when the whole sheet goes. Full replacement rolls stay on high-tunnel plastic replacement. A second inflated layer stays on high-tunnel double-poly inflation. Lock channel stays on high-tunnel wiggle wire. It is not a commercially manufactured high-tunnel kit and not a USDA payment schedule.

Extension quotes copied 16 October 2026, about 03:15 UTC from UW Barn Backyards Ask Sam (2016), MSU Extension (Thompson), UW Edwards 2014, and UNL EC308. Featured Amazon prices copied the same night. A missing featured price stays an em dash. Ratings are not copied. Seller “long life” or size-cell disagreements stay labeled. EQIP language below is the structure-only wording already on what EQIP will not pay for. Repair tape, patches, and batten are grower expense. No USDA payment dollar is invented here.

Kit index: commercially manufactured kits. Replacement-parts directory: high-tunnel replacement parts. Size map: high-tunnel sizes. Film rolls: 6-mil plastic replacement. Lock channel: wiggle wire. Double poly: double-poly inflation. Affiliate method: about / disclosure. County inspection: EQIP checklist.

Clean, dry, and patch both sides

A small tear is a tape job if the film is still worth keeping. Land-grant pages agree on clean plastic, dry plastic, and a patch on the inside as well as the outside.

Discovering holes and tears in a plastic skin is very frustrating, especially in clear plastic coverings since tears spread very fast compared to fiber-reinforced covers. The larger the tear, the harder to get a strong patch that will hold over time.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Ask Sam: fixing a high-tunnel tear (Fall 2016).

Clean the plastic with soap and water or glass cleaner before patching as dirt will keep any tape from sticking. The plastic must also be dry when patching.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Ask Sam: fixing a high-tunnel tear (Fall 2016).

If the plastic has rips or tears in it, you might be able to fix them with a product called poly-patch tape. Thompson recommends applying the tape generously on the inside and outside of the tear. He says even large holes can be repaired this way. If you need to replace the plastic, you will need to measure the length and width of the current piece. You can do this by using a rope to go over the top of the structure and then measuring the rope or using a flexible measuring tape.

Source: Michigan State University Extension — Damaged school hoop house? (Collin Thompson, UPREC). Direct fetch of that URL timed out behind Incapsula tonight; the sentences are from the live article text returned by search of the same URL.

When repairing a tear or small hole, prepare the area by washing both sides of the plastic with mild soap and water. Rinse and completely dry the plastic before attaching tape. Place a piece of tape large enough to extend a few inches beyond the damage on both the inside and outside of the plastic. Make sure the tape sticks to itself through the hole for a more secure repair. Taped repairs should be checked every 6-8 months to ensure the tape is not coming loose.

Source: Bootstrap Farmer — Greenhouse Plastic Repair Tape (Shopify JSON opened 16 October 2026). Manufacturer method — the 6–8 month re-check is vendor copy, not a land-grant interval.

Gorilla Clear Repair plus a fiber sandwich

UW names a brand. This page quotes that 2016 column. It does not invent a year of stick or a current Amazon featured price for Gorilla — no Gorilla listing returned a featured one-time offer tonight.

Not all tapes and patches stick well to hoop house plastic. We have found Gorilla brand Clear Repair tape does a good job. It resists yellowing and is water, UV, and temperature resistant. This tape remains stuck to the polypropylene plastic surface for several years if applied properly.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Ask Sam: fixing a high-tunnel tear (Fall 2016). “Several years if applied properly” is 2016 Ask Sam copy — not a current warranty.

Using a combination of clear Gorilla tape and Scotch brand or 3M brand fiber-reinforced tape is best to create the strongest patch. Start with Gorilla tape as it sticks better to the plastic than the fiber-reinforced tapes. Make sure to overlap the area outside the tear area by at least 1 inch. Follow this with a layer of fiber tape over the Gorilla tape. Fiber reinforced tapes stick better to Gorilla tape than to poly film. Lastly, cover the patch with another layer of Gorilla tape to seal and protect the fiber tape from sun degradation.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Ask Sam: fixing a high-tunnel tear (Fall 2016). Overlap ≥1 inch. Fiber tape is the middle layer, not the first layer on film.

Put a piece of Gorilla tape on the inside of the hoop house over the tear as well to make the patch even stronger.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Ask Sam: fixing a high-tunnel tear (Fall 2016).

As far as repairing rips – the only product I have found to withstand the humid conditions is white or clear Gorilla tape placed on the inside and outside of the structure at the rip site.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Jeff Edwards, 101 (almost) ways for a high tunnel to die (Fall 2014). White or clear Gorilla on both faces. No 3M/Scotch filament listing had a featured one-time price tonight.

Batten strap is not sticky tape

Growers search “batten tape” and get adhesive rolls. UW Edwards uses that phrase for a non-sticky strap between ribs.

I recommend installing a batten strap (also called batten “tape” – but is not sticky) between each rib to hold the plastic skin tight to the structure and reduce wear points. When (not if) the batten tape breaks, do not delay replacement. My recommendation for batten tape is 2-inch wide seat belt webbing (there are many sources on the Internet).

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Jeff Edwards, 101 (almost) ways for a high tunnel to die (Fall 2014). 2-inch seat-belt webbing is that 2014 recommendation. No 2-inch webbing listing returned a featured one-time Amazon price tonight.

Batten Strapping is recommended for those installing clear woven-poly greenhouse coverings. Strapping is installed on the exterior of a single-layer covered structure. Batten Strapping helps to keep the plastic secure to the hoop house frame and reduces movement.

Source: Bootstrap Farmer — Batten Strap (Shopify JSON opened 16 October 2026). Vendor 3-inch × 1,000-foot strap for woven covers — not UW’s 2-inch webbing.

When the whole sheet has to go

Patching is first aid. A hail-cut conventional roof, or a sheet that will not stay tight, is a replacement job. Rolls live on high-tunnel plastic replacement.

Traditional greenhouse film will not tolerate hail and must be replaced after hailstones penetrate the film.

Source: University of Wyoming Barn Backyards — Jeff Edwards, 101 (almost) ways for a high tunnel to die (Fall 2014).

If you decide to replace your plastic, Thompson says the best time to do this is on a hot day so the plastic will stretch more easily and will fit tight on your structure. Pulling plastic in the winter is not advisable because the plastic is cold, which means it will shrink and then it will be loose fitting during the hot months.

Source: Michigan State University Extension — Damaged school hoop house? (Collin Thompson, UPREC). Measure first with the rope method in the poly-patch quote above.

When using a polyethylene cover, a minimum 6-mil greenhouse grade, UV-resistant material is required.

Source: USDA NRCS Pennsylvania — Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops. Cover grade when polyethylene is used — not a tape payment.

Poly-lock / wiggle keeps the film from flapping

A patch will not last if the cover is still slapping the bows. UNL treats lock channel as the hold-down, not wood lath. Featured lock-channel prices also sit on high-tunnel wiggle wire.

Historically, poly plastics were held in place by fastening wood lath or batten tape over the perimeter edges of the plastic sheet to the baseboard. Although inexpensive and functional, these methods did not hold as securely as a polyethylene lock system (poly-lock) and were time-consuming to install.

Source: Nebraska Extension — Todd and Adams, High Tunnel Design, Site Development, and Construction (EC308, 2015). UNL’s “batten tape” here is the perimeter hold-down, not UW’s between-rib strap.

The most affordable system uses an aluminum “C” profile receiving base that has a bent wire (known as spring lock or wiggle wire) locking member inserted into it over the poly sheet (Figure 4).

Source: Nebraska Extension — Todd and Adams, High Tunnel Design, Site Development, and Construction (EC308, 2015).

Polyethylene locking systems are the most effective method of holding plastic sheeting snugly on the structure. A tight covering prevents excessive movement and flapping that can quickly weaken the plastic. Polyethylene plastic expands when it is hot and contracts when it is cooled. For this reason, it is best to install the polyethylene on a very warm, calm day.

Source: Nebraska Extension — Todd and Adams, High Tunnel Design, Site Development, and Construction (EC308, 2015). Warm, calm day — same caution as MSU’s hot-day replacement note.

Bootstrap Farmer tape and batten (manufacturer, not Amazon)

Live Shopify JSON 16 October 2026, about 03:15 UTC. Kit frames stay on manufacturer product pages. No invented affiliate tag.

Sources: Bootstrap Farmer — Greenhouse Plastic Repair Tape (Shopify JSON opened 16 October 2026); Bootstrap Farmer — Woven Plastic Repair Tape (Shopify JSON opened 16 October 2026); Bootstrap Farmer — Batten Strap (Shopify JSON opened 16 October 2026). Vendor “UV resistant up to 4 years” / “can last up to 3 years” stay labeled vendor copy.

Sourced Amazon repair parts

Titles and featured one-time prices were copied from live amazon.com product pages 16 October 2026, about 03:15 UTC. Kit frames stay on manufacturer product pages. 16×90 film (B07D22SZCQ) was not re-priced tonight — compare it on plastic replacement. Gorilla Crystal Clear (B00JMFUNXS) had no featured offer. Poly-Patch B00YOIE4T2 was unavailable. Farm Plastic 6″ B08GJ2HVTS and 2-inch webbing B07Q6V8Z9P 403'd.

EQIP pays for the structure, not the tape

Repair tape, poly-patch, batten strap, and extra spring wire sit outside the High Tunnel System Initiative payment unless your county office writes them in. Confirm with your NRCS district conservationist. Tunnel Spec does not invent a dollar.

Under the High Tunnel System Initiative, financial assistance is provided only for the structure itself. Electricity, venting systems, lighting, etc. can be installed providing the additions meets manufacturer’s designs and specifications. However, the grower is responsible for those costs.

Source: USDA NRCS High Tunnel System Initiative FAQ (Updated November 2024; Oregon-branded).

Producers can install heating, ventilation, or electrical systems at their own expense.

Source: USDA NRCS Pennsylvania — Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops. One state office page, not a national tape payment.

The practice does not include greenhouses or low tunnel systems.

Source: NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 325 High Tunnel System.

For polyethylene covers, use a minimum 6-mil greenhouse grade, UV-resistant material.

Source: NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 325 High Tunnel System. Minimum 6-mil when polyethylene is used — not a patch-tape dollar.

Rules vary; call your county NRCS office.

FAQ

When should I patch a tear instead of replacing the whole roof?

MSU Thompson: rips and even large holes can be repaired with poly-patch tape applied generously inside and outside; replace when you need a new sheet — measure the current piece with a rope over the hoop or a flexible tape. UW Ask Sam 2016: tears in clear film spread fast; the larger the tear, the harder to get a strong patch. UW Edwards 2014: traditional greenhouse film penetrated by hail must be replaced. Full rolls stay on the plastic-replacement page. This page does not invent a tear-length cutoff.

How do I put on a patch that will stay?

UW Ask Sam: clean with soap and water or glass cleaner; the plastic must be dry; overlap the tear by at least 1 inch. MSU: generously inside and outside. Bootstrap Farmer (vendor): wash both sides, rinse, dry completely, tape inside and outside so the tape sticks to itself through the hole; re-check every 6–8 months. That 6–8 month check is vendor copy.

What is the Gorilla Clear Repair + fiber sandwich?

UW Ask Sam 2016: Gorilla Clear Repair sticks better to hoop-house plastic than fiber tape; then Scotch or 3M fiber-reinforced tape over the Gorilla; then another Gorilla layer to protect the fiber from sun; plus Gorilla on the inside. UW says that tape remains stuck for several years if applied properly — 2016 Ask Sam copy, not a current warranty and not a year count invented here. No Gorilla listing had a featured one-time Amazon price tonight, so that brand is cited from the PDF, not an Amazon row.

Is batten tape the same as sticky repair tape?

No. UW Edwards 2014: a batten strap is also called batten “tape” but is not sticky; install between each rib; replace promptly when it breaks; he recommends 2-inch seat-belt webbing. UNL EC308: wood lath or batten tape at the perimeter held less securely than poly-lock / wiggle wire. Bootstrap Farmer sells a 3-inch × 1,000-foot vendor batten strap for woven covers — different width than UW’s 2-inch webbing. No 2-inch seat-belt webbing listing returned a featured one-time Amazon price tonight.

When do I replace the whole sheet, and how do I size it?

MSU: measure length and width of the current piece with a rope over the structure or a flexible tape; install on a hot day so the film stretches and fits tight; winter pulls shrink and then loosen in summer. UNL: install on a very warm, calm day because polyethylene expands when hot and contracts when cooled. Hail-penetrated conventional film is a replace job on the UW 2014 page. Replacement rolls live on the plastic-replacement page.

Does EQIP pay for repair tape, patches, or batten?

Tunnel Spec does not invent eligibility or dollars. The High Tunnel System Initiative FAQ says financial assistance is provided only for the structure itself, and the grower is responsible for electricity, venting, lighting, and similar additions. The Pennsylvania seasonal high tunnel page says producers can install heating, ventilation, or electrical systems at their own expense. Repair tape, poly-patch, batten strap, and extra wiggle wire sit with those grower costs unless your county office writes them in. Confirm with your NRCS district conservationist. See what EQIP will not pay for.

Rules vary; call your county NRCS office. Tunnel Spec does not determine eligibility, payment rates, or inspection outcomes. Confirm film repairs with your NRCS district conservationist. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.