How to Measure a Custom Windscreen

A custom windscreen, personalized for your team, school or company, enhances your organization’s image and the facility’s professional appearance. No other single item can so dramatically improve the branding and overall aesthetic of a venue. But in order to make such a positive impression, the windscreen must fit correctly. It must be taut, without any slack, and it also must not be larger than the fence on which it is mounted. So let’s go over exactly how to measure your fence to achieve that perfect, smooth looking fit.

The following instructions are for a baseball field, but they can be applied to a tennis court or any fenced area. Careful measuring is essential, as there may be size discrepancies between sections. Always measure the fence in person to ensure the greatest accuracy for the best results.

What You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape – 100-150’ non-stretch tape measure is recommended
• Pen or pencil
• Notepad or clipboard
• A carabiner, hook, clamp or securing clip (if you’re measuring alone)

Steps for Measuring a Custom Windscreen:

1. Draw a basic diagram of your baseball field. Writing down each measurement next to the corresponding section of fence will help you remember which sections you’ve already measured. Also, you won’t have to re-measure later, making installation easier.

2. Mark the north facing direction or include landmarks on your diagram, so that you know the correct orientation and starting point when you come back to install your windscreen panels.

3. Start at one corner post and work your way clockwise in your measurements. Measure the first section of fence for your windscreen.

If measuring with another person, measure the width from the inside of the tension bar to the inside of the next tension bar. Pull the measuring tape tight against the fence to avoid slack. Write the exact measurement (in feet and inches) on your diagram in the proper location.

If measuring alone, attach the end of the measuring tape to the outside of the tension bar with the hook or clamp and pull the tape straight across to the outside of the next tension bar. Subtract 3 inches from your measurement for the widths of the two tension posts. Write down the resulting measurement on your diagram in the corresponding location.

Note: A tension bar is the bar that secures to the mesh of the fence. These bars then attach to the terminal posts (the outside vertical posts) of the fence.

4. Measure each section of fence where you want a windscreen. Go around the entire perimeter, marking down each measurement in the correct location after you measure it. Measure every fence section – don’t assume the lengths are the same! For a smooth, professional look, always round down to the nearest inch. It’s better for a windscreen to be slightly too short than too long.

5. To Measure Height: Windscreens can be made for any height, but most windscreens are 6’ or 9’ tall. Fences tend to be 10’ high. Consider how you’re going to install the windscreen before measuring the height. Will you install from top of fence down, bottom of fence up or centered? Measure the height of your fence in at least one place and write the measurement on your diagram. If your fence has different heights, measure each one and note them on the diagram.

6. To Measure Gates: Typically, windscreens aren’t used on gates, but you can if you want to. Measure from the inside of the tension bar to the inside of the next tension bar (or outside to outside, if you’re working alone). For height, measure from the top of the bottom rail to the bottom of the top rail. Consider the height of the other windscreens and how you plan to install them, so you can align the bottom of the gate windscreen with the bottom of the fence windscreen.

Measure the transom (the section above the gate) from inside the tension bar to inside the next tension bar. For height, measure just below the top rail to the top of the rail above the gate’s opening.

Note: It is safest to round down 1-2 inches to allow for any tape slackness or error in measurement, since gate windscreens are more noticeable. It is easier to adjust for shortness than to deal with a windscreen that is too long.

Important Measurement Notes

• We recommend that you leave 4 inches of space between the bottom of the windscreen and the field to avoid windscreen damage from field maintenance work.
• The recommended length of a windscreen section is 75’ for easier installation and storage, although they can be made up to 100’ long.
• Windscreens can be manufactured up to 9’ tall without a heat seal. Taller windscreens are designed with a weld in the middle.
• Windscreens that are 6’ or taller are made with a lacing lip that is halfway up the back, which will need to be secured.

For the best quality customized windscreens and privacy screens, visit us at CoverSports!