Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How high should the netting be?

This is the single most frequently asked question we encounter. Unfortunately, there is not a standard answer. There are typically three factors considered when determining height requirements – budget, aesthetics, and tolerance for liability. Sometimes all three are considered to varying degrees and sometimes any one or two are the driving force. LFS Sports and Industrial Netting can help design your netting system by providing ball trajectory studies that can assist in the formulation of a sound height coverage plan.

In addition, we can apply our vast experience with facilities and projects that share similar circumstances and develop plan options.

We will work with each customer for as long as it takes to develop a plan that fits their individual circumstances.

2. How much will the netting cost?

Because of the custom nature of each job, pricing is specific for each situation. As part of our services, we will provide pricing for as many options as necessary based on the requirements for each customer. These services are free of charge.

3. How long will the net panels last?

This is not addressable with a simple answer. The reason there is no simple answer is that the conditions that cause cordage fatigue and failure are not in any person’s control. Amongst others, these conditions include UV breakdown, wind and storm loading.

To compensate for these conditions, LFS only uses high-quality netting components that resist UV breakdown and provide the strongest mesh strength in today’s marketplace which helps resist damage from UV breakdown, wind and storm conditions.

Quality netting installed on a properly designed and constructed infrastructure will last much longer than any netting installed on a poorly designed and built system.

With our design and installation, our customers can expect at least 10 years of service from the netting and 30 to 40 years from the netting infrastructure. We have many examples of netting in place that has lasted for 15 to 20 years. Our replacement netting panels simply snap into place on the existing infrastructure, making the replacement easy, fast, and cost-effective.

4. What type of poles should be used?

Pole types that can be used include wood, steel or concrete. All three types can offer a pole that meets the required loading demand. Cost and viability are usually the most often used criteria in choosing which type of pole to use.

Wood utility poles are a popular option because they are plentiful and the least expensive.

Steel poles are also very popular because they can be designed to be extended in the future if the situation calls for it. If the poles are to be extended, the foundation and the poles must be engineered and built to do so initially.

Concrete poles are the least popular option due to the fact that they are more difficult to handle during installation (weight), and because they offer little, if any, cost savings.

Wood and concrete poles require the least maintenance. As far as life expectancy, all three types will last in excess of 30 years.

5. What type of hardware and cable should be used?

We strongly recommend the use of utility grade pole line hardware and cable. These types of fittings, attachments, anchors, cable, etc. and installation methodology will best compliment the pole/net system, ease facilitation of an engineer’s approval and provide the best aesthetics possible when the net panels are suspended.

Hot dipped galvanized pole line hardware and Extra High Strength galvanized steel cable provide decades of dependable service and meet ANSI standards. There is a good reason that public utilities throughout the country use this type of cable, hardware, and installation methods.

6. What are the most important considerations when deciding on a netting system?

Materials – make sure quality netting components, poles, and hardware are implemented.

Workmanship – pay close attention to the method used to assemble the netting to support ropes.

Installation - choosing an expert contractor and getting it right the first time.

Initial cost should not be the sole consideration. Any money saved on a poorly designed netting system installed with inferior products will soon be lost to constant repairs and maintenance, not to mention the likely loss of revenue and exposure to liability when the netting is in a state of disrepair.