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Before installing a home net, it is important to check the entire home net system to ensure risk-free use. In this article we look at the various safety elements to take into account.
Note that the entire system for our home nets has been approved by an independent certified inspection body. Learn more in this article.
1. The structure/supporting frame
Your net’s structure must be capable of simultaneously supporting 530 daN per linear metre horizontally and 240 daN per linear metre vertically (values based on a test completed with a 16 m² net supported by a wooden structure).
The decanewton (daN) is a unit for measuring force. It is not possible to convert decanewtons into kilograms directly. To complete the conversion, we need to use the kilogram-force (kgf).
1 decanewton [daN] = 1 kilogram-force [kgf]
→ The supporting structure therefore needs to be able to support 540 kgf per linear metre.
| Before | After |
2. Fasteners/the hanging system
The fasteners provided by LOFTNETS are designed to individually resist a ripping strength of at least 225 daN. Which type of fastener you choose will depend on the material the supporting structure is made from (wood, metal, round tube, concrete.).
→ Fasteners should be positioned at least every 12 cm around the entire frame.
3. Lacing
Point-by-point lacing is the technique used to attach catamaran trampolines. Each fastener point is directly attached to the net with a 5 mm tensioning rope. This solution is just as secure as the criss cross lacing (although it will require less frequent retightening), can take longer to initially tighten. Each point needs to be unhooked before each knot can be retied.
Criss cross lacing for horizontal nets is another lacing technique. A second rope helps fill the space between the net and the supporting structure. We use a 10 mm diameter sailing rope.
The importance of lacing gaps
The lacing gap is the space between your net and the hanging structure, which is connected to the rope by a lacing system. LOFTNETS horizontal nets are made from an exclusive material that has a low stretch factor (less than 8% for our Marine 3S® polyester versus 12-15% for standard polyester).
After use, your net will expand slightly and the lacing gap will enable you to easily retighten your net, pulling it as close as possible to the edge. Our technical team will calculate the correct lacing gap for the dimensions of your net and ensure there is a minimal gap between your net and the supporting structure.
You might think the structure is safer without a lacing gap because there is no empty space, but your net is a “living” product that will loosen over time, no matter how well you care for it. To ensure a longer lifespan and avoid having a loose net that needs to be replaced before its time, our lacing system makes it possible to retighten your net, so it maintains its qualities over time.
4. The net
The net’s solidity is analyzed with a break resistance test. The breaking resistance is determined by the force a mesh can bear before breaking. It is a common misconception that the breaking resistance corresponds to the net’s long-term durability, when in fact it is the way the net is used and where it is installed that will have the most impact on its lifespan.
For a home net, resistance is generally measured in m². The maximum breaking load is the weight that will cause a mesh to break. The safe working load is the recommended maximum weight for normal use of the weight at a single time.
Although our polyester, polypropylene and polyamide nets have a very high load strength well above 1000 kg/m², we have chosen to limit the safe working load to 120 kg/m² and to set a limit of 1 ton for nets of at least 8 m². This limit ensures nets will be used in ideal conditions, maintaining the integrity of the supporting structure and preventing it from being overloaded.
→ In short, your net can support a very high load (120 kg/m²), which will be transferred directly to the frame. The supporting structure therefore needs to be capable of supporting the same load.
If you have any other questions, our advisers are on hand to offer telephone assistance from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm (GMT+2), and by email at contact@loftnets.com.