Whether you're upgrading a baseball outfield, adding privacy to a tennis court, or
wrapping a construction site, a quality windscreen is an essential addition to your fencing. At Morley Athletic, we know that buying a premium windscreen is only half the battle—proper measurement and installation are what truly make your investment last.
A poorly hung windscreen can look sloppy and is highly susceptible to wind damage. To help you get a clean, professional, and long-lasting result, we've put together this comprehensive guide to measuring, designing, and installing your new windscreen.
If you're in the market for a highly durable, professional-grade screen before you begin, be sure to check out our top-selling FenceMate Classic 10 oz Polyester Windscreen.
Why Invest in a Windscreen?
Adding a windscreen to your chain-link fence offers a multitude of functional and aesthetic benefits:
- Privacy & Focus: Block out exterior distractions so players and spectators can focus on the game.
- Wind & Element Protection: Shield athletes and fans from harsh crosswinds.
- Aesthetic Upgrade: Instantly transform an ugly chain-link fence into a visually appealing boundary.
- Facility Protection: Help block chemical runoff, debris, and elements from reaching specialized turf or landscaping.
Step 1: Measuring Your Fence
Accurate measurements are the secret to a perfectly tensioned, wrinkle-free installation.
1. Map It Out Start by sketching a basic diagram of your fencing layout. Label each section (e.g., "Left Field Wall," "Main Gate") and note the measurements directly on your drawing. Taking photos of the fence line can also help you keep track of where each panel belongs.
2. Measure the Length Start at your corner post and measure the distance from the inside of the first tension bar to the inside of the next tension bar. Pull your tape measure perfectly taut and do not measure from the side with the support poles. Pro Tip: For a taut, professional fit, subtract 1 to 2 inches from your final length measurement. A screen that is slightly short can easily be tensioned with zip ties; a screen that is too long will look baggy and catch the wind.
3. Measure the Height Always leave 4 to 6 inches of clearance at the bottom of the fence. This gap is crucial because it prevents the fabric from dragging in the dirt and protects your screen from being shredded by lawnmowers and weed trimmers during routine field maintenance.
4. Measure the Gates Measure your gates the same way you measured the main fence panels. Because gates swing open and already have ground clearance, you don't necessarily need to leave the 4-6 inch gap at the bottom, though many facilities choose to do so to keep the top-line perfectly uniform.
5. Factor in Cutouts and Angles If your fence has unique angles, utility cutouts, or non-standard slopes, provide detailed notes and photos along with your measurements. The more accurate your dimensions, the better your final panel will fit.
Step 2: Elevating Your Space with Custom Artwork
Once you have your dimensions locked in, it's time to consider the design. A blank screen does the job, but custom-printed graphics transform your fence into a powerful branding tool.
Whether you want to display your school's mascot, showcase corporate sponsors, or highlight championship banners, your windscreen is a massive blank canvas. When submitting artwork to the Morley Athletic team, ensure you use high-resolution vector files so your logos look crisp, bold, and professional from any distance.
Step 3: Installing Your Windscreen
Proper installation is non-negotiable if you want your windscreen to survive heavy winds
and harsh weather. Grab your zip ties and follow these steps:
- Stage Your Panels: Using your original sketch, lay out each rolled-up panel in front of its corresponding fence section.
- Start at the Top Left: Attach the top-left corner grommet to your starting point (the tension bar).
- Work in 10-Foot Sections: Attach the top row of grommets for about 10 feet. Pull the screen taut with every single grommet. Ensure your zip ties are pulling the fabric in the direction you are moving.
- Secure the Left Edge: Go back to your starting corner and zip-tie the left edge of the screen from top to bottom, pulling it perfectly flat and wrinkle-free.
- Secure the Bottom and Middle: Move back through your 10-foot section and secure the bottom row of grommets (and the middle lacing lip, if your screen has one), working from top to bottom. Pull the cover tight at every attachment point.
- Repeat: Once that 10-foot block is secured, move on to the next 10 feet. Repeat this process until the entire panel is installed.
Crucial Guidelines for Longevity
The number one cause of premature windscreen failure is improper installation. Follow these golden rules to protect your investment:
- Use Every Grommet: Never skip a grommet. Skipping attachment points puts too much stress on the remaining ties, causing them to snap.
- Use the Right Ties: Always use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated 8-inch, 50 lb. zip ties.
- Don't Double Up: Never use a single zip tie to connect two different panels. Each grommet needs its own dedicated cable tie attached directly to the chain-link.
- Replace Broken Ties Immediately: If a tie snaps, replace it right away. A loose screen will whip violently against the fence in the wind, which can destroy the fabric in a matter of hours.
Morley Athletic’s Final Installation Tips
- Check the Weather: Don't attempt to install a windscreen on a windy day. The fabric acts like a sail and will make the job incredibly frustrating.
- Use "S" Hooks: Use metal "S" hooks to temporarily hang the screen on the fence while you work. Taking the weight of the fabric off the ground makes it much easier to pull taut and zip-tie.
- Don't Over-Tighten Initially: Leave a tiny bit of slack in your zip ties until the panel is fully hung, then go back and tighten everything down for a perfectly smooth finish.
Ready to upgrade your facility? Start your project today with the Morley Athletic FenceMate Classic 10 oz Polyester Windscreen and give your team the professional look they deserve.