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Congratulations on the purchase of your Solair retractable awning. This product will provide years of service and protection from the effects of the sun s harmful rays while providing a comfortable and elegant outdoor living space. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the working parts of this unit as well as its recommended usage. 2
Topic Page Precautions & Warnings 4 Transporting and Unpacking the Awning 5 Parts Lists 6 Tools needed for Awning Installation 7 Installation a) Location Review 8 b) Mounting Height 9 c) Bracket Location 10 d) Bracket Alignment 11 Mounting a) Brick and Hollow Block 12 b) Solid Cement block or Concrete 13 c) Wood Frame 14 d) Siding 14 e) Optional Mounts Hood 15 Ceiling or soffit 15 Roof mount 16 Fasteners 17 Motor 18 Final Adjustments and Pitch adjustment 19 Trouble Shooting 2021 Warranty Sunbrella 22 PS1000 23 3
Precautions and Warnings Failure to comply with these recommendations and usage guidelines could result in physical harm and potential property damage. The Solair awning is intended for sun protection only The Solair awning is not designed to withstand heavy winds or rain Never grill or barbecue under or near your retractable awning. Keep the fabric away from direct flames or any heat source Caution should be observed when retracting awnings. Hands should be kept away from moving parts when motors are in operation Motorized awnings should never be operated if the wires are frayed or damaged. Note: Motors should be protected from direct contact with water. See appendix for additional information Only qualified installation service associates should attempt awning repairs It is imperative that the recommended installation techniques are followed to ensure full coverage of the warranty 4
Transporting and Unpacking Your Awning All Solair awnings are shipped semiassembled with the exception of mounting brackets and optional hood kit. If you notice something is missing, please contact your retailer immediately. When handling the awning: Do not drop or drag the awning, even while it is still in packaging. It is best to carry the awning by the square support bar. Retractable awnings are long, heavy, and cumbersome; please handle appropriately. For planning and estimating the weight, you can use 10 pounds per foot of width of the awning. This number varies, but it will provide you a good estimate of the overall weight. Please plan to have the appropriate manpower available for the installation to handle the expected weight. What s in the box? Semiassembled motorized awning Crank Wall brackets (2 each) Remote transmitter Optional Hood Kit (boxed separately) 1) Be careful not to cut the fabric (if preordered) or arm restraints when unpacking 2) Damage to the exterior box should be documented and communicated to Solair Shade Solutions customer service at 800.786.1876 as soon as possible. Photographed evidence of damage is preferred. 5
Prior to installation take the time to familarize your self with the parts description listed below. 1 Wall Bracket 7 Motor Bracket 13 Front Bar Attachment 2 Roller Tube 8 Roller Tube Support 14 Front Bar End Caps 3 Decorative End Cover 9 Winding Brace 15 Front Bar 4 Gudgeon with Pin 10 Support Tube 16 Retainer Pins 5 Motor 11 Shoulder with Pitch Adjustment 17 Plastic Bearing 6 Motor Crown 12 Arm 6
Tools Suggested for Awning Installation The following is a list of recommended tools. Depending on the installation location, additional tools may be required. Tool List: Ladders Level Chalk line Variable speed drill Range of drill bits Hammer Screw driver Open end wrench Socket set Utility knife 2 ea. 8 10 ft. 1 ea. 4 6 and small torpedo level 4 6 For installation in brick and block a hammer drill may be required 1/8 to 1/2 Bit type appropriate for surface being drilled Flat and Phillips Metric 13 mm Tape measure Minimum 25 Marking pencil Allan wrench Extension cord Fasteners Caulk and caulking gun Vice Grip Domestic and metric sizes combined Metric sizes 2.5mm, 5mm and 8mm Exterior grade to be determined once the site has been evaluated Exterior type 7
Location Review Please check the following, ensuring: An uninterrupted span (A) free of light fixtures, down spouts or other obstructions Appropriate height for awning operation (C) (casement windows and out swinging doors may interfere with awning operation) Straight and true mounting surface, free from bows or dips (you may need to use shims to ensure a flush mounting surface) Appropriate construction to support awning load (unusual construction of OSB, metal stud or Dryvit type coverings may not be appropriate for awning installation) Location of acceptable power source for motor plug (motor location should be closest to power source) Extended awning area (B) is free from trees, electrical wires or other obstructions It is critical the awning be mounted to a structural member of the building. Common structural members are studs, rafters and header boards. Surface sheathing, plywood or chipboard will not support the awning. 8
a. Mounting Height When determining the proper height to mount an awning on a wall, two factors must be considered: Pitch the slope of the awning when extended. Recommended pitch is 15 degrees. Front bar height the height of the front bar when the awning is extended. Recommended front bar height is 7. The Solair is factory set with a 15degree pitch (this is also referred to 3 of drop per foot of projection). The pitch allows water to run off the awnings if accidentally left out in the rain. An awning s pitch can be adjusted to a minimum of 5% (or 1 ) of drop per foot of projection. The mounting height refers to the height off the ground where the bottom of the brackets should be attached to the structure. Below is a chart showing the minimum bracket mounting height with the front bar at 7. *In the case where the minimum recommended pitch cannot be obtained, you must be vigilant in retracting the awning in windy and inclement weather. 8 6 should be considered the minimum mounting height WARNING: Awnings with a shallow pitch are more susceptible to gathering water and should never be left unattended in even a light rain. If water is allowed to puddle on the fabric cover, it could have a devastating effect on the longterm performance of the awning. 9
b. Bracket Location The mounting location of the brackets is a function of both the construction of the structure and the layout of the awning. The available mounting points on the structure will usually determine the final bracket placement. The mount must be completely in balance to ensure a high level of performance. The following are guidelines rather than rules: Guideline 1: Inspect the awning to determine the location of the arms and where they connect to the support tube; these will change depending on the width of the awning. Note location of arms Guideline 2: Determine where the awning will be mounted on the structure and note the resulting position of the arms. It is preferable to leave at least 3 on each side of the arm attachments to allow future access to the locking nuts of the pitch adjustments. Guideline 3: Determine all available mounting points on the structure. If this is a block or cement structure, the complete span of the awning may be available for bracket mounting. If the structure is wood, structural members (studs, rafters, etc.) will determine the bracket locations. Guideline 4: Choose your bracket locations A bracket must be attached to the structure within 12 of each arm attachment. We strongly recommend placing these to the outside of the arms if possible. If the structure does not allow an outside connection, slightly inside the arm connection is permissible. The balance of the remaining brackets should be distributed as evenly as possible between the two farthest brackets. Always be sure that the brackets are installed in a structural wall member. 10
c. Bracket Alignment Correct alignment of the awning brackets is critical to a good installation. As awnings are built to be square, it is imperative that the brackets are installed to reflect this design. Brackets must be Level Brackets must be Plumb Brackets must be in the same plane Bowed Walls when stretching your chalk line you may find the surface is bowed. It is imperative the brackets are shimmed out to produce a flush alignment. Forcing the support tube into uneven brackets will result in alignment problems with the arms and fabric cover. 11
Mounting Surfaces a. Brick and Hollow Block Installation Caution: Make sure that the face is structured and not just an unsupported façade. Make sure the bricks are full brick and run from the ground through the second floor. Do not bolt into the top row of bricks or close to an outside corner. Do not mount into mortar. Do not use a hammer drill. All of the above could create a weakened joint that will not support the weight of the awning. Fastening Options: It is imperative that the fastener does not compromise the strength of the brick or block. For increased security it is recommended you tie into the wood studs behind the brick. Common fastening systems include: o Plated lag bolts with lead shields o Sleeve anchors Plated Lag Bolt Sleeve Anchor o Epoxy type fastener systems o Tapcon Large diameter Concrete Anchors Tapcon Concrete Anchor If you have questions, consult a fastener supplier for specific recommendations. b. Solid Cement Block or Poured Concrete Installation Cautions: Check to see that the wall has not deteriorated and is uncompromised. Avoid mounting into the softer mortar perimeter or near the corners of the structure. Make sure the holes are cleaned out and free of dust. Fastening Options: It is imperative that the fastener does not compromise the strength of the brick or block. For increased security, it is recommended that you tie into the wood studs behind the brick. Common fastening systems include: o Wedge Anchors o Epoxy type fastener systems Wedge Anchor o Tapcon Large diameter Concrete Anchors 12
c. Installation into wood frame construction Cautions: When installing in a wood frame structure, it is imperative that you secure the mounting brackets to a structural member of the building. Normally a wall stud or header would be appropriate. As stud finders are often unreliable when used on the exterior surface of a structure, the following technique may be employed to help in their location: o Find a door or window on the wall closest to where the awning will be installed. o Measure from the edge of the window or put a piece of masking tape on the window in a vertical position. Make sure you can see the tape from both inside and out. o Move to the inside of the house and use a good quality stud finder to locate the studs. o Make careful record of the distance from the tape or jam to where the studs are located. o Move and transfer these measurements to the outside wall by measuring from the jam or taped window on the outside of the structure and mark these locations. o This will give you an estimate of where the studs are located. Lag bolts must be centered or you run the risk of splitting the stud o Drill a series of small holes using a 1/8 drill bit along the mount line to determine exact center. Unused holes should be filled or caulked. The awning will cover all holes when installed. Do not bolt in to the surface without first drilling a ¼ pilot hole Do not overtighten or you will strip the threads Fastening Options: 3/8 Lag screw long enough to penetrate the stud a minimum of 2.5 13
a. Vinyl or Fiber Cement Sided Housing Sided housing creates an uneven mounting surface. The surface has to be level for awning installation. There are two basic options to achieve this. Please use the rules above for determining the exact location of the studs. The two options both require screws be placed squarely into the studs. Option 1: Using a wood header board Recommended when the siding is solid like fiber cement or HardiePlank Mount a 2 x 8 board to the house for a nonhooded awning and a 2 x 10 board for a hooded awning. Ensure the header board is attached into studs o Two bolts per stud o Use spacing rules similar to the bracket spacing Fasten the awning brackets to the header board o Recommendation is to use long bolts so the awning bracket is secured by both the header board and stud. Stain or paint the board to protect and match the color of the house. Option 2: Using spacers Recommended when the siding is hollow like vinyl siding Ensure all attachments are into studs Spacers can be made from o 1/2 PVC Piping for spacers less than 2 o 1/2 galvanized pipe for spaces greater than 2 Follow rules for finding studs Drill a 1 whole through the siding and 3/4 to 1 into the stud Determine the exact length of the spacers to ensure the brackets are in the same plane and flushed to the outermost point of the siding. Caulk around the bracket 14
d. Optional Mounts Hood: There are an equal number of hood attachments as there are brackets Installation of hood is best preformed after the awning is installed into the wall brackets. o Install the hood attachment bolts to the hood brackets o Slide brackets into the two channels on the underside of the hood (do not tighten bolts until final adjustments are made) o Install hood end covers with three screws supplied o Install the hood brackets with hood attached to the square support tube behind the roller. These should be spaced evenly and clear of any brackets or arm attachments. o Center from left to right allowing approximately 1.5 inches on each side. o Tighten all nuts and bolts with a 13mm wrench Ceiling or Soffit: Used when mounting under porch or eave Requires soffit adapter purchased separately Soffit adapter must be mounted to studs Follow mounting rules for brackets Use guidelines for bracket spacing identical to the mounting bracket guidelines After installation of the soffit bracket, attach the mounting bracket to the soffit bracket in the holes provided. 15
Roof Mount: Adequate mounting height and clearance is critical to the function and safety of product. If the minimum mounting requirements cannot be met (see page 11) on a wall, additional height may be available by securing the awning to the roof utilizing roof mount brackets. There are some limitations to this type of installation; however, they often provide a good solution to overcome the mounting height problem. You will need one roof mount bracket for every mounting bracket, which are purchased separately Roof Mount brackets must be installed into studs Mounting brackets will be installed on to the roof mount bracket using 1/2 carriage bolts or M10 X1 bolt depending on the model Bracket Adjustment: Roof Brackets are adjustable to accommodate a variety of roof angles It is not necessary to have the brackets completely vertical as a slight variation can be accommodated with the pitch adjustment of the awning arms They should; however, be uniform in their settings Roof mounts can be adjusted to the pitch of the roof see instructions supplied with the brackets Brackets should be mounted reasonably close to the edge of the roof, but high enough to ensure a secure mount If they are mounted higher on the roof it will diminish the projection of the awning and prevent access to the gear or override motor As with the wall brackets, it is imperative that the roof mount brackets be secured or fastened to a structural member of the building All brackets should be level, plumb and in the same plane so the support tube (Square bar) of the awning can be easily inserted into the brackets Restrictions: Roof mount brackets are not recommended on Slate or Tile roofs as they may cause cracking of the surface. Check with manufacturer for recommendations on any metal seam roofing products. 16
Fasteners In traditional wood constructed structures, 3/8 galvanized or plated lag screws should be used. They should be long enough to penetrate 3 into the rafter. If other construction is encountered, consult a fastener supplier for the best fastener application of similar size and load. All fastener points should be caulked with a long life exterior Silicone or similar product. Fastener sources: In addition to your local hardware store the following are good sources for fasteners and information regarding fastening options: Concrete Fastening Systems 18884985747 Supplies a variety of fasteners for installation in block and concrete. www.confast.com Fastenal National distributor of fasteners and related tools and bits Many store locations www.fastenal.com HILTI 18664458827 National distributor of fastening systems and specialty tools related to the construction industry www.us.hilti.com Concrete Fasteners Online source for all types of fasteners going into concrete and cement block. Online how to video for various types of fastener installs. www.concretefasteners.com Bolt Depot 18663379888 Large selection of fasteners for all types of install www.boltdepot.com Tapcon Concrete Anchors www.homedepot.com www.menards.com 17
To increase the upper limit. Note the position will change a little at a time while turning the key Turn the WHITE key clockwise continuously until the desired limit has been reached. To decrease the upper limit. Note: this step may have to be repeated to achieve the desired setting. Turn the WHITE key counterclockwise several turns. Lower the awning halfway, then raise the fabric to check the new setting. To Increase the lower limit (extend) Note: the position will change a little at a time while turning the key. Turn the RED key clockwise continuously until the desired limit has been reached. To decrease the lower limit Note: this step may need to be repeated to achieve the desired setting. Turn the RED key counterclockwise several turns. Raise the awning halfway, then extend the awning to check the new setting 18
Final Adjustments a. Check for Levelness Upon completion of the installation the awning should be extended and checked for level b. Connection to Power The awning should be plugged into an exterior outlet to obtain power. Utilize the remote to extend the awning. If it is desired to hard wire the awning contact a licensed electrician who can perform the installation according to local electrical codes. Note: An electrician should create a breaker in the line so the motor can be reprogrammed in the unlikely event that it loses power. c. Pitch Adjustment PS1000 The PS1000 is shipped with the pitch set at 15 degrees. Maximum pitch is approximately 30 degrees. To make further adjustments follow the directions below. 1. Extend the awning 2. Loosen the two 17mm Locking nuts on the side of the upper arm attachment. 3. If lowering the arm, loosen the 6mm arm adjusting bolt. Arm will lower with the loosening action of the bolt. Once desired pitch is attained, retighten the 13mm lock bolt on the top of the upper arm attachment. 4. If raising the arm, release the pressure on the 13mm lock bolt. Lift the arm to the desired pitch. Additional releasing of pressure on the lock bolt may be required to allow the arm to be raised to the needed location. Once desired pitch is attained, tighten the 6mm arm adjusting bolt. 5. Retighten the two 17mm lock nuts. 6. Check to see that arms are in alignment to each other and front bar is level. It is always recommended to take the pressure off of the arm by raising the front bar slightly when making this adjustment to prevent stripping the shoulder housing. See YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvreobn6ry 19
Troubleshooting If arms are not synchronized and one arm closes or retracts before the other and does not meet the support tube simultaneously. 1) The front bar attachment should be adjusted. From the closed position extend the awning out about two feet. Loosen the two 8mm nuts on the front gar arm attachment on the arm that closes fastest. Slide the attachment slightly outward toward the end of the awning front bar. Check and readjust if necessary. Arms are not closing equally or level with each other. 1) The wall is not straight and the support tube (square bar) is bowing. Shim the brackets to straighten installation. 2) Brackets may not be supporting the unit evenly, relocate the brackets for a level installation (see page 13) Awning is squeaking or making a snapping sound when extending or retracting. 1) Make sure the two 8mm bolts at the back of the arm are tight and the arm is securely fastened to the square bar. 2) Make sure the 10mm nut at the bottom of the front bar coupling is not overly tightened. 3) Lubricate the plastic bushing at the round pin end opposite of the gear or motor. Awning is level when extended but not when retracted. 1) Awnings arms are damaged from severe wind conditions. Please contact your supplier for replacement arms 2) Awning is not level when installed on the wall. Check the awning and level if necessary. Fabric is shifting, telescoping on the roller tube as the awning is retracting. 1) Awning is not level when installed on the wall. Check the awning and level if necessary 2) Cover may have been manufactured incorrectly and is out of square. Please contact your supplier. Motor does not respond to the remote 1) Check the power connection to the motor. 2) The motor may not be programmed. See programming instructions. 3) The motor may be overheated. Let the motor cool down for 15 minutes and try again. 4) The remote may not be working. Press one of the buttons on the front and confirm the light illuminates. If not, please replace the batteries. 20
The motor is not stopping consistently or not stopping at all. 1) Limits may not be properly set. Refer to limit setting guide. 2) Make sure the two 8mm bolts at the back of the arm are tight and the arm is securely fastened to the square bar. 3) Make sure the 10mm nut at the bottom of the front bar coupling is not overly tightened. 4) Lubricate the plastic bushing at the round pin end opposite of the gear or motor. Motor will only work if you hold the Up or Down button 1) Motor was not completely programed. Reprogram the motor following the instructions Motor chatters when extending or retracting 1) Ensure the power to the outlet is sufficient to drive the motor 21
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