Installation Instructions

ManualsBrandsDixie Pacific ManualsBuilding materialsDixie-Pacific™ DuraCast™ 8 x 8' Fluted Round Fiberglass Column

The Dixie-Pacific

Split Kit includes everything needed to install a split

column. Columns that are split to surround structural supports should be

installed similarly to un-split columns. However, the following procedures

should be followed when putting the split halves back together:

1. Split columns are shipped from the factory with matching halves

wrapped together. Keep the column halves together as packaged and

mark the column halves by set numbers so that they cannot be mis-

matched. It is important to reassemble split halves as soon as possible

after shipping. We do not recommend storing for an extended amount of

time. Make sure column halves match before applying bonding adhesive.

Level and check your measurements, and then install split halves around

the structural support.

2.R

ejoin the shaft using a high quality, exterior, waterproof construction

adhesive suitable for fiberglass columns. Surfaces must be clean and dry

prior to applying adhesive. Follow adhesive manufacturer’s instructions

concerning use within temperature ranges and working time for best

results.

3. Align halves around the post or structural support and join together.

Clamp and tighten uniformly until adhesive sets. (Alternatively, nylon

reinforced tape wrapped very tightly around the column can be used.)

The compression should be applied approximately every 12" along the

length of the shaft.

4. Place aluminum plates across split at top and bottom of shaft. Mark and

pre-drill holes using a 7/64” bit.

5. Screw down one side of aluminum plate and then the other side of the

plate. The aluminum plates will bend around the shaft. This step should

be done for all plates.

6. After adhesive cures, remove the clamps, straps or tape. Rough sand

with 80 grit and finish sand with 120 grit or finer sandpaper.

7. Rejoin and attach the caps and base/plinths with the same adhesive.

8. A fiberglass boat repair kit or "Bondo" may be used as a filler

. Follow

the instructions on the package.

Suggested Adhesives: CX-948, OSI Quickbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive,

Macklandburg-Duncan Contractor’s Choice Multi-Purpose Adhesive, 3M-

5200 Adhesive, PL

-400, Titebond, Maxbond, or Akemi APF7

1. Secure column to sawhorse or table using scotches. Scotches should

be wrapped with cloth material to provide cushion and to avoid scratch-

ing column.

2. Place the scotches snugly against the column ensuring that the column

will remain in place while being cut.

3. After column is secured, a chalk line should be applied to the column.

To lay the chalk line, place a string over the base end diameter of the col-

umn to the center of the string ensuring that the string is centered. Mark

the column on the top where the string is centered. Run the chalk line

from the mark on the top end of the column to the mark on the base end

and snap the chalk line.

4. To make the bottom line, use a circumference measuring tape and

measure the circumference distance from the top mark and place a mark

on the bottom of the column.

5. Once both chalk lines have been applied to the column, set the saw

blade at the appropriate depth ensuring that it will pass cleanly through

the bead/astragal.

6. Use a circular saw with an abrasive blade. (Make sure to use personal

protective equipment.) Begin sawing from the base end moving to the

bead/astragal end. Rotate column and repeat sawing on the bottom.

(If you are installing Decorative Capitals, see ‘Decorative Capital’

section for a detailed drawing of the capital attach-

ment.)

1. Select desired location and trace short lines

at the top, midpoint, and bottom on both sides

of the split column.

2. Gage the thickness of the column wall and

trace lines to show where the inside wall will be

at the top, midpoint, and bottom. Note: W

all

thickness on fiberglass columns at the top is

widest because of the flare just above the bead.

3. Attach six wood blocks (two screws per

block) to the building wall just inside the traced

lines you marked in step two. The block

dimensions should be approximately 3/4" x 1

1/2" x 3". Make sure that the top and bottom

blocks are placed within the heights of the cap

and base so that finishing will not be required

with the countersunk holes.

4. Drill six holes in the column wall at the points

where the screws will line up with the blocks

installed in step three. Holes should be coun-

tersunk so that the head of the screw will be

slightly below the surface of the column wall.

5. Place the split column in position and fasten it to the wood blocks.

Screws should be snug. Do not over tighten because the column wall can

be damaged.

6. Attach split cap and base/plinths using dry wall screws. Make sure to

pre-drill holes. Fasten cap and base/plinth to wall, ceiling or floor.

7. Caulk joints and seam where the column edge meets the wall.

8. Patch over the countersunk screws at the midpoint of the column using

a two-part filler (i.e. "Bondo", Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit). The cap and

base/plinth will cover the counter screws at the bottom and the top.

Dixie-P

acific

does not recommend that the floor joist for a second story

porch or balcony be connected to a wood or fiberglass column. The rec-

ommended technique involves the use of a structural column or support

column (sometimes

referred to as a "lolly" col-

umn).

A joist hanger is attached to

the lolly column at the

appropriate height above

ground. The floor joist is

supported by the lolly col-

umn. The column itself

should be split and the con-

tractor can notch the col-

umn on the job site at the

appropriate height to allow

the floor joist to pass

through the column. The

weight supported by the

floor joist, however, does

not rest on the bottom of

the notch. Instead, the

weight rests on the lolly col-

umn. The split column is

reassembled around the

lolly column.

Note: This is a suggested

installation technique. Please contact a structural engineer to certify your

particular application.

TTACHING PANEL INSERT KITS and/or PANEL DIVIDER KITS:

1. Before installation, apply the panel insert pieces to the top and bottom

of each side of the column shaft. Each column will include (4) top panel

insert pieces and (4) bottom panel insert pieces. The pieces can be

attached to the shaft using a construction adhesive. Follow the instruc-

tions on the package.

2. If using panel divider pieces to achieve a two-panel or three-panel col-

umn, they are attached in the same manner as the panel insert pieces.

First measure and determine the placement of each of the panel divider

pieces and attach to each side of the column shaft using a construction

adhesive. Follow the instructions on the package.

3. Fill the seams where the panel insert pieces and/or panel divider pieces

meet the shaft with a fiberglass boat repair kit or “Bondo”. Follow the

instructions on the package.

4. Proceed to Column Installation Steps 1 through 10.

1. Determine the position of the plinth by dropping a plumb line from the

center of the soffit beam to the floor. Mark this point on the floor with a

"X". This mark is where you will center the plinth so that the top of the

shaft will align with the soffit. (Figure 1)

2. Measure the overall height. Raise the soffit or porch slightly with brace

for easy

installation of the column. (Figure 2)

3. Trim column shaft on the bottom end only. Trim with an abrasive saw.

(Be sure to use personal protective wear.) Finish both the top and bottom

of shaft with a rasp or sander to ensure an even load distribution around

the entire circumference. (Figure 3)

4. Slide cap over top of column shaft. Let cap slide down to rest on the

neck mold temporarily until shaft is correctly positioned. (If installing a

square column, slide neck mold over top of shaft to desired location.

Fasten neck mold to shaft. Caulk between neck mold and shaft.) (Figure

5. Slide base/plinth onto column shaft from bottom. (Figure 5)

6. Place column in a vertical position with load centered over column shaft

with even distribution around bearing surfaces. (Figure 6)

7. If installation requires that column be secured in place prior to bearing

load, use small L brackets. Be careful to ensure L brackets do not inter-

fere with seating of cap and base/plinth. Note: To secure bracket to col-

umn, drill hole into shaft and use through bolts. Do not use screws. Do

not over tighten. (Figure 7)

8. Remove brace to allow load to bear on column shaft. (Figure 8)

9. POLYURETHANE Cap and Base/Plinth: Slide cap up to soffit and attach

to soffit using corrosion resistant screws. Attach to floor using appropri-

ate fasteners. (Figure 9) SYNTHETIC Cap and Base/Plinth: Slide cap up to

soffit and attach to soffit using construction adhesive and/or corrosion

resistant hardware making sure to pre-drill. Attach base to floor using

construction adhesive and/or corrosion resistant hardware making sure to

pre-drill. To prevent the plinth from moving, install non-corrosive dowels

into the floor in opposite corners of the plinth.

10. Caulk between cap and soffit, the cap and shaft, and the base and the

shaft for a finished

appearance. (Figure 10)

SPECIAL NOTES AND EXCEPTIONS:

• Be certain the load is evenly distributed over the bearing surface of the

shaft.

• If building code requires uplift protection, contact Dixie-Pacific

your distributor for recommendations.

• To preserve and protect the column it is necessary to paint with one

coat of high quality exterior primer followed by two coats of an exterior

paint.

• 2nd floor balconies should NOT be attached directly to the side of any

fiberglass column. Please contact Dixie-Pacific

for recommendations.

• Water should not be allowed to collect inside fiberglass columns.

Flashing may be required to channel water away from the inside of the

column. A drainage hole can be drilled in the bottom of the shaft and

plinth if necessary.

• Concrete should never be used to fill Fiberglass Columns. This will void

the warranty.

FINISHING AND PAINTING:

1. Make sure all surfaces are clean prior to painting. Use mineral spirits if

oil or alkyd products are used. Warm soapy water should be used if latex

products are utilized. Synthetic cap and base/plinth: A non-oil based

cleaner should be used to clean the cap/base/plinth.

2. It is necessary to sand the column and caps and bases prior to priming

and painting. Some surface filling may be required. Note: The surface on

polyurethane caps and base/plinths must be thoroughly scuff sanded with

120 grit sandpaper and wiped clean prior to priming and painting. Note:

The surface on synthetic cap and base/plinth can be lightly scuff sanded

with 120 grit sandpaper and wiped clean prior to priming and painting.

3. Alkyd or oil based primer and paint are recommended. Latex products

can be used, but additional sanding is required. Synthetic cap and

base/plinth: Use a good high-quality exterior paint. At least one coat of

primer and two coats of final paint should be used. Suggested primer for

synthetic cap and base/plinth: XIM Primer 400 White, or any primer made

for use on fiberglass or plastics.

4. Use a good, high-quality exterior paint. At least one coat of primer and

two coats of a final paint should be used.

5. Follow paint manufacturer’s instructions concerning use within tem-

perature ranges for best results.

6. Do not use paint or solvents containing acetone.

. SQUARE RECESSED PANEL INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

G. 2ND STORY BALCONY SUGGESTIONS

F. HOW TO ATTACH A SPLIT FIBERGLASS/WOOD COLUMN

TO A WALL AS A PILASTER

E. HOW TO SPLIT FIBERGLASS/ WOOD COLUMNS

D. JOINING SPLIT COLUMNS

Installation Instructions: DURACAST

& DURALITE

FIBERGLASS COLUMNS continued

Fiberglass Column Installation Instructions (cont.)

WOOD BLOCKS

APPROX.

3/4" X 1 1/2" X 3"

ATTACH COLUMNS

USING SCREWS.

PRE-DRILL HOLES

& COUNTER-SINK.

WOOD BLOCKS

APPROX.

3/4" X 1 1/2" X 3"

WOOD BLOCKS

APPROX.

3/4" X 1 1/2" X 3"

Dixie-P

acific

can split the column for

reassembly only. The column must be

notched to accomodate the I-Beam at the

job site by the contractor

Figure 1

Top/Bottom Panel

Insert Piece

Figure 2

Panel Divider Piece

Figure 3

Recessed Panel Shaft Only -

No Top/Bottom Panel Insert

Pieces Attached

Figure 4

Recessed Panel Shaft

with Top/Bottom Panel

Insert Piece Being

Slipped Into Place

Figure 5

Top/Bottom Panel Insert

Piece Attached to Shaft

Figure 6

op Overview of Column Shaft

with T

op P

anel Insert Pieces

Attached and Capital Slipped

Over the Shaft

Figure 7

Finished Column with

Top/Bottom Panel Insert

Pieces and Cap, Bead and

Base/Plinth Set

Shaft

Square

Cap

Panel Insert

ieces

circular saw

protective

eyewear

10.