We have designed this area to help our existing customers efficiently find
answers to their questions about assembly. Please browse the tips & tools
below for the product you need support with. If you have further questions
with assembly or installation, and you are an existing customer, feel free
to contact
us with questions.
Multi-color Rope (usually green) = lead-core base rope (optional)
Thick Black Rope = rope border around perimeter/bottom & middle
of top
Steel snaps = top corners of tunnel -- 4 corners of barrier net
First Steps:
Un-fold the net completely to allow it to acclimate to your temperature
- a heated environment will expedite this and may be required. If your net
is latex treated, it may take several hours to "relax" and loosen
up to it's full dimensions -- gravity is the quickest way to loosen a net
-- suspend from an elevated point like a drape and allow to hang for a few
hours.
Failure to properly acclimate net may cause difficulty during installation,
and netting may appear to be under-sized. Netting is not a precise industry,
and may be short or long by a few inches - this is unavoidable in certain
situations, and our shop will try to error on the side of excess when possible.
Installation practices / tips:
Your netting will not include specific installation instructions because
there are dozens of different methods to use, depending on your application
& facility. If you ordered a cable/frame kit from PSI, the instructions
will ship with that item. If you did not order an installation kit from PSI,
we are not able to assist with the installation. Nevertheless, here are some
tips to consider during installation which should help:
Netting is commonly suspended by using one or more of the following:
Steel Snaps to eye-bolts
Steel Snaps to cable
Tie-off Ropes
Zip-ties
Bungee cords
Hog-rings
Twine
The best technique is to run linear cable lines from anchor to anchor, clipping
the net directly to the cable every 12" like a shower curtain
The keys are your anchor points - they must be heavy-duty, and your tensioning
hardware (turnbuckles) - must be commercial grade for long distances
These will ensure your cable lines are taut, and can support the weight
of the net, reducing sag
Linear cables are typically run every 4-7', the more frequent the less
sag you will experience (i.e. we recommend 3 linear cables for a 12' or 14'W
tunnel)
We recommend always taking your net indoors during harsh weather such as
extended rain periods, snow, ice, or high winds. Even if a net is rated as
"water resistant", protecting from the elements will extend the
life-span. A net which is exposed to drastic temperature changes will contract
& expand, which weakens the fibers.
Net "Sag":
It is recommended to allow approximately 8"-12" of net to "sag" on the
ground (i.e. if you have a net which is 12'H, you should hang it at about
the 11' point.
The main benefits of this technique are to prevent balls from escaping,
and also to reduce tension in your side walls -- if your tunnel is too tight
when impacted by a ball, there is added pressure on the netting fibers,
which accelerates the overall deterioration process
It's ideal for your net to "flex" and absorb the impact of the ball, when
struck.
If you are looking for an extremely tight & "boxy" look, you will need
to secure the net with anchors around the bottom perimeter, to prevent balls
from escaping. Just keep in mind that the tighter your net is pulled, (or
the more the ball bounces off the net instead of being absorbed into it),
the shorter the overall life-span will be.
Perimeter:
It's recommended to allow a buffer around the entire perimeter (sides
& top) of your tunnel.
This is to allow for "net stretch", to prevent injury or damage.
Netting WILL stretch - how far depends on the velocity and trajectory
of the ball. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 12"-24"
around the entire perimeter between the edge of the netting and any structure,
and 48" between the outside of the net and an area where people may
gather.
The base of the net can be anchored to the ground to help reduce stretch
or balls from escaping. Clipping the base rope of the net to linear cables
run just above the ground works well. Steel chain can also be woven along
base to help create an anchor. Please keep in mind you do NOT want a "trampoline
effect" - the ball should not bounce off the net and back inside -
it should be absorbed into the net and stretch several inches outward, dropping
the ball to the ground. A net attached too tightly not allowing for proper
shock absorption will reduce life-span, which is not covered by the warranty.
Keep in mind that you may also want to leave a "walk-way" around your
tunnel - in this case you will need at least 2' on each side.
To give yourself the needed distance between your frame structure and
net, you can use multiple steel snap hooks, zip-ties, or tie-off ropes to
connect the net to the structure.
Net Preservation:
Factors that contribute to diminished netting life-span (not covered by warranty):
Allowing to blow around in the wind, resulting in friction/abrasion
Installing too closely to a structure, resulting in impact/abrasion
Affixing connection points to the mesh of the tunnel, and not using
rope borders - this creates a "wear-point"
Using connection materials which may have a sharp edge, such as plastic
zip-ties - when using ensure they are snug and the edges do not come in
contact with the mesh.
Climbing/hanging on netting
Animal damage -- folding net up and clipping above is a good practice
to avoid small rodents from chewing - please be sure clipping to wall does
not create a wear-point when blowing in wind. We can install a "rib-line"
rope to use as an attachment point if needed, or you may install after-market.
Storage in area which may have pooling ground water - this can cause
rotting - netting should be stored above ground-level or in a water-tight
container/area.
Damage during transport - be careful when using fork-lifts not to puncture
the netting - this can cause tearing.
Allowing exposure to harsh weather such as rain, wind, snow, or ice.
Instructions are provided upon receipt of an order. If you have placed an
order and need a copy of the instructions, please Contact
Us with your Order ID Number.
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