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
Table of contents