INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS EVOLUTIONTM STEEL DECK FRAMING EVOLUTIONTM STEEL DECK FRAMING 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction General Guidelines...............................................................3 Required Tools/Components...............................................4 Installation Installation Overview............................................................6 Project Planning...................................................................8 Cutting & Painting..............................................................11 Framing Connections S-Ledger To Structure.................
INTRODUCTION READ INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION General Guidelines It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all code and safety requirements, and to obtain all required building permits. The framing installer should determine and implement appropriate installation techniques for each installation situation. Fortress Building Products nor its distributors shall NOT be held liable for improper or unsafe installations. Reference https://bpdirectory.intertek.
Required Tools Goggles Safety Gloves Ear Protector Close-Toed Shoes Concrete Drill Bit: 3/8” [10mm] Wrench: 9/16” [14mm] Locking Pliers Tape Measurer Speed Square Touch-Up Paint Ratchet Wrench: 9/16” [14mm] 3-4 LB.
Beam U-Rim Joist (Pre-Punched & Blank) 2” x 11” x 8’, 12’, 16’ or 20’ [51mm x 279mm x 2438mm, 3658mm, 4877mm or 6096mm] 2” x 6” x 8’ [51mm x 156mm x 2438mm] Beam Blocking Evolution Strap (12” OC or 16” OC) 2” x 2-1/2” x 10” or 14” [51mm x 64mm x 254mm or 356mm] (12” OC or 16” OC) 2” x 2” x 48” [51mm x 51mm x 1219mm] Concrete Anchor 3/8” x 3” [10mm x 76mm] (NOT PROVIDED BY FORTRESS) Single Hanger Bracket Rim Joist Bracket Post to Pier Bracket U-Rim Joist (Curved) 2” x 6” x 8’ [51mm x 156mm x 24
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW 1. 4. 2. 5. 3. 6. Evolution Framing Connections 1. S-Ledger To Structure 2. S-Ledger To Joist 3. Post To Beam 4. Joist To Evolution Strap 5. Joist to U-Rim Joist 6. Post to Footing Note: Construction methodologies are always improving. Please visit FortressBP.com for the most up-to-date Installation Instructions.
Evolution Framing Installation Process (Overview) 1. Mount S-Ledger Onto Structure 2. Mount Posts To Footing 3. Install Beam (Single or Double Beam) 4. Install End Joists 5. Install Joists 6. Install Beam Blocking 7. Install Evolution Strap 8. Install U-Rim Joist (Pre-Punched, Blank, Curved or Joist as U-Rim) 9. Install Joist or Beam Caps Note: Construction methodologies are always improving. Please visit FortressBP.com for the most up-to-date Installation Instructions.
PROJECT PLANNING Step 1: Sketch Layout of Framing Project 1. Sketch the top and side of the house/building profile. 2. Identify the desired location of your framing project. 3. Using a tape measure determine the required length, width and height of the framing project. 4. Determine desired post locations and post height. 5. Determine required spacing between joists (on center or non-standard). 6. Determine number of joists required. 7.
EVOLUTIONTM STEEL DECK FRAMING 9
Step 2: Create a Perimeter For The Framing Project 1. Using Stakes and Guide String, create a perimeter for the framing project. As shown in Fig. 2. Tip: • Be sure corners are set at 90o angles. Fig. 2 HOUSE/BUILDING Top View Guide String Stake 90o 90o Step 3: Mark & Dig Footing Hole Locations 1. Using spray paint, mark the center of the desired footing hole locations. As shown in Fig. 3. 2. Consult local code requirements for exact footing hole width and depth requirements. As shown in Fig.
CUTTING & PAINTING Step 1: Mark Cut Points 1. Position the material to be cut on a flat surface, preferably Saw Horses. 2. Using a pencil, mark desired cut length onto material. 3. Using a speed square, straighten cut point markings on top and side faces. As shown in Fig. 5. Tip: • Before making cuts, confirm cut length is correct. Fig. 5 Step 2: Cut Material To Length 1. Cut the material using a metal cutting circular saw or grinder with a cutoff disc. As shown in Fig. 6.
Fig. 6 Step 3: Clean Cut Areas 1. Use a file to smooth cut edges. As shown in Fig. 7. 2. Remove any metal shavings and dust with a brush or rag. 3. Make sure surfaces to be painted are clean. DO NOT cut product over concrete. Be sure to remove any metal shavings to avoid stains. Tip: • DO NOT allow metal shavings and/or chips to get dropped or blown into a pool, hot tub, or any other body of water. • Be sure to remove metal shavings and/or chips from inside the cut material.
Tip: • Apply 2 coats of spray paint in non-salt water environments and 3 coats in salt-water environments. Fig. 8 2X FRAMING CONNECTIONS Connection 1: S-Ledger To Structure 1. Insert Ledger Brackets into S-Ledger openings. As shown in Fig. 9. Ledger Brackets are press fit into place. 2. Be sure angle cut edge in Ledger Bracket is facing down once installed. As shown in Fig. 10. Adjust if needed. 3. Place S-Ledger in desired position onto structure. 4. Mark screw hole locations onto structure.
Note: • The F-50 Bracket is also used anytime there’s a joist attachment to the S-Ledger that requires non-standard spacing. This could occur if you’re adding joists for blocking or adding additional support. • If local building code requires connectors larger than 3/8” [10mm], the factory sized holes can be drilled out using a metal cutting drill bit. • Flashing/Water Management requirements will vary from region to region.
Fig. 13 Connection 2: Post Onto Concrete Footing 1. Fill footing holes (Page 10, step 3) with concrete. The concrete can be at most 1” [25mm] below the ground surface. 2. Be sure top surface of concrete is level once fully cured. 3. Cut posts to desired height. Reference cutting and painting instructions on pages 11 - 13. 4. Pre-drill concrete footing, then mount Post to Pier Brackets onto surface using 3/8” x 3” [10mm x 76mm] Concrete Anchors. As shown in Fig. 14 & 15.
• • • When not mounting posts onto a footing, Fortress recommends the use of Helical Piers. The use of specialized equipment is required for Helical Pier installation, be sure to contact a building professional. It is critical for posts and post brackets to maintain the 90o angles established in project planing instructions steps 2 & 3, on page 10. It is critical for post heights to be relatively even/coplanar once installed. This will help ensure the frame assembly is level once installed.
Connection 3: Bury Post Into Footing (Alternative to Connection 2) 1. Fill footing holes with 3” [72mm] of gravel or crushed stone to allow for drainage. As shown in Fig. 20. 2. Compact the gravel before setting the Posts. 3. Use tape measure to check depth. Evolution Posts are designed to be buried at a minimum of 36” [914mm] depth. As shown in Fig. 21. 4. Use the string (page 10, step 2) as a guide when positioning a Post into each hole. As shown in Fig. 22. 5.
Fig. 21 Fig. 22 Minimum of 36” [914mm] Post Side View Ground Stake & Guide String Side View Fig. 23 Post Side View Ground Stake & Guide String Minimum of 36” [914mm] Consult local code requirements 3” [72mm] 1” [25mm] Clearance Concrete Gravel Connection 4A: Post To Single Beam 1. Position Beam into desired position. As shown in Fig. 24. 2. Confirm both ends of the Beam and S-Ledger are in Line. As shown in Fig. 25. Adjust if needed. 3. All Beams contain holes to allow for water drainage.
Fig. 24 Fig. 25 Ends of S-Ledger & Beam in line S-Ledger Beam Fig. 26 Drainage holes facing down Fig. 27 Fig. 28 Side View EVOLUTIONTM STEEL DECK FRAMING 24” [610mm] Max.
Connection 4B: Post To Double Beam (Alternative To Connection 4A) 1. Using the Double Beam Track, couple two Beams together to create a Double Beam. As shown in Fig. 29. The Double Beam Track must be installed continuously across the length of the Double Beam and on both top and bottom faces of beam. 2. Fasten Double Beam Track to Double Beam using Evolution Self-drilling Screws. As shown in Fig. 30. Be sure to have ends of Double Beam flush before fastening. 3.
Fig. 29 Fig. 30 Ends of Beam & Beam Tracks flush Fig. 31 Fig. 32 Side View 24” [610mm] Max. overhang Fig. 33 Fig. 34 Top View Minimum of 24” [610mm] overlap Fig. 35 Fig.
Connection 5A: End Joists To S-Ledger & Beam 1. If required, cut joists to desired length. Reference cutting and painting instructions on pages 11 - 13. 2. Mount End Joists flush onto both ends of the S-Ledger. As shown in Fig. 37. 3. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten End Joists onto F-50 Brackets. As shown in Fig. 38. 4. Confirm the End Joists and Beam are square. Adjust if needed. 5. If using standard spacing between joists, use either 12” [305mm] O.C. or 16” [406mm] O.C.
Fig. 37 Fig. 38 Fig. 39 Fig. 40 Fig. 41 Drainage holes facing down Fig.
Connection 5B: Joists To S-Ledger & Beam Continued 1. Slide Joists onto the Ledger Brackets. As shown in Fig. 43. Use a 3-4 lb. Hammer and a block of wood to fully seat joists into Ledger Brackets & S-Ledger. 2. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten Joists onto Ledger Brackets. As shown in Fig. 44. It is required to apply a screw onto each sides of a joist. 3. Determine on center spacing between joists. 4. If using standard spacing between joists, use either 12” [305mm] O.C. or 16” [406mm] O.C.
Fig. 45 Fig. 46 Fig. 47 Drainage holes facing down Connection 6A: End Joist To Beam & S-Ledger (Flush Mount Alternative to Connection 5A) 1. Confirm both ends of the Beam and S-Ledger are in Line. As shown in Fig. 48. Adjust if needed. 2. Attach F-50 Brackets to the outside edges of the Beam with Evolution Self-drilling Screws. As shown in Fig. 49. The notched side of the F-50 Bracket is designed to line up flush with the edge of the Beam. 3.
Fig. 48 Ends of S-Ledger & Beam in line S-Ledger Beam Fig. 49 Fig. 50 Connection 6B: Joist To Beam & S-Ledger Continued (Flush Mount - Alternative to Connection 5B) 1. Determine required on center spacing between Joists. Reference on center spacing of Ledger Brackets. 2. Once on center spacing is determined, measure and mark desired on center spacing onto top face of Beam. As shown in Fig. 51. 3.
7. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten additional joists onto Single Hanger Brackets on Beam. As shown in Fig. 53. Note: • Standard spacing between joists: 12” [305mm] on center or 16” [406mm] on center. Fig. 51 Top View On center spacing Post End Joist Fig. 52 On center mark On center mark Beam Fig. 53 Connection 7A: Evolution Strap To Joist 1. Ground Level Decks: Place 12” [305mm] or 16” [406mm] O.C. Evolution Strap on the topside of the Joist. As shown in Fig. 54.
• • • Evolution Strap mounted to underside of joists is the preferred method for installation and should be used anytime there’s access to the bottom of the deck. The larger diameter holes in the strap are to allow water to escape when it’s installed on the underside of the joist. The Evolution Strap is 4’ [1219mm] long. The 12” [305mm] O.C. version and will cover 4 Joists. The 16” [406mm] O.C. version and will cover 3 Joists. Fig. 54 Fig. 55 Fig.
Connection 7B: Non-Standard Spacing at Mid-Span & General Blocking 1. Place two F-50 Brackets opposite of each other in desired position on Joists. As shown in Fig. 57. Be sure brackets are in line to allow for easy install of Blocking. 2. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the two F-50 Brackets onto joists. 3. Cut Joists, to be used as standard blocking, to the desired length. Reference pages 11 - 13 for cutting and panting instructions. 4.
3. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten ends of U-Rim joist onto top face of End Joists. As shown in Fig. 61. Be sure edge of the Pre-punched U-Rim is flush with outside edge of the Joist. Note: • The pre-punched U-Rim Joist should ONLY be used when fascia will mount on the Rim of the deck. Not having fascia will result in exposed openings that may be unsightly. • The pre-punched U-Rim Joist is designed to provide a completely flat surface for fascia mounting. Fig. 59 Fig.
Note: • The Blank U-Rim Joist is used anytime there’s non-standard Joist spacing or no fascia will be used on the rim of the deck. Fig. 62 Fig. 63 Connection 8C: Curved U-Rim Joist To Joists 1. Insert Rim Joist Brackets in exposed ends of Joists. As shown in Fig. 64. 2. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten Rim Joist Brackets onto Joists. As shown in Fig. 65. It is required for a screw to be applied onto each sides of a Joist. 3.
6. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the Curved U-Rim onto the Rim Joist Bracket tab. As shown in Fig. 67. 7. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten ends of the Curved U-Rim Joist onto top and bottom face of End Joists. Reference Fig. 61 on page 30 of Pre-punched U-Rim Joist installation (Connection 8A). Note: • The Curved Rim Joist is used anytime there’s a radius on the rim of a deck.
Fig. 67 Determined position of Rim Joist Tab Connection 8D: Joist As Rim Joist (Alternative to Connections 8A & 8B) 1. Mount F-50 Brackets in desired position onto exposed ends of frame joists. 2. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the F-50 Bracket onto the End Joist. As shown in Fig. 68. Be sure back face of bracket is flush with open edge of Joist. 3. Insert Ledger Brackets into the ends of all the Joists. As shown in Fig. 69. 4.
Fig. 68 Fig. 69 Fig. 70 Fig.
Connection 9: Joist & Beam Cap 1. Position the Joist or Beam Cap on end of Joist or Beam. As shown in Fig. 72. 2. Using Evolution self-drilling screws, fasten Joist or Beam Cap onto Joist or Beam. As shown in Fig. 73. Note: • Use the Evolution Joist or Beam Caps to cover the open ends of the joists or beams. Fig. 72 Fig.
CARE & MAINTENANCE Care And Maintenance Of Fortress Building Products Powder-Coated Products And Surfaces: • • • • • Immediately after installation of your Fortress Building Products, clean powder-coated products and surfaces with a solution of warm water and non-abrasive, pH neutral detergent solution. Surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all residues. All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge.
POST TO FRAME CONNECTIONS Reference https://fortressbp.com/Documents/install-guide-postto-evolution-steel-framing-0.pdf for the Post To Frame Connections. FRAME INSPECTION CHECKLIST Reference https://fortressbp.com/Documents/fbp-new-evolutionframing-form-final-0.pdf for the frame inspection checklist. WARRANTY To obtain and review a copy of the warranty, please go to: https://Fortressbp.com/warranties.
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