GRC COLUMN COVER STORAGE, INSTALLATION &
FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS
Prior to beginning any installation, be sure you have a
set of the most current shop drawings on the job site. Review
and understand all information on these drawings prior to
beginning installation. Inventory the GRG pieces you have
received and compare to the shop drawings. Confirm quantities
and dimensional correctness prior to beginning installation.
Prior to beginning installation, unwrap or uncrate a random
sampling of pieces. Column covers may or may not be shipped
in matching pairs. If they are shipped in matching pairs,
the matching nomenclature will be clearly detailed on the
Bill Of Lading and the pieces themselves. In theory, all
pieces of a particular type should match unless shipped
in matching pairs.
Inspect the insides of the pieces for any protrusions or
obstructions that will interfere with matching, mating or
attachment of pieces. Use a belt sander, rasp, saw, or grinder
for removal.
SINGLE HIGH INSTALLATION
1) GRG column covers should be installed using the alignment
clips supplied by FCBP. These clips are designed to promote
an accurate matching of column cover halves.
2) Begin by positioning the first half of the column cover.
Mechanically attach metal or pressure treated wood clips
to the structure at both the top and bottom of the column
cover. The clips should be set immediately behind the GRC
at the seams and the mid-point of the piece. Pre-drill pilot
holes through the face of the column cover into the clips.
Screw attach the GRC column piece into the clips with non-corrosive
screws and countersink the screw heads.
3) When installing the first half of the column cover be
sure to allow for any slope or imperfections in the concrete
slab. Shimming above the slope/imperfections may be required.
4) Once the first half of the column cover is installed,
begin by installing the “alignment” clips. Clips
should be installed near the column cover top and bottom
and approximately 18” o.c. along both sides of the
initial half. Alternate the orientation of the alignment
clips. Clips should be anchored with non-corrosive drywall
screws and the screw heads should be below the finished
surface level.
5) Loose fit the second half of the column cover to ensure
proper fit and alignment. The alignment clips will promote
a better match between pieces. However, they do not guarantee
an optimum match. Some shimming or grinding on the inside
of the second half may be required. It may be necessary
to use a band clamp or webbing to pull the two column cover
halves together and obtain the tightest fit.
6) Prior to final installation of the second half of the
column cover, apply a continuous bead of silicone adhesive
along the full length of both edges of the first half of
the column cover. Final fit the second half of the column
cover and secure to the alignment clips on one side only.
Shim up or down the other side of the second column cover
half, obtaining the optimum match, prior to securing the
alignment clips. Be sure to use only non-corrosive drywall
screws. The screw heads should be below the finished surface
level.
7) Sand or rasp any high spots along the seam lines so that
the sides are flush with each other.
DOUBLE HIGH INSTALLATION
1) The same basic process outlined above is applicable.
However, there will be a few minor but important modifications.
2) The tops of the lower column cover pieces will have 2”
wide horizontal flanges and the bottoms of the upper column
cover pieces will have 2” wide horizontal flanges.
These flanges are for use in stacking the pieces.
3) Follow steps 1-7 in the SINGLE HIGH INSTALLATION. Install
horizontal kickers anchored to the center structural column.
These kickers should fit snugly underneath the 2”
wide top flange on the lower pieces. The kickers and their
attachments to the center structural column should be sized
to support the dead load of the upper column cover pieces.
4) Place a bead of silicone based adhesive on the top of
the 2” wide top flange on the lower pieces. Install
both upper column cover pieces by following steps 1-7 in
the SINGLE HIGH INSTALLATION.
PATCHING AND JOINT FINISHING
1) Materials supplied by First Class Building Products,
Inc. (FCBP)
-Cement & Air Entraining Agent
- Bonding Agent/Polymer & Water (Premixed in a 1:1 Ratio)
2) Locate and identify the 2 items listed above. For all
uses of the Bonding Agent/Polymer, the diluted ratio described
above will be used. Be sure the Bonding Agent/Polymer solution
is thoroughly mixed.
3) The GRC material to be finished should be thoroughly
dry prior to beginning the finishing process.
4) A minimum temperature of 55 degrees F. should be maintained
throughout the finishing process and for at least 48 hours
after completion of the process.
5) All joints to be finished must be fully adhered with
a silicone adhesive.
6) It is advisable to provide for adequate ventilation of
the back side of all material.
7) Typically, there will be two types of joints to be finished:
a) Flattened spots at the joints or 1/8” X 1 ½”
recesses at the joints
b) A butt joint with a very slight bevel.
8) To finish the flattened spot joint or 1/8” X 1
½” recesses:
a) Wipe the flattened area with a wet sponge and allow the
water to soak in.
b) Paint the flattened area with Bonding Agent/Polymer and
allow to become tacky. Depending on conditions this should
take approximately 5-15 minutes. DO NOT paint any area which
has not been wetted with water. If you do, the Bonding Agent/Polymer
solution will eventually delaminate.
c) Add the Cement mixture to a small amount of this solution
until reaching the desired consistency. Mix thoroughly.
Mix small batches since working time is limited. However,
working time can be extended by periodically re-stirring
the compound. DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL WATER!!!!
d) Tape and finish the flattened area with fiberglass tape
and “mud”. Build to the desired level. Sand
and repeat the process. When repeating the process be sure
to include steps (a) & (b).
e) Allow compound to dry enough for sanding between coats.
9) To finish the butt joint:
a) Wipe the seam with a wet sponge and allow the water to
soak in.
b) Paint the seam with the Bonding Agent/Polymer and allow
to become tacky. Depending on conditions this should take
approximately 5-15 minutes. DO NOT paint any area which
has not been wetted with water. If you do, the Bonding Agent/Polymer
solution will eventually delaminate.
c) Add the Cement mixture to a small amount of this solution
until reaching the desired consistency. Mix thoroughly.
Mix small batches since working time is limited. However,
working time can be extended by periodically by restirring
the compound. DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL WATER!
d) Fill the seam. Allow to dry and sand smooth
e) Repeat steps (a) – (d) if necessary.
10) FCBP does not recommend the finishing of horizontal
stack joints. Typically, these joints should be caulked
with a silicone sealant. If the horizontal stack joints
are to be finished, it is imperative that the following
steps be followed:
a) Fully adhere/bond the flanges at the stack joint with
a silicone adhesive.
b) Use some form of a “soft” or slip joint at
the top of the column cover to allow a relief point for
thermal expansion and contraction.
11) To patch dents, dings and imperfections prior to priming
he GRC follow the steps outlined in (9). Be sure to wet
the problem area and paint it with the Bonding Agent/Polymer
solution.
12) To patch dents, dings, and imperfections after the GRC
has been primed, use “EXTERIOR PATCH-N-PAINT”
supplied by FCBP. This lightweight spackling compound may
be applied with a putty knife or similar tool. It can be
sanded in 15-20 minutes, if necessary. It can be painted
in 20-30 minutes with an oil based paint or primer.
13) ALL COLUMN COVERS MUST BE PRIMED WITH A PRIMER PRIOR
TO RECEIVING DECORATION. MORE THAN ONE COAT OF PRIMER MAY
BE REQUIRED. SANDING AFTER APPLICATION OF PRIMER MAY BE
REQUIRED.
STORAGE
1) GRC column covers should be stored in a dry location
away from dirt and mud.
2) If the column covers are delivered in wooden crates or
frames, leave them in their containers until you are ready
to begin installation.
3) Store containers on level ground or pavement.
4) If the column covers are delivered loose, store in a
completely horizontal position or as close to a vertical
position as possible.
5) If stored in a horizontal position the pieces should
be stored open side down. Pieces should not be stacked on
top of each other. In fact, any form of applied weight to
the top side will cause the pieces to “open”
up.
6) If stored in a vertical position the pieces should be
adequately braced to prevent them from toppling over.
