1. Upon receiving your shipment of FRP Classic column covers, please locate the factory numbers which identify matching sets of column parts. Please ensure that sets are kept together for best results. You will receive the following parts:
a. 2 ea. - Column half column shafts with capital attached.(Some columns may be provided with detached capitals.)
b. 2 ea. - Column base/plinth halves.
2. The column shaft and capital spans from beam to deck through base. The base/plinth fits around the shaft. The shaft DOES NOT sit on top of the base/plinth.
3. Determine the position of the center point of the column by dropping a plumb line from the beam to the deck. This procedure will identify the center of the plinth so that the column capital will align properly with the beam.
4. Provide and install blocking for the attachment of the capital to the beam using non-corrosive fasteners. Recommended materials for blocking use are either metal or fire-treated wood. The blocking should be permanently attached to the beam and should match the configuration of the capital.
5. Provide similar blocking for the base of the shaft and base/plinth of the column following the instructions outlined in Item #3.
6. Measure distance from beam to deck to verify shaft/capital overall height. If necessary, cut shaft halves to length using a saber saw or hacksaw. Be sure to allow for any pitch in the deck.
7. Position first half of shaft/capital in position with seam side away from the front of the structure.
8. Attach first half of the shaft/capital to the blocking at the top and bottom of the column using non-corrosive fasteners. You may also attach the column to intermediately placed blocking along the shaft/capital seam to further secure the column shaft.
9. Apply a small amount if polyester resin or polyurethane adhesive to the ship-lap joint on each half column to bond the halves together, remove excess.
10. Install the second half of the shaft/capital by placing it in position next to the first half and secure with banding straps every 18" on center over the entire length of the column.
11. Drill and countersink holes through the second half of the column shaft/capital into the ship-lap flange of the first half 6" on center. Fasten the two half columns together using non-corrosive wood screws or 1/8" pop rivets. Do not over tighten.
12. Install the base/plinth around the column shaft in a similar manner (Be sure to check for level prior to installing base.) If leveling the plinth to accommodate for pitch in deck is needed, use fine toothed saw, sand edge smooth after cutting.
13. Sand the column 3" on either side of the ship-lap joint, using #200 grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for the joint filler application.
14. Apply masking tape vertically on the column 3" on either side of the ship-lap joint and apply a thin layer of polyester body filler over the joints and fasteners.
15. Remove the tape and feather the body filler into the columns. Sand the filled area to a smooth uniform contour.
16. Prime the filled area and finish paint the column with urethane or oil based primer and paint.
17. Fill all joint seams and screw head holes with fiberglass auto body filler. Sand smooth and paint with high quality paint.
*** TIPS TO ENSURE A QUALITY INSTALLATION:
a. Be sure to add catalyst to the polyester resin prior to application.
b. Pre-fit both halves of the base/plinth and capital to the blocking prior to installation.
c. Lightly sand the surface of the column covers and wipe them down with wax and grease remover to remove buildup prior to painting.
d. Use high quality Urethane Paint for the finish coats. Water based paints are NOT recommended.
Step 1: Wipe down the entire column surface to be painted with wax and grease remover.
Step 2: Lightly sand the surface of the column with fine sandpaper.
Step 3: Repeat step 1.
Step 4: Prime seam areas where body filler has been applied. Priming the rest of the column is optional.
Step 5: Paint columns with a urethane base paint for best results. Oil base paint may be substituted but will not achieve as good a result as urethane base paint.
Step 6: Melton Classics does not recommend the use of latex or other water based paints for its FRP ClassicTM fiberglass column covers.