FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAT-5 Hurricane Netting System
~ Patent Pending ~

‘The Official’ Hurricane Net

Frequently Asked Questions
September, 2006

Question:  A ‘net’ instead of solid storm shutters? How can that provide adequate protection for my house?

Answer:     Storm shutters were created many years ago to ‘band aid’ what’s typically the weakest part of a house, the windows.  It was logical to block the windows with something solid to block flying debris and strong wind.  With today’s engineered approach to storm protection, and with the evolution of structural fabrics, a safer protection system is the natural evolution.  The fabric protects the structure in many ways- by providing impact protection for windows when properly installed, as well as holddown protection for your roof, shingles, patio, walls, and other vulnerable areas.

Question: But there are holes in the fabric. Doesn’t the wind get through the holes?

Answer:     Buildings and windows are designed to handle some wind.  The Hurricane Net significantly slows down and disrupts the wind, imposing minimal pressures on a structure.  The Hurricane Net is also designed be used along with existing storm shutters.  In addition to its strapping and anchoring benefits, a single layer of net reduces 140mph wind pressures by at least 63%, a dramatic difference.  Secondary turbulent forces created by high winds in corners of walls and roofs are also completely disrupted (known as ASCE 7 zone 2,3 and 5 conditions).  The Hurricane Net also has additional technical engineering benefits such as roof uplift resistance and manufactured home lateral resistance which is described in other net documentation. See our section under 'engineeirng' above for more information.

Question:  What else does the Hurricane Net do?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net goes far beyond protecting your windows.  It is best used protect your entire structure and property including:

• Roof shingles & roof trusses
• Siding & gabled ends
• Patio enclosures
• Storage sheds
• Landscaping & foliage
• Trailer & manufactured homes
• Signs & kiosks
• Boats on trailers
• Lightweight Aircraft
• Patio furniture
• Loose debris

The Hurricane Net provides protection against uplift, overturning, wind pressure and suction, and large missile impact, and is best used on a residence as a supplement to existing storm shutters.

Question: How easy is it to install? 

Answer:     The Hurricane Net is assembled in parts making assembly a series of simple tasks.  If the product is professionally installed by a licensed contractor, you will have an easy to read layout map which can be easily re-installed time and time again.  Each net component weighs little more than a few storm shutters and can be ‘draped’ over a structure from the roof or easily pulled upward from the installed clamps. Clips, ground anchors, and seaming can be installed in a few hours or less, even in moderate winds.

Question: How to you store it?

The Hurricane Net folds neatly and stores in bags provided during purchase.  It can also be stored in bins against a garage or storage shed wall, or can be rolled and strapped to a garage wall or ceiling.  It can easily store under a manufactured home.
Since it stacks higher than storm shutters would, netting for an entire house doesn’t take up much more room than would the storm shutters.

Question: Where do I buy a Hurricane Net?

Answer:     Hurricane netting systems can be purchased from a participating storm protection manufacturer, purchased in kits from many local retail centers, or ordered by calling 1-877-CAT5-INC (1-877-228-5462) or at a storm shutter dealer near you.

Question:  I need the Hurricane Net to go over a roof which has many objects sticking out.  Won’t it rip or tear?

Answer:     The net can go over many objects on a roof as seen in some of our real world examples on the website, or the installer can cut around and tailor the net to fit securely around most any condition.  When installing a Hurricane net yourself, simply cut around any protrusion it is protecting, or allow the net to cover the protrusion.  The net is designed to maintain its surrounding strength even when cut.

Question:  My Hurricane Net has a cut/tear in it. Does that ruin the effectiveness of the Net?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net is specially designed so that any hole, rip, or tear is localized and does not pull or run. Significant cuts can be mended with the universal hurricane clamp.

Question:  Will the Hurricane Net leave screws and tracks on my house like storm shutters do?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net can be installed in such a way as to leave no anchors in visible portions of a structure.  If needed, anchors can be installed at the base of a house below grade, or existing storm shutter anchor holes can be used.  Otherwise, a typical installation will require some typical anchor points which can be capped and painted to be almost invisible.

Question:  I’m concerned the overlap in the Net seams will be a weak point in protection.  Should I be concerned?

Answer:     The net technology has been tested and installed in enough conditions to be able to provide a method of connecting net to net connections that can handle the toughest winds and impact protection.  When properly engineered, the ‘quilted’ product of connecting nets together using the grommets provided or the patent pending clamps provides more than adequate protection against damage to the net and underlying structure.

Question:  The Hurricane Net sounds very expensive.  How does it compare to other types of storm protection?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net costs less than the average basic storm shutter. It is also installed with less hardware and drilling, cutting down on supplemental material and installation costs.  Because it covers a much larger area than typical shutters, the overall cost is usually somewhat higher than storm shutters, but with a well tailored installation, the slight additional cost will more than be offset by the peace of mind, savings in repair costs to what would be damaged without protection, and insurance discounts it provides.

Question:  Is the Hurricane Net approved by any recognized agencies?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net meets ASTM AND Miami Dade standards for large missile impact and cyclic loading as described in the product specifications, and is 2004 Florida Building Code Approved, and Large Missile Metro Dade County Approved (Tested to TAS 201-202-203 approved under FL Product Approval System, FL7625).

Question:  Can I get a discount in insurance if I have a Hurricane Net? 

Answer:     The Hurricane Net is the only storm protection device capable of offering insurance discounts in most every insurance category including window protection, roof uplift, gabled end protection, and garage door protection (it won’t protect against flooding).  Check with your net installer and insurance company for more details.

Question:  What accessories are available for the Hurricane Net?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net can be ordered with custom signage so that when placed over an existing business sign, the sign content is repeated.  ‘Add on’ nets can be ordered and clipped to the main nets to show “Open”, “Closed”, “The Net Saved Us”, “We Have No Power”, “Call For Help”, “Need Medical Attention”.  Other net signs are being developed all the time.  Visit www.hurricane-net.com for the latest ordering information.  Custom net colors and signage are also available.

Question:  Is the Hurricane Net guaranteed?

Answer:     The Net fabric and clamps are guaranteed against routine wear and tear for 10 years.  The net, installation, or consequences of installation and condition after a storm are NOT guaranteed (same guarantee as any storm protection device). View the warranty card here.

Question:  Where can I learn more about the Hurricane Net?

Call 1-877 CAT5INC or visit www.hurricane-net.com for more information.

Question:  Is the Hurricane Net engineered specifically for my house?

Answer:     Engineering and testing have tabulated a variety of strengths and configurations to provide a comprehensive, engineered solution to many installation options.  Custom engineering is available from our partner company, Engineering Express, as needed.

Question:  What doesn’t the Hurricane Net do?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net WON’T protect against flooding, or protect a structure from a tree or similar object from colliding with it.  It is NOT watertight.  It can, however, hold down a tarp covering a leaky roof, providing instant hurricane proof protection to the roofs of  many homes that still have blue tarps from other recent storms.

Question:  Can I use the Hurricane Net with a condo or townhouse?

Answer:     The versatility of the Hurricane Net allows for an effective installation in locations such as condominium balconies, over individual townhouse units, carports, cars, storage sheds, or any portions thereof.

Question:  How long does it take to have a Hurricane Net ordered and installed?

Answer:     The Hurricane Net installation process is the most streamlined available in the hurricane protection industry.  Your complete house can be measured and installed all in one visit due to the versatility of the engineered net fabric.  Installation trucks contain everything needed to complete a net installation the moment they first arrive at your home.  Nets can also be purchased at local retail establishments and can be installed on smaller objects moments before a storm.

How do you care for and clean the net?

Answer:    For general cleaning of the net, regular dish soap and water with either a bristle brush or a broom will suffice. For mildew, we recommend using "Tilex" or a similar bleach-based product.

It is Very Important to rinse the net with water thoroughly, making sure to remove all cleaner residue. In each application, after thoroughly rinsing the net, allow time to dry before folding up and storing away.