Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe Clear Lay Flat Tubing 500 gauge

Features & Benefits

• Heavy duty temporary downpipe 500 gauge (125 micron) clear polythene construction
• Made with 30% recycled material
• Thick yet flexible tubular film supplied on a roll
• Also suitable for use as a temporary downpipe
• Creates made-to-measure bags in almost any required length
• Suitable for bulky, long and irregularly shaped products
• Greater resistance to tearing and puncturing than 200 gauge tubing
• Use only the amount of tubing required for each application
• Seal one or both ends depending on the application
• Suitable for heat sealing, taping, tying or stapling
• Helps protect packaged products from dust, dirt and moisture
• Clear material keeps packaged contents easy to identify
• Suitable for commercial, industrial, warehouse and construction use
• Extensive choice of tubing widths
• One complete roll supplied per unit

Common Uses

Our 500 gauge heavy duty lay flat tubing suits:

• Temporary rainwater downpipes
• Roof repairs and maintenance
• Gutter replacement projects
• Scaffolding and construction work
• Temporary rainwater diversion
• Building renovation projects
• Engineering components
• Automotive and machine parts
• Long, bulky or irregularly shaped products
• Metal and plastic profiles
• Tubes, rods and narrow products
• Electrical cables and accessories
• Hardware and fittings
• Spare parts and maintenance kits
• Industrial equipment
• Warehouse stock
• Product samples
• Bundled components
• Products without a suitable standard bag size
• General industrial merchandise

Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe / Lay Flat Tubing – 500 Gauge (125 Micron)

Our 500 gauge lay flat tubing provides a thick, flexible and versatile solution for heavy duty packaging and temporary rainwater diversion. The continuous clear polythene tube comes on a roll, allowing users to prepare the exact length required for each application.

At approximately 125 microns thick, this tubing offers greater resistance to tearing, splitting and puncturing than our medium duty 200 gauge material. It therefore suits bulky products, industrial components, long items and applications that require a more substantial polythene film.

Every roll contains 30% recycled material, helping reduce the amount of virgin plastic required while maintaining the flexibility and practical performance needed for commercial, industrial and construction applications.

In addition to packaging, 500 gauge lay flat tubing is commonly known as temporary downpipe tubing. Builders, roofers and maintenance teams can attach it to gutter outlets or existing pipework to direct rainwater away from roofs, scaffolding and working areas during short-term projects.

Two Practical Uses in One Product

Heavy Duty Packaging Tubing

Use the tubing to create made-to-measure bags, sleeves and protective covers for products that do not fit standard bag dimensions. Select the correct width, pull the required length from the roll and cut the tubing to suit the item.

You can then close one or both ends using a compatible heat sealer, packaging tape, ties or staples. The clear material keeps the contents visible while helping protect them from dust, dirt and moisture.

Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe Tubing

The flexible tube can also carry rainwater from a gutter outlet or existing downpipe connection to a suitable discharge point. This makes it useful during roof repairs, gutter replacement, scaffolding work and building renovation.

Cut the required length, fit the tubing over the outlet and secure it firmly with suitable cable ties. Then direct the lower end towards an appropriate drainage point while maintaining a continuous downward route.

Temporary downpipe tubing provides a short-term solution only. It does not replace permanent guttering, rigid downpipes or an approved drainage system.

Create Custom-Length Heavy Duty Polythene Bags

Lay flat tubing allows you to prepare made-to-measure bags without ordering numerous fixed dimensions. Each roll contains a continuous clear polythene tube with open ends.

To create an individual bag, cut a section slightly longer than the product. Seal one end, insert the item and close the remaining end. Alternatively, leave one end open if the product only requires a protective sleeve or temporary cover.

This system works particularly well when products have a similar width but vary in length. One roll can produce shorter bags for components and much longer bags for rods, profiles, cables, textiles or assembled products.

Using the required amount of tubing can also reduce unnecessary material around smaller items and simplify packaging stock management.

How to Use Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe / 500 Gauge Lay Flat Tubing for Packaging

For the best results:

1. Measure the widest and deepest parts of the product.
2. Select a tubing width that provides sufficient clearance.
3. Pull the required length of tubing from the roll.
4. Allow additional material for both end seals or closures.
5. Cut straight across the tubing using suitable scissors or a safety cutter.
6. Seal one end before inserting the product.
7. Cover or cushion exposed sharp edges.
8. Insert the product without stretching the tubing excessively.
9. Close the remaining end using a heat sealer, tape, tie or another suitable method.
10. Check both closures before storing or transporting the package.

When creating several bags of the same length, use a measured cutting guide to improve consistency and packing speed.

How to Calculate Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe Width

Measure the outside width or diameter of the pipe or gutter outlet in inches. Then use the following guide:

Required temporary downpipe width = pipe width × 1.5

Always round the result up to the next available tubing width.

For example:

5-inch pipe × 1.5 = 7.5 inches

You should therefore select:

8-inch / 200mm temporary downpipe tubing

Rounding up provides enough space to slide the flexible tubing over the outlet and secure it with cable ties.

If the outlet has an irregular shape, raised fittings or additional depth, allow more space and test the selected tubing before installation.

How to Install Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe Tubing

For a secure temporary installation:

1. Measure the outside width or diameter of the outlet.
2. Calculate the required tubing width and round up.
3. Measure the full distance from the outlet to the discharge point.
4. Add extra length for securing and positioning the tubing.
5. Cut the tubing carefully without damaging the side folds.
6. Slide the upper end over the outlet or pipe connection.
7. Secure it firmly using correctly sized cable ties.
8. Direct the lower end towards a suitable drainage point.
9. Maintain a continuous downward route wherever possible.
10. Remove twists, restrictions and sharp bends.
11. Check the installation during use and after heavy rainfall.

Do not pierce the tubing when attaching it. Holes near the upper connection may allow water to escape onto the building, scaffolding or work area.

Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe Safety and Performance

Temporary downpipe tubing works best when water can travel continuously downhill. Sharp bends, flat sections and twists may restrict the flow and cause water to collect inside the tube.

Water becomes heavy when it accumulates. Support long sections where necessary and avoid allowing the filled tubing to pull against the gutter outlet or upper fixing.

Keep the lower discharge end clear and direct the water towards a suitable drain or safe run-off point. Do not discharge water across walkways, entrances, neighbouring property or areas where it could cause flooding, erosion or a slip hazard.

Inspect the tubing regularly for punctures, loose cable ties, blockages and storm damage. Replace damaged sections promptly.

This product provides temporary rainwater management only. Do not use it for pressurised water, permanent drainage, foul water, chemical transfer or drinking-water applications.

How to Measure Lay Flat Tubing for Packaging

We state lay flat tubing dimensions as:

Width of tubing in millimetres × Length of roll in metres

The width refers to the distance across the flattened tube from one folded edge to the other. It does not represent the tube’s circumference or diameter.

Flat Products

Select a tubing width slightly larger than the widest part of a flat product. Allow extra clearance so the item slides inside without stretching the film.

Rectangular or Box-Shaped Products

For products with noticeable depth, add the product width and depth together:

Required lay flat width = product width + product depth

Add extra clearance for easy insertion, product thickness and manufacturing tolerances.

Round Products

For circular products, calculate approximately half the item’s circumference:

Required lay flat width = diameter × 1.57

The formula works with millimetres or inches. The answer will use the same measurement unit as the diameter entered.

Add approximately 5–10% clearance so the product slides inside without stretching the tubing.

Allowance for Sealing

Add extra length for both end seals or closures. The required allowance will depend on your sealing equipment and chosen closure method.

If you are unsure which width to choose, test a sample with the intended product before ordering a full roll.

Available Widths and Roll Lengths

Our 500 gauge lay flat tubing range includes widths for narrow packaging applications, large industrial products and temporary rainwater downpipes.

The roll length varies according to the tubing width:

• Most widths from 25mm (1 inch) to 600mm (24 inches) – generally supplied on 169-metre rolls
• 750mm (30 inches) wide tubing – supplied on a 141-metre roll
• 900mm (36 inches) wide tubing – supplied on a 115-metre roll
• 1200mm (48 inches) wide tubing – supplied on an 85-metre roll

Selected additional widths may also be available. Always check the individual product option before ordering, as the tubing width and roll length form the complete product specification.

Imperial measurements provide a useful approximate reference. However, use the stated millimetre width when selecting and ordering the tubing because this represents the actual product dimension.

Clear 500 Gauge Polythene Construction

At approximately 125 microns thick, 500 gauge lay flat tubing provides heavy duty protection while remaining flexible enough to wrap around many different product shapes.

The thicker film offers greater resistance to tearing and puncturing than 200 gauge tubing. This makes it more suitable for bulky products, rougher surfaces and demanding handling applications.

The clear material keeps packaged contents, labels, product codes and enclosed paperwork visible. It also allows users to inspect the inside of a temporary downpipe for obvious restrictions or water build-up.

Although 500 gauge tubing provides improved protection, it remains a flexible polythene film rather than a rigid or puncture-proof material. Cover sharp edges and test the tubing with the intended application before wider use.

Made with 30% Recycled Material

Every roll within our 500 gauge lay flat tubing range contains 30% recycled material. This reduces the amount of virgin plastic required while retaining the thickness, flexibility and practical performance needed for heavy duty applications.

The continuous roll format can also reduce unnecessary material use. Users can prepare only the length needed for each bag, protective sleeve or temporary downpipe installation.

Sealing Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe / Lay Flat Tubing

Heat Sealing Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe

Heat sealing provides the neatest and most secure closure for most packaging applications. A compatible impulse heat sealer joins the two inner surfaces to create a closed end.

The thicker 125 micron material may require different heat and timing settings from 200 gauge tubing. Test the sealer before starting a full production run.

Taping Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe

Packaging tape provides a quick closure for temporary protection. Fold the open end before applying the tape to improve the closure.

Ties For Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe

Cable ties, twist ties or bag ties allow users to reopen the package. Cable ties also provide the recommended method for securing temporary downpipe tubing to an outlet.

Staples

Staples can provide a quick mechanical closure for suitable non-food packaging applications. However, they puncture the film and may create sharp points.

Do not use staples when installing the tubing as a temporary downpipe because the holes could allow water to escape.

Heat sealing closes the tubing but does not shrink it around a packaged product. Lay flat tubing is not heat-shrink film unless the product specification explicitly states otherwise.

Why Choose Our 500 Gauge Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe / Lay Flat Tubing?

Our 500 gauge lay flat tubing combines heavy duty packaging performance with the flexibility to create different bag and sleeve lengths from one roll.

The 125 micron film provides more substantial protection than 200 gauge tubing while remaining flexible and easy to handle. Its clear finish also makes product identification straightforward.

Each roll contains 30% recycled material, helping reduce reliance on virgin plastic without removing the practical benefits of heavy duty polythene tubing.

The range covers widths from narrow components to large industrial products. It also provides a practical short-term solution for diverting rainwater during roofing, scaffolding and building work.

For lighter and smoother products that do not require 125 micron film, our 200 gauge lay flat tubing offers a more economical medium duty alternative.

What Is 500 Gauge Heavy Duty Temporary Downpipe / Lay Flat Tubing Also Known As?

Suppliers, builders and packaging users refer to 500 gauge lay flat tubing by several different names. Common alternatives and search terms include:

• Temp downpipe
• Temporary down pipe
• Temporary downpipe tubing
• Temporary rainwater downpipe
• Flexible temporary downpipe
• Polythene downpipe tubing
• Plastic downpipe sleeve
• Builders’ temporary downpipe
• Scaffolding downpipe
• Gutter downpipe tubing
• Rainwater diversion tubing
• Layflat tubing
• Heavy duty lay flat tubing
• 500 gauge polythene tubing
• 125 micron polythene tubing
• Heavy duty poly tubing
• Clear plastic tubing
• Continuous polythene tubing
• Polythene tubing on a roll
• Bag-making tubing
• Heat-seal tubing
• Industrial polythene tubing
• Recycled-content polythene tubing
• 30% recycled lay flat tubing

These terms can describe the same heavy duty continuous polythene tube when users apply it to packaging or temporary rainwater diversion.

As packaging, the tubing allows businesses to create bags, sleeves and protective covers in different lengths. As temporary downpipe tubing, it carries rainwater from a roof or gutter outlet to a safer discharge point during short-term work.

Important Usage Information

Although 500 gauge tubing offers greater resistance to tearing and puncturing than thinner material, it is not puncture-proof. Cover sharp edges and avoid dragging the tubing across rough surfaces.

Do not stretch the film tightly around bulky products or rigid fittings. Excessive pressure can weaken the side folds, end seals or attachment points.

For packaging, the tubing helps protect contents from everyday dust, dirt and moisture. However, do not treat the finished package as completely waterproof, airtight, leakproof or tamper-evident unless you use an appropriate sealing process and verify the result.

For temporary downpipe use, inspect the complete installation regularly and after severe weather. Replace the tubing if you find cuts, punctures, stretched sections or weakened fixings.

Always test the selected width, cut length and closure or attachment method before beginning a larger packaging run or temporary drainage installation.

PPWR Compliance Information

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, commonly known as the PPWR, applies to polythene and polypropylene packaging placed on the EU market. Material specifications and supporting product documentation are available for our polythene and polypropylene products to help customers complete their compliance assessments. However, material type, recycled content or food-contact suitability alone does not confirm full PPWR compliance. The responsible economic operator must assess the finished packaging and its intended use against all applicable requirements, including packaging minimisation, substances of concern, recyclability, recycled content, labelling and technical documentation. Customers intending to place these products on the EU market should email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk to request the latest available documentation and confirm suitability for their application before making a PPWR compliance claim.

Food Safety and Material Certification

Suitability for direct food contact may vary by product specification or production batch. If you require 500 gauge lay flat tubing for food packaging, please contact our sales team at sales@expresspackaging.co.uk before ordering.

We will confirm whether your selected tubing width meets your requirements and provide a Food Safety Certificate where available.

All rolls contain 30% recycled material. If you require written confirmation of the recycled content or another material specification, please request the relevant documentation before placing your order.

Storage Recommendations

Store lay flat tubing in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and sharp objects. Keep the roll in its original protective packaging until required.

Support larger rolls securely and avoid damaging the exposed edges. A clean, undamaged roll will feed more smoothly and provide more reliable packaging or temporary downpipe installations.

Sample Requests

To request a sample, please email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk or call 0121 622 2347. For sheeting products supplied on rolls, we will provide a small sample patch cut directly from the roll. A small charge applies to sample bags wider than 600mm.

Illustration Only

We show packaged products and temporary downpipe applications in our images for demonstration purposes. Your order includes the selected roll of 500 gauge lay flat tubing only.

Products, outlets and installation conditions vary, so measure and test the tubing carefully before ordering or use. This will help you select the most suitable width, roll length and application method.