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Step 4: Installing Fabric Panels
4.1 Installing Mid Fabric Panels:
Install Mid Fabric Panels first. Before installing, verify that all stakes are fully seated
and the cable braced bays are lightly tensioned. Use drop cloths (not included), pull ropes (supplied in Installation Kit) and
ladders to assist installation. When possible, choose installation side based on wind direction and space around installa-
tion area. Installation should be based on safety first.
4.1.1 Mid fabric panels should be fed into the rafters on the “downwind” side of the frame (fabric blowing away from the
frame). This will prevent fighting the mid blowing against the frame and reduce the effort required to guide the mid
into the kedar groove. Throw the snap ends of two pull ropes from the installation kit over the top of frame of one
bay.
CAUTION:
Be certain area is clear so as not to strike anyone while throwing the pull ropes over the top.
4.1.2 Using a drop cloth, lay the mid fabric next to the bottom of the uprights on the snap side of the mid bay. Snap the
pull ropes onto the web loops near each kedar edge. Mid should be loosely stacked to permit easy feeding into
the channels. See
Figure 4.1a.
IMPORTANT:
Use the third pull-rope as a pull-back rope. Snap this rope to
one of the pull straps on the mid along with one of the pullropes. After the mid has been pulled up and over to the
other side of the mid, remove this rope from the strap and snap to the other two pull-ropes. Using this pull-back
rope, pull the pull-ropes back to the starting side of the frame and slide them over to the next bay. This step will
save time in having to throw the pull-ropes over the frame again.
CAUTION
:
Be certain at all times that fabric is
not caught on any part of the frame to prevent damage to the fabric.
4.1.3 Using pull ropes, raise mid until the kedar is near the end of the rafter. With an installer on a ladder at each side
of the mid, feed the kedars into the kedar channels of the rafters. Once both kedars are in the channels, continue
to feed until the upper ends of the pull loops are even with the edge of the rafter.
4.1.4 Flip the tension pocket on top of the mid so it does not get caught on the purlins while pulling the mid through the
frame. At this point, the kedars on both sides of the mid should be fed into the channel evenly. Feed each kedar
into the channel for just a few more inches. There should be an installer at each installation end of the rafters to
guide the kedar into the kedar channel at all times. To prevent a bind, be sure to start and stop pulling both ropes
at the same time, and the same speed.
4.1.5 Using the pull ropes, slowly pull the mid up the rafter to within 2’-0” of the peak. Have the pullers reset their posi-
tion to a location near the frame. Begin pulling the ropes at the same time to make sure the mid pulls smoothly
over the ridge and down the other side of the frame. Stop pulling the mid before the kedar exits the channel on
the rafter. The mid is in place.
4.1.6 Repeat steps 4.1.1 thru 4.1.5 for the remaining mids.
4.1.7 After all mids are in place, insert tension bars in tension pockets at both ends of all mids. Insert tension bar con-
nector between tension bars and through tension strap loop. Tension mids until tight. Usually kedar will be near the
end of the channel when mid is tight. Make sure the bottom pocket line on all mids are level. Add and/or release
tension as necessary to adjust.
4.1.8 Mids
are
installed.
4.2 Installing Gable End Fabric Panels:
Use drop cloths (not included), purlin fork and ladders to assist installation.
Gable ends are made in two pieces and are inserted into the top channel of the gable end rafters.
4.2.1 Begin by locating the lace portion (either grommet side or loop side) of one of the two pieces. Be sure that the piece
is right side out (pull ring will be on outside, FR/Warning label on inside).
4.2.2 Using the purlin fork, grab the ring with the end of the tool and push the kedar up through the channel until it is
at the center of the ridge. See
figure 4.2a.
When both pieces of the gable end are installed in the channel and
meet at the top, fasten the rings together with the carabiner and begin lacing from the peak down to the bottom of
the gable end. Tie off the last loop. See
figure 4.2b.
