Are you ready to DIY AstroGuard installation in Gulf Shores? We’re going to walk you through the DIY AstroGuard installation process for your home in Gulf Shores.
Measuring the Areas, You Intend to Cover
Draw a sketch of your house, showing where each piece of your DIY AstroGuard installation in Gulf Shores will go. Starting at the front door and moving clockwise, number each opening to your house.
Materials Needed
- Tape measure
- Pencil and paper
For proper DIY AstroGuard installation in Gulf Shores, ensure you take the right steps for the different materials and different entry points. For example:
- With concrete openings, overlap the opening by four inches wherever possible
- With wood-framed openings, overlap by one inch.
Standard Concrete Opening for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
For these openings, you must first measure the width and the height.
Doors, Garage Doors, and Sliding Glass Doors for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
To measure these spaces, overlap the left side, right side, and top by four inches.
Windows for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
To measure windows, add four inches on all four sides of the opening.
Lanais for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
To measure a lanai for coverage, overlap the left side, right side, and top by four inches.
Trim or Other Decorative Molding on a Window or Door for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
To ensure the proper coverage of decorative window elements, measure far enough past the trim to allow four inches of fabric to lay flat against the wall.
Stucco Band for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
To cover a stucco band that’s thicker than half an inch, measure outside the band.
Standard Wood-Framed Openings for a DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
Most wood-framed houses will be fitted with a double 2×4 frame around every opening, so to adequately cover these openings, you must:
- Place anchors in the center of the 2×4 framing
- Measure one inch beyond the buck opening on each side
For each opening, write down:
- Width and height
- Type of opening (e.g., window, door, or garage)
- Sides to attach (e.g., left, right, top, and bottom)
- Surface type (e.g., concrete or wood)
- Number of clips needed to secure AstroGuard
Notes:
AstroGuard is attached with patented clips, most often placed every twelve inches along the attachment sides of the AstroGuard material. So, you will need to acquire these for the most effective security.
Consult the engineering documents included with your AstroGuard purchase for the proper clip spacing for your needs, as it may vary depending on your home and location.
How to DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
Materials Needed
- Power hammer drill for concrete
- Standard drill for wood
- 7/16” drill bit for deluxe anchor
- 7/32” drill bit for economy anchor
- The appropriate driver bit for the anchor purchased
- Cordless, Phillips head screwdriver
- AstroGuard material
- Clips and hardware (purchased with AstroGuard)
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Cutting surface (a large sheet of cardboard works well)
- Air duster
- 4-foot level
- Writing tool
- Ladder
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY AstroGuard Installation in Gulf Shores
Step One: Cut Material
Spread the AstroGuard material out on your cutting surface. Then using a box cutter or scissors, trim a piece to the size of your first measurement.
Step Two: Attach Clips
If you’re attaching the top, then start with the top. If you do not intend to attach the top, begin on the left.
Draw a mark 2″ from the corners. Then, with the help of your measure tape, mark the position of the other clips for that side. You will repeat that process for the other sides that need to be attached.
Space clips 12″ apart or use adequate spacing for the area you’re covering.
After you’ve attached the first clip, you need to connect the top and bottom clip pieces and slide the fabric in between them until the ends of the fabric are even with the first notch.
Using your cordless screwdriver, attach 8 screws to the clip as indicated in your instructions. Then, attach the remaining clips.
Step Three: Drill and Hang AstroGuard
Center and hold the fabric over the opening.
Use a permanent marker to place a mark in the upper left-hand corner, where the first clip will be attached. Drill a hole in that spot and install the anchor.
Fasten the fabric on the side you’re securing. Pull the fabric snugly across the opening and mark the clip position on the other side. Be careful not to over-tighten the fabric.
Drill holes and install hardware on the other sides and attach the fabric.
Step Four: Remove Fabric and Label
Once all of your fittings are in place, and the fabric is installed correctly, you can remove each piece. Make sure to label the fabric with the correct opening from your house drawing. Safely stow the AstroGuard fabric until you need it for an incoming storm. If you have questions please feel free to call us at (727) 488-8182 or contact us online.