U.S. General Services Administration
Historic Preservation Technical Procedures

10296-02
INSTALLING THE NEEDLE STRIP BIRD DETERRENT SYSTEM ON HORIZONTAL
PROJECTING SURFACES


BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE WORK IN THIS PROCEDURE, CAREFULLY
REVIEW PROCEDURE 10296-01-S WHICH DESCRIBES THE ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BIRD DETERRENT SYSTEMS
USED ON BUILDINGS.  ALL METHODS OF BIRD CONTROL HAVE LIMITED
EFFECTIVENESS, MAKING THE SELECTION OF A SYSTEM DIFFICULT. 
SPECIFIC FACTORS, INCLUDING CLIMATE, BUILDING LOCATION, AND BIRD
SPECIES MUST BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN ORDER TO SELECT THE MOST
APPROPRIATE SYSTEM.  ALL BIRD DETERRENT SYSTEMS ARE TEMPORARY
SOLUTIONS TO A PROBLEM AND, AS SUCH, SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN A
MANNER WHICH IS REVERSIBLE AND DOES NOT DAMAGE THE STRUCTURE OR
MATERIALS DURING INSTALLATION OR REMOVAL.


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

     A.   This procedure includes guidance on installing the needle
          strip bird deterrent system.  This type of system is most
          commonly used on horizontal projecting surfaces such as
          ledges and window sills. 

     B.   The needle strip system consists of rows of needles or
          spikes pointing vertically upwards. These spikes are
          intended to make it difficult for larger birds such as
          pigeons to land.  This type of system is easy to install,
          has a long life-span, and is environmentally safe. 
          However, the design of this system enables debris to
          collect between the spikes (including nesting material)
          and requires routine cleaning to be effective. 
          Furthermore, this type of system is designed to deter
          larger birds and, therefore, is not as effective on
          smaller species.

     C.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
          reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
          cover the following sections:

          1.   Safety Precautions

          2.   Historic Structures Precautions

          3.   Submittals

          4.   Quality Assurance

          5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

          6.   Project/Site Conditions

          7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

          8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

          These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
          this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
          along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
          Preservation Officer (RHPO).

1.02 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

     A.   Environmental Requirements: Do not use adhesive on wet or
          damp surfaces or when temperatures are above 120 degrees
          F or below 45 degrees F.


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

     A.   Nixalite of America, Inc.
          1025 16th Avenue
          P.O. Box 727
          East Moline, IL 61244
          800/624-1189 or 309/755-8771

2.02 MATERIALS

     A.   Needle Strip: Stainless steel strips with 120 needle-
          sharp points per foot, such as "Nixalite Architectural
          Bird Control Systems" (Nixalite of America, Inc.), or
          approved equal.  Specific model type will depend on the
          desired location for installation and the species of
          bird.

     B.   Anchors: RB clip with nylon anchors and stainless steel
          nails, recommended for use on masonry such as (Nixalite
          of America, Inc.), or approved equal.

     C.   Adhesive: Cartridge adhesive (Nixalite of America, Inc.),
          or approved equal.

2.03 EQUIPMENT

     A.   Masonry drill

     B.   Hammer


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 PREPARATION

     A.   Surface Preparation: Remove all bird excrement, from the
          application area.  See 04510-02-R for guidance. 
          Application must take place after masonry cleaning
          operations are completed, but may be scheduled for work
          while staging is in place.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

     NOTE: OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM RHPO BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THIS
     WORK.

     A.   Mark on mounting surface where holes for nylon anchors
          are to be drilled at ends and intersections of strips, as
          recommended by manufacturer and approved by RHPO.  Place
          base strip of system not more than 1-1/4" from outside
          edge and not more than 2-1/2" from building wall.  Follow
          manufacturer's recommendations for spacing between rows.

     B.   Drill 5/16" diameter holes, 1" deep.

     C.   Insert nylon anchors in holes and insert stainless steel
          nails with RB clips with nylon anchors as recommended by
          manufacturer.  Drive flush with a hammer.

     D.   Apply a 1/2" bead of adhesive directly to the surface
          where the base bar will be positioned, as required. 
          Apply adhesive to the underside of the Nixalite base bar. 
          Do not apply more than 8' of adhesive at one time.

     E.   Firmly press bar of Nixalite into center of adhesive with
          a slight sliding motion.  Slip ends and intersections of
          bar into RB clips.

                          END OF SECTION


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