AMERICANA ILLINI User manual

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 1Illini Installation Guide
Before You Begin:
• Consult your local building department for any required permits
You may be required to obtain a building permit for this structure. Contact your local building
department for details.
• Read instructions thoroughly
Please read all instructions and notes carefully prior to assembly. Americana is not responsible
for replacing parts lost or damaged due to incorrect assembly.
• Check for all parts
Use the Parts and Hardware List to check for any missing parts. To prevent scratching of painted
materials, place on a tarp or other protective material.
• Prepare surrounding area
Remove any obstructions around shelter location. Shelter installation should be scheduled after
all concrete and masonry work in the surrounding area is completed.
• Assistance is required during entire assembly.
CAUTION
• Proper site preparation is required.
• Standard shade structure design does not include additional loads such as hanging heavy plants,
swings, or other objects.
• DO NOT stand or sit on the shade structure roof.
• Repair or replace broken parts immediately.
• This kit contains parts with metal edges. Please be careful when handling.
ILLINI SHELTER
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Contact us at:
1-800-851-0865 or
www.americana.com

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 2Illini Installation Guide
Tools Needed for Installation
Installation Notes and Tips
• Complete site preparation before beginning assembly.
• It is VERY IMPORTANT that the current footing layout is obtained from the manufacturer before
pouring any footings or setting any anchor bolts.
• Anchor bolts are NOT included and must be furnished at the time of installation. Consult local building
codes and the provided manufacturer’s drawing for required anchor specifications.
• We recommend using high quality stainless steel anchor bolts in areas with a corrosive climate.
• If the shelter is set on a concrete slab, the slab must be level so that all posts will be at the same
elevation when mounted and anchored down.
• If the shelter is set on an unlevel surface, it will bolt together if assembled with all bolts loose.
When the bolts are tightened, some of the steel joints may have gaps and the unit may not be
exactly plumb. However, the strength of the structure will not be affected.
• In areas with frequent rain, the slab or footing elevation should be at least 1” above the elevation of
the surrounding landscape to prevent water from ponding around the base plate and anchor bolts.
• DO NOT attempt to assemble on a day with strong winds.
• Have assistance nearby to lift and secure parts in place.
• As is common in the erection of all types of metal structures, due to job site conditions (unlevel slabs,
footings, etc.), slight modifications such as reaming of some holes or drilling new holes may become
necessary and must be done on the job site.
• Predrilling holes and removing metal shavings and debris from between components before fastening
together will help prevent rusting or staining of the surrounding surfaces.
• Cutting and drilling metal components will cause shavings which must be carefully removed by
sweeping or brushing. If this is not done, the metal shavings will rust and stain the surface finish.
• It is recommended to lower the speed of electric drills during this installation. Installing Tek screws at
a high RPM may cause the Tek screws to become damaged or break during installation.
Safety Glasses
Tape Measure Carpenters Level Electric Drill
Screw Driver
Flat & Phillips
Ladder
Socket / Hex Head Driver
Sizes: 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/4”,
1”, 1-1/16”
Other Required Tools: Gloves, Chalk Line, Silicone Caulking
Recommended Tools: Rubber Mallet, Carpenters Square, Pliers, Metal Hack Saw
NOTE: Heavier equipment such as a forklift, boom lift, or lift table may also be required.
Socket / Ratchet Wrench
Sizes: 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/4”,
1”, 1-1/16”

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 3Illini Installation Guide
CORRECT TOO LOOSE TOO TIGHT
Installation Notes and Tips (continued)
• Avoid over-driving, under-driving, or driving at an angle to properly install fasteners. Over-driven
fasteners can depress the material and allow water to collect around the fastener, which will corrode
the surface finish. Under-driven fasteners can cause leaks and may back out over time.
• The center-to-center spacing of the roof panel locks must be maintained as the panels are installed.
If this is not done, problems may not show up until towards the end of the installation when parts may
appear to be cut too short or too long. If this happens, check each roof panel spacing and re-set if
necessary.
• We strongly recommend using a high grade sealant, such as our 100% silicone caulk and sealant.
Caulking should be applied uniformly and without skips. A poor caulking job can cause leaks.
Note: These are basic installation guidelines for our standard load units and may not be suitable to your
specific installation. It is important to follow all local and national building codes when installing any
exterior improvement product. If you have questions regarding the proper installation of any Americana
product, please call us toll free at 1-888-442-2928 and ask for assistance. Hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm
Central Standard Time, Monday - Friday.
Refer to the provided manufacturer’s drawing for details and special notes.
Americana will not be responsible for delays or lost installation time due to failure to follow all instructions.
Care and Maintenance
Every 12 months your shade structure should be inspected and maintained by:
• Tightening loose nuts and bolts at all connections.
• Repairing damage to the finish to prevent corrosion.
• Replacing lost or damaged fasteners, brackets, and other parts.
• Replacing brittle or cracked sealer to prevent leaks.
• Removing obstructions and miscellaneous build-up from gutters, eaves, and downspouts.

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 4Illini Installation Guide
Steel Rafter
B
Ridge Cap
Part Code: 11517
EProjection Fascia
Part Code: 11316
F
Roof Panel W Style
Aluminum Part Code: 10307
Galvalume Part Code: 30106
HCorner Cap
Part Code: 60820
JKScupper
Part Code: 90241
L
Steel Edge Beam
C
Steel Post
ASteel Ridge Beam
D
Parts List
NOTE: Length and quantity of parts will vary based on the size of the shelter.
Cover Plate
I
Gutter
Part Code: 11120
G
Peak Cap
Part Code: 60055

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 5Illini Installation Guide
#8 x 1/2” Screw
Part Code: 20102
AA #12 x 1-1/4” Screw
Part Code: 20201
BB
1/2” Hex Bolt
Length Varies
CC 1/2” Hex Nut
Part Code: 20530
DD
1/2” Washer
Part Code: 20910
EE
Hardware List
Screws shown actual size.
NOTE: Bolt diameter and length determined by factors such as loading requirements, plate
thicknesses, etc. Always check the provided manufacturer’s drawing for bolt specifications
required at each connection point.
5/8” Hex Bolt
Length Varies
FF
5/8” Hex Nut
Part Code: 20531
GG
OPTIONAL Parts
Gutter Splice
Part Code: 60501
N
Steel Purlin
M
18” Wide Standing
Seam Panel
Part Code: 30120
O

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 6Illini Installation Guide
NOTE: All required concrete work must be
completed and anchor bolts set prior to beginning
this installation.
STEP 1
Set posts (A) over anchor bolts. Position the post
and install base plate washer and anchor bolt nut.
DO NOT completely tighten bolts at this time. This
will help when installing other components.
Repeat for all remaining posts (A).
STEP 2
Position rafter (B) over posts (A). If rafter includes
purlin stubs, these must be on the outside of the
shelter.
Attach rafter (B) to posts (A) using (4) 1/2” hex bolts
(CC) and 1/2” hex nuts (DD) at each connection.
NOTE: If noted on drawings, 5/8” hex bolts (FF) and
5/8” hex nuts (GG) may be required.
Repeat for all remaining rafters (B).
1
2

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 7Illini Installation Guide
STEP 3
Position edge beam (C) at the end of rafters (B).
Attach using 1/2” hex bolts (CC) and 1/2” hex nuts
(DD).
Repeat for remaining edge beam (CC).
OPTIONAL - Upper Purlin Assembly
Depending on size and loading requirements, your
shelter may require additional purlins (M).
Attach upper purlin (M) to rafters (B) using 1/2” hex
bolts (CC) and 1/2” hex nuts (DD). If the holes in the
mounting plates are slotted, 1/2” washers (EE) must
also be used.
3

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 8Illini Installation Guide
STEP 4
Position ridge beam (D) centered over rafters (B).
Attach using 1/2” hex bolts (CC) and 1/2” hex nuts
(DD).
STEP 5
Once the steel frame is completed, tighten all bolts
and nuts at each connection.
Position cover plate (I) over the access hole at the
bottom of post (A). Attach the cover plate to the
post using (6) #12 x 1-1/4” screws (BB).
Repeat for all posts (A).
4
5

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 9Illini Installation Guide
STEP 6
Position ridge cap (E) over ridge beam (D). Attach
using #12 x 1-1/4” screws (BB) at 8” on center on
both sides.
If installing ‘W’ style roof panels (H):
Continue with Step 7
If installing standing seam roof panels (O):
Continue with Step S1 on page 11
STEP 7
Position roof panel (H) over edge beam (C) and in
ridge cap (E). The side of the roof panel should be
flush with the end of ridge cap (E) and overhang
edge beam (C) a minimum of 4”.
Attach roof panel (H) to edge beam (C) and purlins
(M) using #12 x 1-1/4” screws at 8” on center.
Attach the top end of the roof panel to ridge cap (E)
using #8 x 1/2” screws (AA) at 8” on center.
NOTE: Depending on loading requirements, your
shelter may require (2) screws (BB) at each roof
panel valley into edge beam (C) and purlin (M).
Check the provided manufacturer’s drawing for
details.
6
7
SIDE VIEW

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 10 Illini Installation Guide
STEP 8
Position the next roof panel (H) over the lock of the
panel already installed and snap the locks together.
HINT: Holding a spare board under the locks and
tapping on top with a rubber mallet may help when
joining roof panels.
Slide the panel into ridge cap (E) until the bottom
end is flush with the previous panel. Attach the
panel to edge beam (C) and ridge cap (E) as shown
in Step 7.
Repeat to install all remaining roof panels (H).
NOTE: To achieve best roof panel installation,
it is very important to hold the 24” center-to-
center spacing of the roof panel locks at the
top and bottom of the panels.
STEP 9
Position gutter (G) over the bottom end of roof
panels (H) with an equal amount of overhang on
both ends. Attach the bottom and top lips of gutter
(G) to roof panels (H) using #8 x 1/2” screws (AA)
at 8” on center.
NOTE: DO NOT push the gutter all the way against
the roof panels. It is necessary to leave a small gap
for water to drain properly.
Repeat to install remaining gutter (G).
Continue on page 12.
8
9
FRONT VIEW
SIDE VIEW

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 11 Illini Installation Guide
OPTIONAL - STANDING SEAM ROOF PANELS
STEP S1
Position roof panel (O) over edge beam (C) and in
ridge cap (E). The side of the roof panel should be
flush with the end of ridge cap (E) and overhang
edge beam (C) a minimum of 4”.
Attach roof panel (O) to edge beam (C) and purlins
(M) using (3) #12 x 1-1/4” screws per panel. Attach
the top end of the roof panel to ridge cap (E) using
(3) #8 x 1/2” screws (AA) per panel.
STEP S2
Position the next roof panel (O) over the lock of the
panel already installed and snap the locks together.
Slide the panel into ridge cap (E) until the bottom
end is flush with the previous panel. Attach the
panel to purlin (M) and ridge cap (E) as shown in
Step S1.
Repeat until all roof panels (O) are installed.
NOTE: To achieve best roof panel installation, it is
very important to hole the 18” center-to-center
spacing of the roof panel locks at the top and
bottom of the panels.
Continue with Step 9 on page 10.
S1
S2
FRONT VIEW
SIDE VIEW

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 12 Illini Installation Guide
OPTIONAL - Gutter Splice
Complete this step only if gutter (G) is in two or
more pieces.
Apply a generous amount of caulk to the back and
bottom of gutter splice (N) to prevent leaks. Insert
an equal amount of the splice into the ends of the
gutters (G).
Attach gutter (G) to gutter splice (N) using (4) #8 x
1/2” screws (AA).
STEP 10
Position projection fascia (F) over either end of the
roof so that the straight cut end is flush with the
front of gutter (G). The angle cut end should be
approximately centered with ridge cap (E).
Attach projection fascia (F) to roof panels (H) using
#8 x 1/2” screws (AA) at 8” on center through the
top lip.
10

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 13 Illini Installation Guide
STEP 11
Fit corner cap (J) over projection fascia (F) and
gutter (G) at any corner of the shelter. Attach using
(4) #8 x 1/2” screws (AA).
Also place a screw through the top lip of projection
fascia (F) into the top lip of gutter (G).
Repeat to install all remaining corner caps (J).
STEP 12
Position peak cap (K) over projection fascia (F) at
either end of the shelter. Attach using (4) #8 x 1/2”
screws (AA).
Repeat to install remaining peak cap (K).
11
12

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 14 Illini Installation Guide
STEP 13
If optional downspout kit was received with your order,
you may not have received scupper (L). Follow the
separate downspout assembly instructions attached.
Determine the desired location to drain water from
gutter (G). Cut a hole no bigger than 2” diameter in
the bottom of the gutter. Alternatively, drill several
small holes in a rectangular pattern no bigger than
2” x 3”.
Apply a generous bead of caulk around the top
flange of scupper (L). Attach the scupper to gutter
(G) using (2) #8 x 1/2” screws (AA).
Repeat for any remaining scuppers (L).
13
ASSEMBLY COMPLETED
• Touch up paint has been supplied with the shelter to cover minor scratches or bolt and screw
heads. Use a template to achieve a good finish and minimize over-spray.
• Be sure to sweep or brush all metal shavings off the shelter and leave the shelter in a clean
condition to help prevent the rusting or staining of the surface finish.

Americana Outdoors, Inc. 15 Illini Installation Guide
Warranty
What the Warranty Covers:
Americana Building Products (Americana) warrants its products that have been installed in accordance
with the installation guidelines, under normal usage conditions, and with proper maintenance as follows:
Twenty-five (25) year limited warranty on steel against material failure and defects. Ten (10) year
warranty against peeling, cracking, blistering, or crazing of the surface finish of aluminum and steel
components. One (1) year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Period of Coverage:
The warranty period begins on the date of original shipment.
What Americana Will Do To Correct Problems:
If defects or damage of the kind mentioned above should occur within the warranty period, Americana will
replace the defective parts only; FOB its plant at Salem, Illinois, upon receiving the written and
documented claim of purchaser.
What the Warranty Excludes:
Because of normal aging and weathering of materials, it may not be possible to perfectly match the colors
of original parts and replacement parts. Americana will not provide or pay for the installation of such
replacement parts. Americana shall not be responsible for weather related failures, damages due to faulty
installation, misuse or abuse of the product, or for consequential damages, including personal injuries or
property damages. There are no warranties, express or implied, which extend beyond the description on
the face hereof.
How Do You Get Service:
If you believe that you have a claim under this warranty, submit a copy of your original receipt or other
reasonable evidence of the date of purchase, the identity of the product, and photos and a description of
the allegedly defective product to the address below. Please also include your name, address, and phone
number so that a customer service representative can respond to your submission. Ultimate
determination of the existence and extent of any claimed defect under this warranty shall be made by
Americana in its sole discretion.
Submit Claims To:
Americana Outdoors, Inc Warranty Claim, P.O. Box 1290, Salem, IL, 62881
Effective Date: March 19, 2012
P.O. Box 1290 ● #2 Industrial Drive
Salem Illinois 62881
Phone: [phone] ● Fax: [phone]
www.americana.com