“What can I do to extend the life of our netting?”
This question is often asked, especially by Superintendents and other maintenance personnel. It’s a great question, and although our netting barriers are designed and engineered to withstand the pressures of wind, rain and sun, no netting will last forever. If neglected, net can show signs of premature wear and tear much sooner than anticipated.
Most netting is fairly similar in quality, and in spite of some wild warranty claims from our competition, your netting is only as good as the company that installs it. In a nutshell, netting wears or breaks down due to three factors: Excessive movement and resulting abrasion, abrasion or cutting from exterior sources, and sunlight.
Here are a few things to remember and the steps to take to prolong the life of your barrier and avoid costly repairs:
1. Use a professional experienced contractor for your project.
Look at photos of their work, call their references, check their licensing, and think about their reputation. We have a saying at Judge Netting; “If it’s not tight, it’s not right”. Although our work isn’t rocket science, straight poles, good anchors, tight cables, and properly fitted netting is imperative to the longevity of your netting. Look at the companies work. Are the poles plumb, does the net billow excessively, does it wear on cross cabling or other Mickey Mouse techniques to reduce billowing? Is the top guy wire straight across the top and nice and tight? A false warranty from a fast-talking salesman will likely be prorated, and of course the devious contractor will make up for his cost of prematurely repairing or replacing your net in his labor price. This won’t save a facility any money and could cost you dearly if you lose revenue from an unexpected shut down.
2. Consider a bottom buffer to prevent wear along the bottom of the netting.
This can be a baseboard, or 2 or 3-foot vinyl coated chain link installed at the bottom of the netting and going to the ground. Although more expensive initially, this will prevent rodents, rabbits, gophers, mowers, ball pickers, and weed eaters or chemicals from damaging the net. It is money well spent!
3. Abrasion from water: Be certain maintenance personnel have redirected all sprinkler heads away from the netting.
This is one of the most common problems we encounter. The water from a Rain Bird can quickly wear the UV treatment off the net and eventually wear right through it.
4. Keep trees and other foliage away from the netting.
This is an imperative part of your tree maintenance plan and NEVER allow a tree to grow through the netting.
5. Educate maintenance personnel about maintaining and caring for the net.
Ball pickers seem to be particularly prone to snagging the netting (another good reason for baseboard or chain link).
6. Schedule a free consultation with a Judge Netting professional.
Whether you have the misfortune of having someone else install your netting, or are a satisfied Judge Netting Customer, we will give you an evaluation of the condition of your netting and poles. We will point out any potential problems, and give you a complimentary and honest assessment of the remaining life of your barrier.