A correctly installed net, whether used vertically or horizontally, and on virtually any part of a building, can solve almost all bird problems
Net is secured in place on a building by attaching it to tensioned wire rope which forms the boundary of the area to be netted. Main fixings for the wire are usually expanding eye bolts (beam bolts or bridge clamps in metalwork). These carry the weight of the installation and are used at the net corners and every 5 - 10m along the wire and wherever the net changes direction. Between these main fixings, intermediate fittings are used to hold the wire tight against the structure. Their centres will depend on bird species and shape of net.
Typically 1m centres for pigeon or gull, 0.5m for starling and 0.3m for sparrow.
Polyethylene Nets
A traditionally knotted 12/6 polyethylene square mesh netting which is UV stabilised to give a life expectancy of 10 years or more in normal use. Chemically inert and rot proof, the breaking strain of 12/6 twine is approximately 20kg and is available in black, stone or translucent.
100mm and 75mm square mesh netting is made using 10/9 twine for additional strength. Available in Black.
Zips
The addition of a zip to gain access behind bird proof netting makes maintenance simple and should avoid accidental damage to netting.
A non corrosive easy-to-use means of access. Zips are fitted after net installation. Held in place by hog rings, the zip is then undone and the mesh behind cut for access. Zip up and the job is complete. A No 9 zip suits both 19mm and 50mm netting but for 19mm cut two meshes. For 28mm net use No 5 zips.
Basic Installation
Installing a net needs planning. You not only need to ensure that you have the right size of mesh for the bird species you are proofing against but that you have the right fixings to enable you to attach the net successfully to the masonry, timber, steelwork or cladding periphery and also make as unobtrusive as possible.
A wide range of variety of fixings can be used. The majority are available in galvanized or stainless steel. The stainless steel, unless otherwise stated, is 316 marine grade, and is the superior product as it resists corrosion. Galvanized material can start to corrode soon after installation and should only be used when the proofing budget will not allow for the superior stainless steel material.
Installation of a basic pigeon net (50mm / 2"):
To fix straining wire all the way around the edge of the area to be netted, drill holes and fit main fixings where the net will turn a corner or after a straight run of 10m. Attach the wire rope to a main corner fixing by using a hook or wire and fix it with either a wire rope grip or crimped ferrules. Run up to 10m of wire through the fixings and tension using a barrel strainer hooked into another main fixing. Tensioned cross wires should be installed where appropriate. To install the net attach one corner of the net to the corner main fixing using the net corner tie. Hog ring the mesh to the wire rope ensuring that net is pulled tight will need to install corner fixings every 10m to spread the weight of the net. You may also need to install additional cross wires.
