Anti-hail netting durability: how long it lasts and how to extend its life

When a grower invests in an anti-hail netting installation, they expect two things: real protection and durability. And rightly so. The service life of the netting can make the difference between a profitable investment and an installation that causes problems ahead of time. In this article we explain what the real durability of anti-hail netting depends on, how long it can last under normal conditions and what maintenance we at Novafrut recommend to get the most out of it for as long as possible.

What does the service life of anti-hail netting depend on?

Although the material is key, there are several factors that directly influence the longevity of a net:

• Yarn quality and UV protection: our NovaNet® nets are made in Spain with 0.32 mm yarn and additives that withstand up to 950 kly of UV radiation, which prevents them from being degraded by the sun.
• Local climate: areas with strong winds, heavy rain or frost can reduce service life if the installation is not well designed.
• Correct installation: tension and fastening must be right. A poorly tensioned net ages sooner.
• Net colour: it matters more than you might think. White or grey nets suffer less thermal stress than black ones, for example.

Estimated service life of NovaNet® anti-hail netting

Under normal conditions and with proper maintenance, our anti-hail nets have an average lifespan of: Type of net Estimated service life Anti-hail netting 10 to 15 years Windbreak netting More than 20 years Bird netting 8 to 12 years Shade netting 3 to 5 years These figures may vary slightly depending on the colour of the net, the orientation of the farm and the local climate.

What maintenance does anti-hail netting need to last longer?

A well-cared-for net not only protects for longer. It also avoids spending on premature repairs or replacements. At Novafrut we recommend:

• Checking tensioners and anchors at least once per season to detect any slack.
• Avoiding excessive snow loads: our installations are not designed to keep the net deployed under snowfall. It must always be folded in winter.
• Removing fallen branches or plant debris that could create localised tension on the net.

The key is to install well and maintain even better

A quality net that is poorly installed can fail within a few years. A good net, well installed and well maintained, can keep working for more than a decade without losing effectiveness. At Novafrut we take care of the whole process, from technical design to assembly and training on how to look after it. We also provide you with a practical video covering the basic maintenance guidelines.

Would you like durable netting tailored to your farm?

Our team will advise you with no obligation and can visit your farm to design the most efficient and resilient installation.