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To help you visualize what ArmorPanel™ panels look like, it is perhaps best to
start by explaining that each panel has grommets on only two of the four edges
of the panel material.
While it may have been your initial assumption
that all four edges of each panel would have grommets, the design of the
material and the strength of the system is predicated on the panels being
fastened to a structure with grommets on only two of the four panel edges.
Since each panel can be installed either vertically [the edges with
grommets running north and south] or horizontally [the edges with grommets
running east and west] we have elected not to use the common terms of 'length'
and 'width' to eliminate confusion due to the possible orientation of each
panel.
Instead, we have adopted two industry engineering terms to help
you understand and visualize each panel as it relates to how it will cover each
of your specific openings.
The two engineering terms are 'Span' and
'Non-Span' and it may take a moment to become accustomed to visualizing the Span
Edge and the Non-Span Edge.
Simply stated, the 'Span' edges of
ArmorPanel™ panels are the two opposing edges of material that do not contain a
line of grommets on 12" centers.
Conversely, the 'Non-Span' edges of
ArmorPanel™ panels are the two opposing edges of material that do contain a line
of grommets on 12" center.
A second measurement aspect that you may find
foreign is how ArmorPanel™ panels are measured.
 'Span'
measurements are made by measuring the distance [or span] between 'the center
point' of one grommet and 'the center point' of the opposite or opposing
grommet. Generally, the 'Span' distance or measurement will be about 3" less
than the overall measurement from panel edge to panel edge. As an example the
largest 'Span' panel we offer is 110 inches as measured between the center
points of the two grommets but if you were to measure the over all material, it
would measure about 113 inches.
'Non-Span' measurements are made by
measuring the distance from the edge of the panel material to the edge of the
panel material. Since there will be grommets every 12 inches on center along
each 'Non-Span' edge there is no need to calculate the distance between the
center points of 'Non-Span' edge grommets.
The final two aspects that
you should familiarize yourself with is how to systematically measure your
openings in your structure and the fact that NBI Corporation offers both custom
sizes and standard sizes of ArmorPanel™ panels.
With respect to
measuring your structure, we suggest that you start at the front door of your
house or structure and measure each opening by measuring the opening in inches
[width x height] and proceed counter clockwise around your house or structure
identifying each opening with a name and corresponding width x height
measurement. At each opening, determine how you are going to orient the panel to
the opening [which way the 'Span' and 'Non-Span' edges will run].
Last
but not least, you don't want to spend more money then you have to spend for
hurricane protection so the following information about custom sizes can save
you money.
Custom sizes are available, but they are more expensive than
standard sizes and may result in longer lead times.
We offer any
'Non-Span' length you need as measured to the nearest inch [from 12 inches to
144 inches] at no custom up-charge. Custom up-charge for are for 'Span'
measurements that fall outside our standard 'Span' sizes. That said, it is very
likely that you can save money by opting for round to the 'next standard size
up' in 'Span' measurement and cover more wall then it would be to order a panel
cut to a special 'Span' size.
Taking Measurements in Two Directions
Name and measure each of the openings that you will cover with
ArmorPanel™ by starting at your front door and working counter clockwise around
your structure.
Choose the right panel size for each opening; at each
opening take your measurements and decide your Span and Non-Span mounting
conditions. Decide if you can save money and avoid custom panels by 'rounding
up' to the next standard Span dimension for each opening.
NOTE: Keep in
mind that, at your option, ArmorPanel™ panels may be hung or installed in either
direction. Please make reference on your work sheet as to how you intend to
orient your ArmorPanel™ panels.
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