Installation Instructions

THE PVC COLUMN HAS NO TESTED STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES. The column is designed to install around a previous-
ly installed structural post. The structural post inside column, supplied by others, provides the load-bearing component of the col-
umn. The load-bearing capacity of column is determined by the physical properties of the structural post. The architect or engi-
neer will specify load-bearing requirements of the structural post. Structural post must be of ACQ, CCA or other treated lumber,
ACQ, CCA or other treated engineered lumber, or steel. DO NOT USE UNTREATED LUMBER FOR STRUCTURAL
POSTS. Possible infiltration of water and possible condensation inside the PVC column shaft can cause degradation of untreated
lumber! Bottom of structural post should be mounted to wooden deck or concrete/masonry porch floor using code-approved
method and code approved post anchor. Top of structural post should be mounted to beam using code-approved method and code
approved post-to-beam mounting bracket.
1. CUT THE COUMN TO THE DESIRED LENGTH. THIS CAN BE DONE USING A SKILL SAW OR JIG SAW.
2. ATTACH THE SQUARING BLOCKS TO THE FLOOR
AND TO THE HEADER. THIS MAY BE DONE USING
STAPLES, NAILS, SCREWS, OR ADHESIVE. THE
SQUARING BLOCKS WRAP AROUND THE
STRUCTURAL POST AND ACT AS AN INDEXING
BLOCK FOR THE COLUMN, SO BE SURE THAT THEY
ARE SQUARE AND PLUMB AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM.
3. INSTALL ONE “L” SHAPED HALF AROUND THE
STRUCTURAL POST AND ATTACH TO THE TOP AND
BOTTOM INTERNAL SQUARING BLOCKS
5. SLIDE THE 2ND “L” SHAPED COLUMN HALF IN PLACE AND
PUSH THE MITERED EDGES TOGETHER. SCREW TOP AND
BOTTOM OF THE COLUMN SHAFT INTO THE TOP & BOTTOM
SQUARING BLOCKS. FASTEN THE COLUMN ALONG BOTH
EDGES AS WELL AS ATTACHING IT TO THE SQUARING
BLOCKS. WE RECOMMEND FASTENING THE COLUMN EVERY
6 TO 8 INCHES USING 1-1/4” STAPLES. FINISH NAILS WORK
ALSO. WIPE OFF ANY ADHESIVE CAULK SQUEEZE-OUT WITH
DAMP CLOTH. THE ADHESIVE CAULK CLEANS UP WITH
WATER. IT IS IMPORTANT TO WIPE OFF THE EXCESS
ADHESIVE CAULK BEFORE IT DRIES!
6. ATTACH THE BASE AND CAP COLLARS TO THE COLUMN SHAFT. APPLY ADHESIVE
TO THE MITERED EDGES & WRAP THE COLLARS AROUND THE SHAFT AT THE TOP
AND BOTTOM. FASTEN THE COLLARS TO THE SHAFT AND FASTNEN BOTH HALVES
TOGETHER AT THE CORNERS. WIPE OFF ANY ADHESIVE SQUEEZE-OUT WITH DAMP
CLOTH. THE ADHESIVE CLEANS UP WITH WATER. IT IS IMPORTANT TO WIPE OFF
THE EXCESS ADHESIVE BEFORE IT DRIES! USE THE ADHESIVE CAULK TO CAULK
THE SMALL GAP BETWEEN THE BACK OF THE COLLARS AND THE COLUMN SHAFT.
4. APPLY ADHESIVE
CAULK TO THE 2
MITERED EDGES OF
THE “L” SHAPED
COLUMN SHAFT.
Square “L” Shaped PVC Column Installation Instructions
TEMPERATURE RELATED
ISSUES:
PVC Columns become more brittle in
colder temperatures. When the
columns become more brittle, they are
more susceptible to damage. It is recom-
mended that the columns themselves be
warmed to 50° to 55° before installing.
This can be accomplished by moving
the columns into a heated space, and
allowing adequate time for the tempera-
ture of the columns to warm up. The
outdoor ambient temperature can be
considerably colder than 50°, but if the
columns themselves can be warmed up,
they can then be installed with reduced
risk of damaging them in the process. If
you are unable to warm the columns
before installation, you should first drill
pilot holes before screwing or nailing
them together. Be careful when nailing
the columns and try to avoid striking
the column faces with a hammer. Note
that if your particular columns are
designed in such a way that they include
miter folded corners, which have not
been folded, closed, they will definitely
be susceptible to fracture if they cannot
be warmed. If a miter-folded corner
does fracture, you will still have a good
miter joint, which consists of (2) sepa-
rate pieces.
CUTTING AND FASTENING:
The Cellular PVC material that the col-
umns are constructed of can easily be
cut with conventional carpentry and
woodworking tools. Pneumatic finish
nailers and staplers can be used to fasten
Cellular PVC parts together. Large
pneumatic framing staplers and nailers
are not suitable for fastening this materi-
al as the percussion of the drivers of
large nail guns can fracture the PVC
material. Coarse thread, galvanized or
stainless steel drywall screws are also
suitable for fastening Cellular PVC parts
together. It is suggested that pilot holes
be used for screws longer than 1 5/8".
PAINTING AND FINISHING:
Caulk where required using Siroflex
brand Sealant and Adhesive provided by
manufacturer. Putty any holes using
acrylic putty or caulk. Lightly sand or
scuff surface of column. Clean surface
of column to remove any dirt or hand
oil residue with light detergent and
water, denatured alcohol, or window
cleaner. Be sure to remove soap residue
with clean water. Apply one coat of
100% acrylic exterior primer and one or
more finish coats of 100% acrylic exte-
rior paint.