Installation Instructions

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 4)
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 interfere
with seating of cap and base/plinth. Note: To secure bracket to column,
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 appropriate
fasteners. (Figure 9)
SYNTHETIC INJECTION MOLDED (SIM) Cap and Base/Plinth: Attach
using corrosion resistant screws in the holes pre-molded in the cap and
base/plinth. Fill holes with exterior caulk or filler.
10. Caulk between cap and soffit, the cap and shaft, and the base and the
shaft for a finished appearance. (Figure 10)
Installation Instructions: DURACAST
TM
& DURALITE
TM
FIBERGLASS COLUMNS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
9.
10.
Fiberglass Column
Installation Instructions
TUSCAN CAP
TUSCAN BA
SE/PLINTH
www.dixie-pacific.com • Toll Free: 800-241-4303
1700 West Grand Avenue • Gadsden, Alabama 35901-8202
circular saw
protective
eyewear
8.
• Be certain the load is evenly distributed over the bearing surface of the
shaft.
• If building code requires uplift protection, contact Dixie-Pacific
TM
or
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
TM
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.
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 clean-
er 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.
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 Injection Molded (SIM) 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.
1) CUTTING TO OVERALL LENGTH
Columns can be field trimmed to a specified length. When trimming a
round fiberglass column shaft to length, make sure to always trim from
the bottom end only. A circular saw with an abrasive blade can be used
to make this cut. (Make sure to always wear personal protective equip-
ment.) It is important to never trim more than the bottom 1/3 of any
round fiberglass column shaft. The round fiberglass column has a true
architectural taper. (The bottom 1/3 is non-tapered, the top 2/3 is
tapered.) If more than the bottom 1/3 is trimmed, the base will not fit
properly. DuraLite
TM
Square Fiberglass Columns can be trimmed to any
length because they are non-tapered.
2) ALTERING FLUTES
Flutes can be altered only on the adjustable fluted columns if ordered as
a special order from the factory
. Flutes normally need to be altered if the
column will be trimmed in order to avoid cutting into the flutes. Or
, it
may be desired to stop the flutes closer to the top of the base. Standard
stock adjustable fluted columns have a 10 3/4" space from the bottom of
the flute to the top of the T
uscan base/plinth.
3) CUTTING COLUMN AT BEAD
All fiberglass columns used with decorative capitals should be trimmed
flush above the bead/astragal. The capital should rest on top of the
bead/astragal and will allow for a proper fit. Columns can be ordered
from the factory cut at the bead, or this can be trimmed in the field. A cir-
cular saw with an abrasive blade can be used to trim a column at the
bead/astragal. (Make sure to use personal protec-
tive equipment.) There are several considerations
to be made when ordering fiberglass columns used
with decorative capitals. The cut at bead loss and
the decorative capital height must always be taken
into consideration. (See Cut at Bead Loss Chart) In
addition, a fiberglass column used with a short dec-
orative capital may require that a longer shaft be
ordered.
C. ALTERING COLUMNS
B. FINISHING AND PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS
A. SPECIAL NOTES AND EXCEPTIONS
ADJUSTABLE FLUTES
Dia. Bottom Neck Top Flute Top Bottom No. Load-Bearing Min.Wall Available
(inches) Dia. Dia. Dia. Bead Width Flute Flute Flutes Capacity* Thickness Column Lengths
A B O K L M N (lbs.) (inches) (feet)
65
5
⁄ 8 55
1
⁄ 2 1
5
⁄ 16 1 10
3
⁄ 4 16 8,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8
8
7
5
⁄ 8 6
1
⁄ 2 7
1
11
⁄ 16 1
10
3
⁄ 4 24
10,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 5’6”, 8, 9, 10
10 9
5
⁄ 8 8
1
⁄ 4 8
3
⁄ 4 1
7
⁄ 8 1 10
3
⁄ 4 24 14,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8, 9, 10, 12
12 11
5
⁄ 8 9
1
1
⁄ 16 10
1
⁄ 4 1 1 1 10
3
⁄ 4 24 18,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16
14
13
5
⁄ 8 11
3
⁄ 8 11
7
⁄ 8 1
1
⁄ 8 1
1
10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
1
⁄ 2 ” 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16
16 15
5
⁄ 8 13 13
9
⁄ 16 1
1
⁄ 4 1
1
⁄ 4 1
1
⁄ 4 10
3
⁄ 4 24 20,000
1
⁄ 2 ” 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
18
17
5
⁄ 8 15
15
9
⁄ 16 1
3
⁄ 8 1
3
⁄ 8 10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
1
⁄ 2 ” 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
20
20
17 17
1
⁄ 2 1
1
⁄ 2 1
3
⁄ 8 10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
1
⁄ 2 ” 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
22 22 18
1
⁄ 2 19
1
⁄ 4 1
1
⁄ 4 1
3
⁄ 4 10
3
⁄ 4 24 20,000
5
⁄ 8 ” 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
24
24
20
20
9
⁄ 16 1
3
⁄ 4 1
3
⁄ 4 10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
5
⁄ 8 ” 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
26 26 22 22
3
⁄ 4 2 2 10
3
⁄ 4 24 20,000
5
⁄ 8 ” 20, 22, 24, 26
28
28
23
1
⁄ 2 24
1
⁄ 8 2
1
⁄ 8 2
10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
5
⁄ 8 ” 20, 22, 24, 26, 28
30
30 25 25
3
⁄ 4 2
1
⁄ 4 2
10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
5
⁄ 8 ” 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
32 32 27 27
3
⁄ 4 1
7
⁄ 8 10
3
⁄ 4 24 20,000 1
1
⁄ 4 ” 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
34
34
28
1
⁄ 2 29
3
⁄ 4 2
10
3
⁄ 4 24
20,000
1
1
⁄ 4 ” 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
36 36 30 30
5
⁄ 8 2 10
3
⁄ 4 24 20,000 1
1
⁄ 4 ” 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
SPUNCAST ST
AND
ARD FL
UTES
6
5
5
⁄ 8 5
5
1
⁄ 2 1
5
⁄ 16 1
6
1
⁄ 4 24
8,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8
8
7
5
⁄ 8 6
1
⁄ 2 7
1
11
⁄ 16 1
6
1
⁄ 4 24
10,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8, 9, 10
10
9
5
⁄ 8 8
1
⁄ 4 8
3
⁄ 4 1
7
⁄ 8 1
7
1
⁄ 4 24
14,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8, 9, 10, 12
12 11
5
⁄ 8 9
1
1
⁄ 16 10
1
⁄ 4 1 1 1 8 24 18,000
3
⁄ 8 ” 8, 9, 10, 12
DURACAST
TM
COLUMN DIMENSIONS
* Load Bearing Capacity is dependent on the concentric loading of the column. Eccentric (non-centered) load bearing capacity available upon request.
Note: 2nd story balconies should not be attached directly to the side of any column, contact Dixie-Pacific
TM
for recommendations.
DURACAST
TM
Bottom Inside Largest Largest
Dia. Top Dia. Round Square
Support Support
63
3
⁄4 3
1
⁄4 2
1
⁄4
85
1
⁄2 53
1
⁄2
10 7
1
⁄4 6
3
⁄4 4
3
⁄4
12 8
11
⁄16 8
3
⁄16 5
3
⁄4
14 9
7
⁄8 9
3
⁄8 6
5
⁄8
16 11
1
⁄2 11 7
3
⁄4
18 12 11
1
⁄2 8
1
⁄8
20 15 14
1
⁄2 10
1
⁄4
22 16
1
⁄2 16 11
1
⁄4
24 18 17
1
⁄2 12
3
⁄8
26 19 18
1
⁄2 13
1
⁄8
28 20 19
1
⁄2 13
3
⁄4
30 22 21
1
⁄2 15
1
⁄8
32 23
1
⁄2 23 16
1
⁄4
34 25 24
1
⁄2 17
1
⁄2
36 25
1
⁄2 25 17
3
⁄4
DURALITE
TM
6
4
1
⁄2 4
1
⁄2
86
3
⁄4 6
3
⁄4
10 8
3
⁄4 8
3
⁄4
12 10
3
⁄4 10
3
⁄4
COLUMNS TO SURROUND
STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS
Note:
• These dimensions allow for saw kerf as
columns are split.
•
Columns that are split are non-load bearing.
Dia.
Bottom
Neck Tuscan Base/ Base Tuscan Cap Load-Bearing Available
(inches) Width Width Plinth Mold Square Round Bead Capacity* Column Lengths
A
B
C
D
EFGHK
(lbs.)
(feet)
6
5
1
⁄2 5
1
⁄2 8
1
⁄2 1
1
⁄2 1
3
⁄4 8
1
1
⁄16
7
⁄8 1
5,000
8, 9, 10
87
1
⁄2 7
1
⁄2 10
3
⁄8 1
7
⁄8 2
3
⁄8 10
1
⁄8 1
3
⁄8 1 1 6,500 8, 9, 10, 12
10
9
1
⁄2 9
1
⁄2 13
2
3
⁄8 2
7
⁄8 12
3
⁄4 1
3
⁄4 1
1
⁄4 1
7,000
8, 9, 10, 12
12 11
1
⁄2 11
1
⁄2 15
1
⁄4 2
3
⁄4 3
1
⁄4 15
7
⁄8 21
3
⁄8 1 7,500 8, 9, 10, 12
DURALITE
TM
DIMENSIONS
*Load Bearing Capacity is dependent on the concentric loading of the column.
Note: 2nd story balconies cannot be attached directly to the side of any column, contact Dixie-Pacific
TM
for
recommendations.
Bottom
Cut at
Dia. Bead
(in.) Loss (in.)
63
1
⁄ 2
84
10 5
12 5
3
⁄ 4
14 7
16 7
3
⁄ 8
18 8
1
⁄ 2
20 9
1
⁄ 4
22 10
24 10
3
⁄ 4
26 11
7
⁄ 8
28 11
3
⁄ 4
30 12
32 13
11
⁄ 16
34
36 13
5
⁄ 8
CUT AT BEAD