Installation Instructions
The Solair lateral arm system is assembled
on a 1.575 square aluminum supporting tube. It can be easily
mounted to any surface, including wood face, ceiling, masonry,
roof, brick, or the wood rafters of an open overhang.
To install
the awning, first determine the ground clearance needed under
the front bar of the awning. On a private residence, this
would be at least 7 feet; on a commercial building it should
be a minimum
of 8 feet. The wall measurement (from front bar to center line
of roller) can be determined from the chart on Pitch.
If a steeper pitch is used, the drop of the front bar must
be added
to the
wall measurement.
Locate wall bracket spacing as shown on chart
Configurations.
All brackets MUST BE in line and level so the square support
tube will fit freely in the brackets. 3/8” x 4” galvanized
lag scres are reommended for use in wood studs. They should
also be used in masonry with a lead anchor or expansion shield.

Fastening to Surfaces
Many types of applications exist. Always check
with your supplier of fasteners and they can recommend the correct
one for your application.
Prior to installing the brackets on the wall,
mark the spot on the wall where the brackets will be mounted.
This step is done by placing the awning next to the designated
wall. Make sure the brackets are not to be mounted where the
arms attach to the support tube or where the center support (if
needed) is located.
Brick or Block
(a) Make sure that the face is structured
and not just an unsupported facade.
(b) Make sure the bricks are full brick
and run from the ground through the second floor, for sufficient
weight strength. The brackets should be bolted into the
wood beams or studs for security. For mounting into block
use toggle style fasteners. Longer bolts are needed.
(c) Make sure the wall is flat - if not,
the brackets will not align properly. If not flat, mount
a wood beam (2" x 8") on the wall and fasten
through the beam.
(d) Use the AU-10 and wall brackets and
if required AU-15 hood adapter. |
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Siding
Two common methods are used when fastening
into siding.
OPTION 1: Using
a pressure treated wood board
(a) Mount a (2" x 8°) board
to the house and fasten the brackets through the board
into the header and studs. Longer bolts are needed.
(b) It is wise to use a pressure treated
wood board. The board can then be stained or painted
to match the house.
(c) This type of installation will
cost more than average. It should include cost of additional
hardware, labor, and materials.
(d) Use the AU-10 and if required AU-15
Hood Adapter. |
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OPTION 2: Using
a spacer between the bracket and wood
(a) Find the studs or header on which
the awning can be
mounted.
(b) Drill a 1" hole 1-1/2" deep
down to the studs. Use a 1/2" pipe 1-3/4" long
as a spacer between the bracket and the wood stud. The
spacer should be cut to extend 1/4" beyond the surface
of the siding. Always caulk around the holes.
(c) Always pre-drill the studs to avoid
splitting them when tightening the bolts. Longer bolts
are needed than 4" in this case.
(d) Use AU-10 and if required AU-15 Hood
Adapter. |
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Wood Frame House
(a) Doors and windows can be used to
find the studs and headers. Use a stud finder and measuring
tape to locate the best spot for the brackets. Whatever
studs you can find on the inside can usually be utilized
on the outside. Make sure the bolts are long enough to
anchor 2-3" into the studs.
(b) Always pre-drill the
holes to avoid splitting the studs.
(c) Do not overtighten
the bolts or you will strip the thread. |
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Ceiling Mount
(a) Make sure the soffit or joists
are strong enough to support the extended awning.
(b) Make
sure you have enough clearance to mount the awning. The
minimum height of a retracted awning is 9" without
a hood. The unit can be made to be 6" high and is
called a "Superflat" version. This
is special order. AU 16-C ceiling brackets have
to be used when ordering superflat version. AU 16-C brackets
are an
additional cost. Superflat is only available up to 20" wide.
Call the office for directions if wider unit is desired
(hood is not required).
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| (c) Special beam brackets are available for joist overhang
installations. The beam brackets are additional cost. |
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Roof Mount
(a) This mounting type is recommended
when there is insufficient head clearance or obstructions
in the way. The brackets should be mounted as close as
possible to the edge yet far enough in to get a solid mount.
If the brackets are mounted close to the edge it is usually
possible to have a BMO override motor. (Check angle to
the ground)
(b) The fastening of this bracket is
similar to a wood surface mount. Make sure to locate the
roof rafters. Make sure the lag bolts penetrate at least
3" into the rafters.
(c) Pre-drill all holes with a
small drill bit. Caulk into the holes, under and around
the roof bracket to form a tight seal.
(d) This type of
installation can only be used on asphalt shingles and
does not work on slate or clay roofs.
NOTE: This is a more expensive installation.
An additional roof bracket needs to be ordered for every
standard wall bracket.
(e) Use AU-10 series bracket with
AU-15 for the hood.
NOTE: A hood is recommended with this
type of installation.
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