FiberCrete™ Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete “GFRC” Column Installation Instructions

  1. Remove all material from crate(s) and stage marked column sets at locations to be installed. Verify all material has been received in good condition, and notify freight company immediately should there be any damaged material.
  2. For columns less than 24″ diameter and shorter than 10′ high, the columns have been manufactured to the specified/ordered height. Verify that field conditions have not resulted in any dimensions that may require cutting of the column shafts. Should cutting be required, utilize masonry saw blades with the appropriate saw (saw preference may vary depending on size of column, and tools available).
  3. Determine the position of the center of the capital above, and the center of the base below to ensure proper and plumb installation.
  4. Locate blocking (and/or framing) as indicated on the supplied shop drawings. Install blocking using treated lumber (fire and/or pressure treated pending location and local code requirements) or metal (angles, track, etc.). Fasteners must be a non-corrosive type (Stainless steel fasteners are recommended). Size and spacing of fasteners is recommended at #12 screws spaced at 12″ O.C. However, certain geographical locations require additional attachment due to wind and/or seismic considerations. Consult your local building department for actual requirements.
  5. Identify screw locations for all parts to correspond with blocking locations (and framing where applicable). Pre-drill and counter sink all screw-holes accordingly. Be sure to countersink as required to provide adequate depth for application of fill material.
  6. Melton Classics also recommends continuous framing along the shaft joint line to provide for attachment purposes. Also provide backing for final caulk or grout.

Once the above tasks have been completed, the remaining install instructions will be dependent on the column type ordered. See the below headings for the specific column type.

Shaft with Attached capital, Loose Base

  1. Position the first column shaft half to align with all blocking (and framing where applicable). Orient column joint/seam as desired and attach in place with non-corrosive screws (Stainless steel screws are recommended). Use of a structural adhesive is also recommended in addition to the mechanical fasteners.
  2. Position the second half of the shaft to align with the first half as desired, and secure as previously noted. Depending on individual design tastes, the shafts can be positioned against each half with a space to allow for caulk or grout, or fit against each other tight. Spacing of the two halves should be predicated on concerns regarding final finish, water integrity, column location, etc. Consult your contractor/architect/designer if necessary.
  3. Once the shaft has been secured, position the base around the shaft and blocking, and secure as previously instructed for the shaft.

Shaft with Attached Base & Loose Capital

  1. Position the first column shaft half to align with all blocking (and framing where applicable). Orient column joint/seam as desired and attach in place with non-corrosive screws (Stainless steel screws are recommended). Use of a structural adhesive is also recommended in addition to the mechanical fasteners.
  2. Position the second half of the shaft to align with the first half as desired, and secure as previously noted. Depending on individual design tastes, the shafts can be positioned against each half with a space to allow for caulk or grout, or fit against each other tight. Spacing of the two halves should be predicated on concerns regarding final finish, water integrity, column location, etc. Consult your contractor/architect/designer if necessary.
  3. Once the shaft has been secured, position the capital around the shaft and blocking, and secure as previously instructed for the shaft.

Shaft with Loose Capital & Loose Base

  1. Position the first column shaft half to align with all blocking (and framing where applicable). Orient column joint/seam as desired and attach in place with non-corrosive screws (Stainless steel screws are recommended). Use of a structural adhesive is also recommended in addition to the mechanical fasteners.
  2. Position the second half of the shaft to align with the first half as desired. Depending on individual design tastes, the shafts can be positioned against each half with a space to allow for caulk or grout, or fit against each other tight. Spacing of the two halves should be predicated on concerns regarding final finish, water integrity, column location, etc. Consult your contractor/architect/designer if necessary.
  3. Once the shaft has been secured, position the base around the shaft and blocking, and secure as previously instructed for the shaft. Repeat procedure for installation of the capital.

Once the columns are installed, finish the screw-holes and joints as follows:

Grout Finish

  1. For columns that do not have continuous framing at the joints, insert backer rod as required
  2. Apply grout material (provided separately). Tool joint as desired. Consult directions of grout material for joint preparation.
  3. Repeat procedure for joints at base and/or capital.

Caulk Finish

  1. For columns that do not have continuous framing at the joints, insert backer rod as required
  2. Apply caulk material (provided separately). Tool joint as desired. NOTE: Should final finish of the columns include paint, be sure that caulk material selected/specified is a paintable caulk.
  3. Repeat procedure for joints at base and/or capital.

Screw Holes
Finishing of the screw holes can be accomplished similar to the ways identified for filling the joints. Select the finishing method that best accomplishes the desired final finish. When using grout to fill the screw holes, be sure to use a liquid bonding agent to secure adherence of the grout to the screw head.

Finishing Instructions
Make sure the columns are completely sanded and wiped down to remove any oil or grime. Thoroughly clean off all sanding residue. Apply one coat of high-quality masonry primer. Then apply two coats of high-quality masonry paint. Follow masonry paint manufacturer’s application instructions.