Column Cover Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
HANDLING AND STORAGE
INSTALLATION OF THE FIRST HALF COLUMN COVER
ATTACH SECOND HALF OF COLUMN COVER
JOINT ALIGNMENT
JOINT FINISH METHODS

Adhesive Attachment

ADHESIVE OF CHOICE
PLACEMENT
HOW TO USE
PRIMING
APPLICATION
CLEANING UP
STORAGE

Sikaflex-221 Elastic Adhesive/Sealant

DESCRIPTION
PROPERTIES
ADVANTAGES

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Installation Instructions

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The exact installation procedure will vary with the finish joint detail specified (see drawing 1B). Read all the instructions before starting. Units requiring metal joint attachment clips should have the locations marked (top, bottom, 2’ o.c.) with felt tip pen or similar before separating the two column halves. All the special components described in these instructions are shipped with the columns except the decorative caulk which is specified and supplied by others.

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HANDLING AND STORAGE
The columns are made in matched sets and packaged together. They are stronger together (hoop strength) than apart so it is advisable to keep them together until just before they are to be installed. The pair should always be stored in a flat or vertical condition. If vertical, tie them off to something stable. They will be subject to deflection (warp) if stored at an angle (for example, leaning against a wall, etc.).

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INSTALLATION OF THE FIRST HALF COLUMN COVER
For caulk joint installations, attach the metal clips at previously marked positions. Set the clip so that it extends beyond edge of the column half the same distance as the desired caulk joint width. (3/8 inch is a standard dimension; it is larger for columns in excess of 36" in diameter in most cases.)

For filled joint installations no clips are required.

Erect the first half in position with shims and preliminary attachment so it is in a level and plumb position. Spot attachment down column half, continuing to check that it is level and plumb. If structural column is steel, attach suitable wood member per drawing with screws, bands, bolts or similar before starting with column part. Use just enough fasteners to stabilize the position. Re-check position and make secure with more attachments.

WOOD STRUCTURAL COLUMN
STEEL STRUCTURAL COLUMN	WELD ATTACHMENT DETAIL

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ATTACH SECOND HALF OF COLUMN COVER
Compression straps are used for 2 purposes:
1. Pull parts together; force them into desired position (larger strap).
2. Hold parts in compression while adhesive sets (smaller strap).
The larger strap and ratchet are used for the clamping purpose (#1), until clip attachment is made (caulk joint) or smaller straps are installed at that location as a holding mechanism (filled joint).

For caulk joint installations, prepare second half the same as the first with metal clips installed so that the clip extends beyond the edge. Erect second half so it is adjacent to the first half with metal clips just about touching. Check all clip locations, using a screwdriver to push clip to go behind first half column clip. Slide units together. Use shims, compression straps and joint spacers to hold second half in desired location. Drill clips and set screws for final attachment.

For filled joint installations, the second half column cover will be attached to the first half with adhesive. Review adhesive instructions and follow surface preparation directions carefully. (Essentially, the objective is to remove all dust from the surfaces to be joined.) Erect second half so it is adjacent to first half with about 3/4 inch space between the two edges to be joined.

Apply 3/8 inch dabs of adhesive at 12 inches on center to one side of joint and do the same on the other side alternating the starting position so adhesive is 6 inches on center when units are joined.

Excessive adhesive makes for excessive clean up. It is easier to cut and remove extruded adhesive after it has set and cured.

Slide units together and tighten straps to hold second half in desired location. Set additional straps as required to hold edges together until adhesive sets. Set time varies with temperature but 24 hours is usually more than required.

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JOINT ALIGNMENT
The STONEWEAR Column Covers are much stronger than conventional cast stone because of the glass fiber in the cement matrix. Consequently, they can be pushed and pulled into the desired location if care is taken not to over stress a local area. At some point, under stress, the random glass fibers can be heard breaking under load. This is an indication that increased care is required not to overstress a local area to the breaking point, but it does not require stopping altogether. Make adjustments slowly so material has time to relieve itself of stress concentrations.

The column pairs are checked for alignment prior to shipping. It is easier to improve edge alignment prior to installation so a final check before separating the halves is required. If adjustment is needed, use a 2x4 to distribute the load along the column edge to be adjusted. (Also protects pre-finished parts.) Bar clamps will pull flared edges in. Equal lengths 2x4‘s are used when equal effects are required on each side. Use a longer 2x4, two or three pieces thick if the effect is desired on one side only.

Turn buckles can be used inside the column half to push edges out. Follow the same 2x4 guidelines described for use with bar clamps.

If column covers with aligned edges prior to installation are tending toward misalignment during the installation process, check to see if some of the attachment points are creating undo stress causing the parts to deform. Minor differences in edge alignment can be modified in the following manner:

Pushing in edge at the joint after the parts are erected. This can usually be accomplished by adding a 2" x 2" wood shim to increase the pressure under the strapped area at desired location. Alternatively, if there is anything solid to wedge a brace against, it can be set against a 2x4 on edge at the joint (to distribute the load over a 12-24" surface).

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JOINT FINISH METHODS
For caulk joint installations, the foam backing rod is pushed into the joint continuously from top to bottom. (If additional stabilization is required, the Sikaflex adhesive can be inserted continuously or in spots below the level of the finish joint edge) Decorative latex caulk is used to finish the joint. Some installers find it easier to tape both sides of the joint to get a uniform appearance of alignment between the two halves. This technique can improve the appearance if the two sides have irregularities in the joint.

For filled joint installations, the filler compound can be mixed and added to the V-groove before being sanded smooth. It is important to use a primer that is specified for application on cement based surfaces before the final decorative coating is applied to the column cover.

Call 1-800-356-2462 with specific questions about any of these procedures as required.

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ADHESIVE ATTACHMENT OF STONEWEAR PRODUCTS

ADHESIVE OF CHOICE
Sikaflex-221 Elastic Adhesive/Sealant (Call 201-933-8800 in East or 213-941-0231 in West for local distributor or order directly from STONEWEAR ).
Alternate: Any elastomeric adhesive rated for outdoor use.

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PLACEMENT
There is about 200 lbs. of holding power per square inch for surfaces joined with a film of Sikaflex. A 1/4" dab when squashed equals about 1 sq. inch. If it is anticipated that the part will ever need to be moved it is advisable to place 3/8" dabs of adhesive near the perimeter of part only so it can be cut with a thin blade if required. There is approximately 30 L. F. of 1/4" bead; 15 L. F. of 3/8" bead in a cartridge. There are approximately 400 3/8" dabs per cartridge.

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HOW TO USE:
Substrate:
Clean free of oil and grease, and of sound quality, thoroughly remove all loose particles. Dust is the enemy. Just before application, clean with damp rag, changing surfaces of rag to insure clean pickup. The Sikaflex can be applied to the damp surface since it is a "moisture cure" compound.

In applications requiring a water tight seal it is necessary to insure that the Sikaflex is held in compression while it cures. This can be done with clamps, fasteners, or some kind of special fixtures depending on specific application (contact STONEWEAR for recommendation if required).

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PRIMING:
Sika-Primer will improve adhesion to oily wood, PVC, ABS, polycarbonates and acrylic plastics, as well as improve adhesion to oily metals, stainless or galvanized steel. Since substrate type and uniformity can vary, a pre-test is recommended. For the ultimate in water tight joints rub small amount of the Sikaflex adhesive over entire area to be sealed with finger pressure prior to applying bead for primary joint.

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APPLICATION:
Recommended application temperatures: 40 F and above. For cold-weather application, store units at approximately 70 F; remove just prior to using. Make sure joint is frost-free. Push tip of plastic nozzle into extrusion end of cartridge to puncture airtight seal. Affix nozzle to cartridge, cut tip to joint size. Install with hand- or power-operated caulking gear. To facilitate tooling, wet pointing tool or finger with soap solution.

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CLEANING UP:
Acetone will remove uncured adhesive. Once cured, the material can only be removed mechanically.

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STORAGE:
Sikaflex 221 should not be stored at temperatures in excess of 75 F. Properly stored in cool, dry conditions the unopened cartridges have a shelf life on nine (9) months.

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Sikaflex-221 Elastic Adhesive/Sealant

DESCRIPTION:
Sikaflex-221 is a 1-component, fast curing, polyurethane-based adhesive/sealant. It is a moisture-cured, non-sag system. Sikaflex-221 provides a permanent elastic bond to fasten materials which have dissimilar coefficients of expansion. Packaged in 10.3-fl-oz cartridges, 10.3-fl-oz uni-pacs, 5 gal pails or 50 gal drums.

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PROPERTIES:

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ADVANTAGES:
- Cures rapidly to a permanently elastic consistency with excellent cut-and tear-resistance.
- Provides shock-resistance and vibration dampening.
- Adheres to a wide range of substrates, without primer in many cases.
- Can be over-painted with water-, oil, and rubber-based coatings. Since some paints dry slowly and the surface may remain slightly tacky, a preliminary test is essential.
- Odorless, no.-staining.
- Exhibits tenacious adhesion to aluminum., FRP, steel, wood, prepainted metals, oily GALVALUME, ZINCALUME, Zincgrip, and aluminized steel, without attacking the metal coating.
- Excellent weather resistance and exhibits high recovery, making it ideal for sealing dynamically moving joints.

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