Section II.K.2. - Indoor Tennis Curtains, Dividers and Pads
Section II.K.2. - Indoor Tennis Curtains, Dividers and Pads
1.0
Scope
This guideline will provide suggestions for the proper placement, materials, and installation of backdrop curtains, dividers and column pads.
2.0
Purpose
A well-designed indoor facility utilizes backdrop curtains as a visual background for players and for ball control. Background curtains also define the playing area and may or may not guide traffic patterns to and from the courts. Additionally, they screen out distractions to the player.
3.0
Perimeter Curtains
A.
Curtains for the perimeter of the tennis court playing area should be provided and installed.
B.
Curtains should be a minimum of 10' high to a height as tall as the building allows (12' -14' is recommended), and should be designed to overlap from 12" - 24" and/or be laced together in order to prevent access between them. Colors may vary, but dark colors provide better contrast to allow players to see the ball.
C.
Perimeter curtain fabrics may be a minimum of ten ounces per square yard to a maximum suitable to the facility (18 ounces is recommended). Generally, heavier curtains offer greater life expectancy and durability. Perimeter curtains may be of a laminate style or spread-coated style. All curtains should meet the following flame retardant codes:
Federal Standard 5903
NFPA 701
UL 214
D.
1.
Curtains should be constructed with dielectrically welded seams.
2.
Two-ply, three-ply or web strap top hems may be appropriate depending on use.
3.
Brass grommets should be spaced a minimum of 6" to a maximum of 24" on center.
4.
Hardware appropriate to the suspension system should be installed.
5.
Side and bottom hems should be a minimum of two-ply to a maximum of three-ply.
6.
Rod pockets/weighted bottom hems may be appropriate in certain instances and are generally recommended with lighter weight curtains.
E.
The location of curtains, whether installed on guy strand cable, airplane cable or on a track system, should be:
1.
Up to 1" on the ground to provide good ball control, to optimize appearance and to minimize wear.
2.
Perimeter curtains should be located not less than 12" inside fixed obstructions. Obstructions should be padded.
3.
Walkway curtains should be located approximately 36" inside fixed obstructions.
4.0
High-Line Curtains
A.
White backdrop curtains above the perimeter curtains, called high-line curtains, may be provided and installed. Other colors may be appropriate as deemed necessary by the architect and/or owner. Light colored high-line curtains reflect light onto the court surface, aid in ball containment, compliment insulation and/or protect the walls.
B.
High-line curtains should extend from a minimum of 12" to a maximum of 24" below the perimeter curtains to a height appropriate for insulation and/or wall protection.
C.
1.
Fabric should be minimum of 10 ounces per square yard (12-14 ounces is recommended) vinyl, laminate or spread-coated material, flame retardant to the following specifications:
Federal Standard 5903
NFPA 701
UL 214
2.
Curtains should be constructed with dielectrically welded seams, two-ply or three-ply top hems with grommets a minimum of 18" to a maximum of 24" on center.
3.
Hardware as appropriate to installation should be included.
4.
Side and bottom hems should be two- or three-ply, as appropriate.
5.0
Court Dividers
A.
Court dividers should be provided and installed between courts.
B.
Court dividers should be one or more of the following:
1.
Dividers should be a combination curtain with the bottom portion made of solid vinyl and the top portion a vinyl coated mesh and/or netting.
2.
Dividers should be a vinyl coated polyester mesh, flame retardant to the following spec:
Federal Standard 5903
NFPA 701
UL 214
3.
Netting may be used as a divider and should be a minimum of #252 7/8" knotless nylon netting to a maximum of 1 3/4" knotted nylon, vinyl bound all around with grommets spaced a minimum of 18" to 24" top and sides, if required. Hardware may be installed appropriate to the suspension system.
4.
To avoid wear and tear along the bottom, the following options may be available:
a. A solid vinyl skirt similar to that specified for perimeter curtains.
b. A detachable net bottom (appropriate for netting only).
5.
Netting should be in two pieces that may be drawn to the ends for court maintenance.
6.
Netting should be dark green or black in color to minimize the visual impact.
6.0
Court Access
A.
Access may be as simple as entering/exiting through overlaps between curtains.
B.
Access may be facilitated by doorway entry flaps either cut into the perimeter curtains or suspended independently from the cable. A separate doorway curtain with viewing mesh window is recommended.
C.
Access and ball control may be enhanced with split wing entries which are part of the divider net and/or backwall curtains.
7.0
Suspension System
Perimeter curtains, high-line curtains and dividers can be supported by cable and turnbuckle, high-tension wire or a track system. High tension wire (3,000-4,000 lb. tension) is recommended because it is maintenance free and provides the best appearance.
8.0
Column Pads
A.
Each frame or column behind the perimeter curtains
should be covered with bonded foam pads.
B.
Pads should be a minimum of 2" thick.
C.
Pads should be constructed to extend 2" wider than
the frame or column to be covered.
D.
Top of pads should extend to a minimum of 7’ above
the finished floor.
E.
Pads should be attached to columns or frames by gluing,
lacing, wrapping around or other suitable method.
F.
Vinyl covers should be placed over exposed surfaces
of pads to improve appearance and durability.
G.
Any fixed obstruction within 12" of an opaque curtain
should be padded.
H.
Ladders, maintenance equipment, ball machines and
similar items should not be stored behind curtains.
9.0
Disclaimer
It is important to note that some of the issues addressed in this guideline can affect safety and potential liability. A professional with experience in this type of construction should be consulted prior to finalization of design and construction.
