Beacon BallieldDimensionsGuide-2024-WEB - Flipbook - Page 23
4 Windscreen installation tips
There is no single windscreen material that is a perfect fit for every site or
When it comes to windscreen installation, there are a few rules to follow that
situation. Each material comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses,
will result in a beautiful windscreen and protect the most expensive part of the
and it’s up to you to decide which factors are most important — durability,
installation — your fence.
cost, color, aesthetics, etc.
A. Be slightly shorter. It’s always better if your windscreen height is too short
For example, if your facility is located in a windy environment, a material with
rather than too long. Windscreen that doesn’t go all the way to the ground
good abrasion resistance should be high on your list. This will come into play
can be installed taut. When your
when a portion of a panel breaks free from the fence and flaps uncontrollably
windscreen is too tall for the fence
in the wind. Windscreen with good abrasion resistance are typically woven or
it will look baggy and sloppy.
knit polys (polypropylene or polyethylene). On the other hand, if adding color
Proper windscreen sizing should
and printed graphics is high on your priorities, then a vinyl-coated material is
be roughly 3" to 6" shorter than the
a good choice for you.
height of the fence, and similarly
Be sure to compare specifications and material attributes. Seek input and
FACILITY AMENITIES
3 Windscreen material choices
short on each end.
guidance from reputable sources that have experience with all types of
B. Dictate your failure points. Attaching a windscreen so securely to a
windscreen materials and can help you match your needs with the best option.
fence that can never break free in high winds is a recipe for disaster. We
recommend using UV-treated cable ties as they can easily break if they
become overloaded. Use the lightest gauge tie that will withstand your local
W I N D S C R E E N M AT E R I A L S :
P O LY V S . V I N Y L - C O AT E D
wind conditions, and use them along the top, sides, and middle seams. For
the bottom edge, we recommend using a stronger, more durable connection
▶ PROS of poly
▶ PROS of vinyl-coated
method such as rope, metal clips, or heavier cable ties. Allowing the
◾ Good abrasion resistance
◾ Many color options
windscreen to break free from the top or sides of the fence when needed will
◾ Good UV-light resistance —
◾ Excellent for printing
allow it to remain secured at ground level, safely out of the strongest winds.
fading is minimal over time
◾ Lower glare than most polys
C. Have a plan for setup, take down and maintenance. Beyond just buying
◾ Good strength to weight ratio
◾ Multiple opacity and weight
the right windscreen, you should get input from those who will be in charge of
◾ Multiple opacity/weight
options to choose from
▶ CONS of poly
◾ Limited color selection
◾ Cannot print on them reliably
options to choose from
caring for it. Look for answers to these important questions:
▶ CONS of vinyl-coated
◾ Who will put it up and take it down?
◾ Poor abrasion resistance (unless
◾ Does your staff have the skill set to put it up and take it down properly?
using heavier extrusion-coated
fabrics)
◾ Does the care and maintenance of windscreen fit within your
organization’s priorities and procedures?
◾ Variable UV-light resistance
◾ May unravel if damaged or cut
(degree of fading over time is
◾ Can you quickly replace zip ties that may break?
◾ May have a sheen or glare in sun
color-dependent)
◾ Is seasonal removal and storage a feasible option to reduce wear & tear?
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