| QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ASKED ABOUT THE STACK STRAP "Will the strap weaken on the corner of the brick considering that there is no need for any corner plates and could the strap damage the brickwork?" The Plastics Department of Sunderland University has extensively tested the strap. Tensile strength tests have concluded that the strength of the strap is maintained when pulled over the corner of a standard house brick. Even when pulled to destruction the brick showed no signs of damage. A human hand even with the aid of a leverage tool could never apply the amount of tension required to achieve destruction of the strap. These tests also conclude that the "Stack Strap" will withstand any stress caused by wind load applied by any usual type UHF aerial; this includes large 'X' type high gain aerials. The "Stack Strap" has been developed to increase safety levels and speed of installation. Mast lengths and the size of the aerial applied to the mast will be as per traditional methods. "Will the strap degrade with sunlight or weathering?" Extensive testing at the Advanced Materials Research Institute at the Northumbria University has proved that after 9000 hours exposure to salt spray fog, which equates to 15 years in normal sunlight conditions, the strap will maintain 81% of its original state and strength. In the real environment, weather patterns in the UK could extend this figure to more like 20-25 years. "Why is it safer?" The "Stack Strap" can be installed without having to leave the safety of the cat ladder. This will be a benefit in adverse weather conditions, and will reduce damage to roof tiles etc by the installer not having to step onto the roof. There is no risk of cut hands due to the minimal preparation required for the strap as opposed to traditional lashing and corner plate methods. "Will I need a special tool?" The only tool required is a reasonable sized pair of pliers to cut the strap to the desired length and to form one end of the strap prior to inserting into the ratchet. "Is it really so quick to fit?" Due to there being no lashing wires to prepare or corner plates to put in place the "Stack Strap" can be fitted in 3-5 minutes. This is a considerable time saving when compared to the traditional lashing and corner plate method. After practice the "Stack Strap" can be fitted in less than 3 minutes. Feedback from engineers around the country who have tested the new "Stack Strap" include: "I thought that I had fitted it wrong, because I fitted it so quickly" "I never even had to leave the ladder, it was on in no time at all" "No more shredded fingers with lashing wires, great stuff" Early testing by Sky's technical team has proved very positive: "We like the principal of the Stack Strap. It does appear to make chimney installation safer and quicker" | 
