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WEATHER

Netpro Pty Ltd design and build protective canopy structures to prevent damage from climatic extremes and events such as Hail and Wind, Heat or Ultra-Violet light. These types of structures have both agricultural and commercial applications.

 

HAIL PROTECTION

Hail protection structures can take one of two design formats, depending on prevailing weather conditions, and to a lesser extent, on budget.

THE NETPRO PATENTED PITCH SYSTEM:

• The NetPro patented Pitch System uses a stable (non-stretching) net erected in a pitched roof pattern. The falling hail is directed down the valleys so as to fall between the crop rows. A pitch structure is best able to withstand heavy falls and is the "rolls-royce" of the net systems.
• While initially requiring more capital this structure requires relatively low maintenance.
• The Pitch System can be enclosed on all sides for pest exclusion.
• For areas subject to snow fall, a retractable pitch system can be designed.

During the heavy hail-storm of 2006 in the Stanthorpe area, it was reported that the pitch systems performed well - see link below.

CANOPY PERFORMANCE UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS:   Published Article - more...

FLAT ROOFED STRUCTURES:

• Flat Roofed Structures perform well in areas of light to moderate hail.  They consist of a “quad” net supported by a tensioned cable grid.  Light falls will pocket in the net, stretching the net down between the crop rows.  In the event of a more severe storm, damage can occur and possible maintenance may be required.
• “Quad” nets come in a range of sizes:  12mm – 24mm.  Typically, 12mm quad would be recommended for areas of frequent storms; and for snow-prone areas a retractable flat system can be designed.

While hail incidence may be the major factor determining net choice, other considerations include crop type, shade requirements, and other purposes for which the net is intended (such as pest protection). Contact Netpro for the recommended cloth types for your area, and to discuss the other benefits that protective canopies may provide.

  

WIND PROTECTION

Wind Protection can be a specific design element, or it can be a beneficial side-effect of a structure primarily built for a different purpose.

A protective canopy structure can reduce wind factors (Tech. Ref. **1) dependent on cloth density and canopy design (angled or vertical side-cloths).

NetPro also constructs vertical wind-break structures.  These structures are designed and engineer-certified to suit individual purposes and height requirements - from vineyards or kiwi-fruit to sports-fields.

TECHNOLOGY IN NEW ZEALAND, VOL 5, ISSUE 1, FEB-MAR 2007:   Published Article - more...

 

Wind Protection for industrial areas with litter, dust or chemicals can be a specific design element, or it can be a beneficial side-effect of a structure primarily built for a different purpose.  Either Shadecloth or knitted netting can be used to protect crops and other valuable assets from the damaging effects of wind and wind-borne debris, or to contain damaging and polluting elements.

 

TESTIMONIAL -Scott Cobon - Southern downs Regional Council:   read testimonial CLICK HERE

            

UV / SHADE

SHADE and protection from Excessive Heat and / or Ultra Violet Radiation can reduce stress and improve production in both plants and livestock. Netpro design and build protective Shade canopies for agricultural, nursery, industrial, domestic and stock applications.

PLANTS
Covering crops with any form of net or shadecloth will achieve varying degrees of protection from UV Light and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), much like the leaf canopy of a tree.

Different Nets or Shadecloth can provide different levels of protection, as tested to Australian Standards.  The exact amount of shade achieved also relates to design and installation variables.

 

 

STOCK
NetPro has developed a selection of proprietary products specifically for use as stock shade – generally used in intensive situations such as Feedlots.  NetPro shade materials have also been used in the aquaculture industry for heavy shading of abalone, and by a worm farm for the same purpose.  Articles that were published in Alpha Lotfeeding and other newspapers can be found in our Library.

INNOVATIVE SHADE SYSTEM FOR FEEDLOTS AND STOCKYARDS:   Published Article - more...

MONOFILAMENT PRODUCT SHEET:   More details CLICK HERE

 

PEOPLE
In 2004, NetPro launched its SMARTSHADE range, aimed at the domestic market in Australia.  This product is essentially designed for use as “people shade” but is very versatile and comes in a range of shade ratings, from 30% up to 95%.  NetPro has installed Shade canopies in private gardens, in car-parks, retirement villages, kindergartens and schools.

Shade canopies designed by NetPro are certified by a qualified engineer, and are subject to Q-Build inspection.

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH: SMARTSHADE BORDER POST ARTICLE:   Published Article - more...

More information on the role of protective canopies in moderating and adjusting environmental factors to increase production (particularly related to plant crops) can be found in the article Microclimate Under Permanent Net, and in our Library.
 

 

For both Wind and Shade protection, various grades of shadecloth are available; Quad Cross Over nets are also commonly used. 

Contact NetPro staff for a recommendation on the best cloth to achieve your purposes, or refer to our PRODUCT SHEETS.

Our most popular dam-cover design to protect water against evaporation and contamination uses a heavy grade shade-cloth.  More information can be found in the EVAPORATION section.