ShadeTree The Forester User manual

2012
The Forester
Using ShadeTree®Aluminum Overhead Tracks
suppo ted by a wood suppo t st uctu e e ected on site.
ShadeTree®Canopy Systems Assembly Instructions
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC |6317 Busch Blvd. |Columbus, Ohio 43229 |800-894-3801 |fax [phone] |www.shadetreecanopies.com
Dear Customer:
Thank you for purchasing our ShadeTree®Canopy System. We trust these assembly
instructions will be satisfactory for your installation. If you have any questions, please feel
free to call 1-800-894-3801.
And here’s a special offer we’d like to make to you: Send us a photo of your new
ShadeTree®installation and we will send you $50 if we use your photo in our advertising
materials. Before and after pictures will receive an additional $50. A deck or patio that is
nicely furnished helps us communicate to prospective customers how nice a ShadeTree®
patio can be.
We hope you enjoy your new ShadeTree®patio canopies.
Sincerely,
Colin LeVeque, President
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC.

Canopies supported by a wood frame
The Forester ShadeTree®Canopy Systems Assembly Instructions
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC — For questions or assistance call 800-894-3801 .
2
Tracks
End (Mounting)
Brackets
Cross Members
Top Lock Brackets
These instructions assume one end of the tracks will be attached to the
house and the other to wood frame supports constructed on site. It is
recommended that the vertical posts of the wood support frame be
constructed of at least 4” x 4” lumber. Construction of vertical posts with
2” x 4” lumber is discouraged. There are only small differences between
standard track and Heavy Duty Track for projections over 16’. Look for *’s
to find special instructions for Heavy Duty Track.
End (Mounting)
Brackets
Fabric canopies.
Pre-assembled with rollers,
ready to insert into tracks.
Aluminum Overhead System
(supported by a wood frame)
Track Extender
Top Lock
Brackets
ShadeTree®Canopies 1
Track Hardware Kit 2
Tracks 2
ShadeTree®Canopies 2
Track Hardware Kit 3
Tracks 3
ShadeTree®Canopies 3
Track Hardware Kit 4
Tracks 4
ShadeTree®Canopies 4
Track Hardware Kit 5
Tracks 5
1 section
5’-4” or 4’-2-1/4” wide*
2 sections
10’-8” or 8’-4-1/2” wide*
3 sections
16’ or 12’-6-3/4” wide*
System Width:
Overhead tracks from house
Canopy
4 sections
21’-4” or 16’-9” wide*
Wood support beam
and posts constructed
on site
*on center of outside tracks. Please add an additional 4” to total width for mounting brackets (2” on each side).
5’4”
10’8”
16’
21’ 4”
Parts for
The Forester Canopy System
(using aluminum t acks)
Quantity
Typical wood frame
You can support your ShadeTree®Forester
Model with a simple wood frame:
All systems are custom-made and shipped with the following kits
and parts included. This chart is intended as a check-off list only.

ShadeTree®Canopy Systems Assembly Instructions The Forester
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC — For questions or assistance call 800-894-3801 .3
Step 1 Attach End ounting Brackets
Mount the End Mounting B ackets on each center mark, using
the center notch as a guide. The B ackets should be mounted so
the slanting edge of the bracket is to the top (as in illustration).
Be sure to mount the brackets level with each other. Drill four
pilot holes with a 1/8” drill bit. Fasten the B acket with four 1-1/4”
long #10 Wood Screws (B) . . . any other type of screws (such as
masonry screws for brick or stone) can be purchased from your
hardware store. The B acket can be used as its own template for
marking pilot holes.
When mounting to house, b ackets must be attached
to well-secured wood, b ick o stone.
• If mounting to a house with wood siding, or to wood trim, use
the 1-1/4” long #10 Wood Screws (B) provided.
• If mounting to a masonry wall (brick or stone) concrete
fastening screws must be used. Consult your hardware store
for the best fastener for your situation.
• If attaching to stucco, aluminum, or vinyl siding, the screws must
make contact with wood. On two story houses, this can usually
be done in the area of the second floor joists. When no wood can
be found to carry the canopy load, it is recommended to attach
a 1’’ x 4” board to the home (see illustration below) . . . horizontally
at the height desired for the canopy. The board can then be
secured by screws into each stud. On aluminum or vinyl siding,
tighten the bottom screws
only enough to hold board
snugly. Over-tightening can
compress the siding. The
board can be painted or
stained to match the siding.
Mark the center location for each
End Mounting B acket (one at
each end of the track) on the wood support system and on the
house. The marks made should be placed 5’-4” or 4’-2-1/4” apart.
Be sure to allow approximately 2” on the outside of each
outermost mark for inserting bolts into the brackets.
Center notch for 5’-4” or 4’-2-1/4” alignment
Allow 2” beyond
center of bracket
2”
Step 2 Attach Extenders
Attach an Extende to each of the End Mounting B ackets that are
mounted on the house, using the 2-3/4” bolts (C) and nuts (D)
provided. Be sure the top of the
Extende is up (as shown).
Loosely hand-tighten the nuts.
c
d
(Attached at
house)
Screw or nail into
studs to support
1” x 4” board
Aluminum or
vinyl siding
1” x 4” board
*Extenders are used on
both ends when using
Heavy Duty track.
Fasteners & hardware provided:
Tools required:
1. Phillips screwdriver
2. hand drill
3. 3/16” drill bit
4. 1/8” drill bit
5. pencil
6. bubble-type level
7. tape measure
8. hacksaw
9. 8’ ladder
11⁄4” Long
#10 Woodscrew
F010
Nut
F002
Allen Wrench
F009
23⁄4”
Long
Bolt
F001
B.
D. E.
C.
A.
3/4” Long
Tapping Screw
F005

The Forester ShadeTree®Canopy Systems Assembly Instructions
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC — For questions or assistance call 800-894-3801 .
4
Pull each canopy section out to the position where you want it to
end. Place a Top Lock B acket on the top of the track. Tighten the
set screws with the Allen wrench provided (F) . . . making sure the
Top Lock B ackets are completely pushed down on the track before
tightening.
Test the slide lock in the Top Lock B acket and tighten or loosen the
adjusting screws as required for the desired tension. Turn the
adjust screw clockwise for greater tension; turn counter clockwise
for less tension. Repeat this step for each Top Lock.
Step 6 Installing the Top Lock Brackets
Pull each canopy back to the fully retracted position. Place another
Top Lock B acket on each track at this point to hold the canopies in
retracted position. Tighten the set screws.
NOTE: The locking system is designed to release the canopies in
high winds to protect the canopies. The adjusting screws can be
used to adjust the tension. Do not over-tighten as this could
increase the chance for canopy damage in high winds.
Step 5 Locking the End of the Canopy
Position the Rolle Lock Pin in the track at the point where you
want the canopy positioned. Once in place, it can be secured with
the set screw. Repeat on each track. (On masonry houses, it is
recommended to leave a few inches between the canopy and the
house to prevent scuffing of the canvas during windy weather) .
You can now insert the
canopies, starting at
the end of the tracks
closest to the house.
Insert the Rolle s of the
front C oss Membe
first. The front C oss
Membe is the one that
has a Slide Lock on the
roller at each end.
When inserting, ensure the lock tab is pointing up as shown
here. Be sure the canopy is oriented so the Fab ic Clamp is
facing up as shown. Continue inserting the remaining Rolle s
until the entire canopy is up. Install the remaining canopies
using the same procedure.
Step 4 Installing the Canopies
Secure tracks to the Extender
using supplied 3/4” Tapping
Screws (A) through the
bottom of the track.
Step 3 Install Tracks
Extender
2-3/4” bolt (C)
End
Mounting
Bracket
Lock washer (E)
Nut (D)
Roller Lock Pin
Top Lock Bracket
Adjust Screws Note: Top Lock Bracket should
face away from the house for
the retracted position and to
the house for the extended
position.
Back/End
Top Cross
Member
Heavy Duty Track
Insert an Extende into one end of the track. Do not install screws
at this time.
Swing the opposite end of the track up and fasten it to the
opposite End Mounting B acket, (furthest from house) using the
same type 2-3/4” bolt (C) and nut (D) used at the other end.
Tighten the nut just snugly . . . do not over-tighten. Repeat for
each track provided.
Return to the end of the tracks where the Extende s are located . .
. move the Extende s back and forth until the two holes in the
bottom of the track align with two holes in the Extende . Install
two 3/4” Tapping Screws (A) and tighten.
Snugly tighten the nut on the bolt holding the Extende
to the End B acket. Do not over-tighten.
Standard Track
Front
Top Cross
Member
Lock Tab
(Tab must
point
upward)
Slide lock Roller

Lay the canopy on a flat clean surface.
The extra fabric length should be
removed from the back end of the
canopy. This is the end opposite the
handle. Remove the Rolle Sleeve
assemblies at both ends of the back
canopy C oss Membe . To do this, first
fully extend the Rolle , then push down
on the locking tab and pull Rolle Sleeve
outward (Fig. 2A).
Remove the Fab ic Clamp. To do this,
insert a flat head screw driver between
the canopy fabric and the Fab ic Clamp.
Pry upward to release the Fab ic Clamp
(Fig. 2B).
From the back end of the canopy,
measure the same distance that was
taken off the track length. Make a mark
at this distance on both outside edges
of the fabric (Fig. 2C).
Place the Bottom C oss Membe
(aluminum) underneath the canopy,
centering it on the two marks. Position
the Bottom C oss Membe so the
punched square holes at the ends are
facing downward. Holding the Bottom
C oss Membe in this position,
reassemble the Fab ic Clamp by
snapping the Fab ic Clamp in place at
both ends and pressing down, working
toward the center (Fig. 2D).
Insert the Rolle Sleeve assemblies back
into the Bottom C oss Membe , ensuring
that the locking tab engages the
corresponding punched square hole in
the Bottom C oss Membe (Fig. 2E).
Measure the canopies to ensure the desired length is correct
before trimming off excess canopy material. Remove the
canopies and place on a flat, clean surface. To remove the excess
canopy material, use the edge of the Fab ic Clamp as a guide
when cutting with a sharp utility knife (Fig. 2F).
ShadeTree®Canopy Systems Assembly Instructions The Forester
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC — For questions or assistance call 800-894-3801 .5
Each canopy has the handle overhang approximately 18” from the
tracks. This drop handle is for opening and closing the canopies,
but it is also important for catching the wind to cause the wind-
release mechanism to activate. Therefore, we encourage you NOT
to shorten it. However, if you must have less than an 18” overhang,
follow the instructions below for shortening the handle height.
1. Remove the screws in the handle and open the handle
the entire width.
2. Cut the fabric to the desired length.
3. Carefully close the handle and re-insert the screws
provided – do not overtighten.
4. Reinstall the top caps in the end of the handle.
Step 7 Adjusting Handle Height (optional)
1/2” from end
1/4” mounting hole
If your application requires track lengths in a shorter increment
than provided, then you can cut the track using a hacksaw or
miter saw. Ensure that the cut is square. Cut the excess length
from the end of the track that has the 1/4” side holes.
Once the cut has been made, two 1/4” mounting holes must be
redrilled. Refer to the figure below for the location.
Step 8 Shortening Track Length (optional)
If you have shortened the track length, you will also need to
shorten the canopy length, see the step, Step 9.
1” from end
* for Heavy-Duty Track, two 5/16”
holes need to be made on center at
1” from the end on the bottom and
2” from the end on the bottom. This
is because the Heavy-Duty Track
requires extenders on both ends.
2” from end
Standard Track
Step 9 Shortening Canopy Length (optional)
Fig. 2A
Fig. 2A
Fig. 2B
Fig. 2B
Fig. 2C
Fig. 2C
Fig. 2D
Fig. 2D
Fig. 2E
Fig. 2E
Fig. 2F
Fig. 2F

The Forester ShadeTree®Canopy Systems Assembly Instructions
ShadeTree Cool Living, LLC — For questions or assistance call 800-894-3801 .
6
Care and cleaning of your ShadeTree®Canopies
1. ShadeTree®tracks should be cleaned regularly to keep
debris and dirt from accumulating and interfering with the
rollers. Simply use a mild detergent with a small soft brush,
such as a toothbrush, and gently wipe or brush along the
inside of the tracks. To maintain a smoothly operating
system, apply a paste car wax such as KitTM or TurtlewaxTM to
the roller tracks. Allow the wax to dry then wipe off with a
clean, soft cloth. Note: Do NOT use oil or any wet lubricant,
such as WD-40, on the tracks as it would attract more dirt.
For ultimate performance, use ShadeTree®EasyRider Track
Lubricant.
2. Fabric should be cleaned regularly before substances such as
dirt, roof particles, etc., are allowed to accumulate on and
become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be cleaned
without being removed from the cross members. Simply
brush off any loose dirt, roof particles, etc.; hose down and
clean with a mild natural soap in lukewarm water (no more
than 100º F.) Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. DO NOT USE
DETER ENTS! For ultimate performance, use ShadeTree®
Canopy Cleaner old & ildew Stain Remover.
3. For stubborn stains soak the fabric for approximately 20
minutes in a solution of no more than 1/4 cup (2 oz.)
natural soap per gallon of water at approximately 100º F.
Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all of the soap.
Note: Excessive soaking in bleach can deteriorate sewing
threads. This method of cleaning may remove part of the
water repellency and the fabric should receive an application
of an air-curing water-repellent treatment, such as APCO,
UNISEAL, SUNSEAL or similar products, if water repellency is a
factor. For ultimate performance, use ShadeTree®Canopy
Cleaner old & ildew Stain Remover and ShadeTree®
Water Repellent.
4. When washing or cleaning, DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE
HEAT as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM PRESS OR DRY
IN ELECTRIC OR AS DRYERS, but allow to air dry.
5. In cases where canopies are taken down & stored, they should
be cleaned and allowed to air dry, before being stored in a dry,
well ventilated area.
How to remove ShadeTree®Canopies
for end-of season storage:
1. Remove the Top Lock Brackets at the “retracted” end
of each track (see step 9.)
2. Loosen the Roller Pin Lock which holds the last Cross
Member in a fixed position (see step 8.)
3. Then simply roll the Cross embers out of the
“retracted” end of the track. The tracks can remain up
year-round.
4. If a canopy is dirty and requires washing before
storage, simply spread the canopy on a driveway or
other flat surface. Wash, using a broom and bucket of
warm water and a mild soap, such as Ivory Snow.
Be sure to rinse well by hosing with a clear water. Allow to
air-dry completely in the sun before rolling canopies up for
storage. (Do not store wet canopies!)
Here’s a chance to earn $50!
We regularly use pictures in our advertising materials. If you
send us reproducible pictures of your new ShadeTree®
canopy installation, and we use them in any of our
advertising, we will send you $50. Interesting before-and-
after pictures will receive an additional $50. Of course,
attractive landscaping and patio furniture will be a factor in
selecting pictures to be used. Architects, builders and
installers will receive credit mentions in the advertising.