Instructions / Assembly

ManualsBrandsHB&G ManualsBases & Accessories6 in. x 9 ft. Square PermaLite Structural Fiberglass Column

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

an “X”. This mark is where you will center the plinth so that the top of

the shaft will align with the sofﬁt.

2. Measure the overall height. Raise the sofﬁt or porch slightly with brace

for easy installation of the column.

3. Trim column shaft. Column shaft can be trimmed from the top or

bottom since the shaft is non-tapered.Trim with a circular saw with an

abrasive blade (masonry or carbide). Finish both the top and bottom

of the shaft with a rasp or sander to ensure an even load distribution

around the bearing surfaces.

4. Slide the neck mould over top of shaft to the desired location before

sliding capital over. Fasten neck mould to shaft using construction

adhesive and non-corrosive screws. Slide cap over top of column shaft.

Let cap slide down to rest on the neck mould temporarily until shaft is

correctly positioned. Caulk between neck mould and shaft.

5. Slide base onto column shaft from bottom.

6. Place column in a vertical position with load centered over column

shaft with an even distribution around the bearing surfaces.

7. Use small L brackets to secure column in place prior to bearing load.

Be careful to ensure that the L brackets do not interfere with the

seating of the cap and base.

Note: To secure L-brackets to column, make sure to pre-drill ﬁrst. Do

not over tighten screws.

8. Remove brace to allow load to bear on column shaft.

9. POLYURETHANE Cap and Base: Slide cap up to sofﬁt and attach to

sofﬁt using non-corrosive screws. Attach base to ﬂoor and bottom of

shaft using non-corrosive screws or appropriate fasteners.

SYNTHETIC INJECTION MOLDED (SIM) Cap and Base: Attach using

non-corrosive screws in the holes pre-molded in the cap and base.

Fill holes with “Bondo” or ﬁller.

10. Caulk between cap and sofﬁt, the cap and shaft and the base and

shaft for a ﬁnished appearance. Caulk between neck mould and shaft.

A. SPECIAL NOTES AND EXCEPTIONS:

• Be certain the load is evenly distributed over the bearing surface of the

shaft. The column should be loaded concentrically with 100% contact

on the bottom with the substrate and 75% at the top with the sofﬁt

• PermaLite

columns are not intended to be split.

• If building code requires uplift connection, contact your distributor or

dealer for recommendations.

• Do not paint using dark colors (dark colors are considered any color

that falls within the L values of 56 to 0). L is a measure of the lightness

of an object, and ranges from 0 (black) to 100 (white).

• Spray painting is not recommended. Paint should always be applied

with a brush.

• 2nd ﬂoor balconies should NOT be attached directly to the side of any

Square Fiberglass Column.

• 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.

• Columns should never be pressure washed or sprayed with water prior

to installation.

• Columns are not designed to be set into masonry.

• Concrete should never be used to ﬁll Fiberglass Columns. This will void

the warranty.

• Columns are not designed to be installed below grade.

• Split columns are not load bearing.

B. FINISHING AND PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS:

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: A non-oil

based cleaner should be used to clean the cap/base.

2. Alkyd or oil base primer and paint are recommended. Latex

products can be used, but additional sanding is required. Synthetic

cap and base: Use a good high-quality exterior paint. At least one

coat of bonding primer and two coats of ﬁnal paint should be used.

Suggested primer for Synthetic Injection Molded (SIM) cap and

base: XIM Primer 400 White or any bonding primer made for use on

ﬁberglass or plastics.

3. Use a good, high-quality exterior paint. At least one coat of bonding

primer and two coats of a ﬁnal paint should be used. Note: Spray

painting is not recommended. Paint should be applied with a brush.

4. Follow paint manufacturer’s instructions concerning use within

temperature ranges for best results. Do not use paint or solvents

containing acetone.

C. PERMALITE

SQUARE RECESSED PANEL INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS:

ATTACHING PANEL INSERT KITS and PANEL DIVIDER KITS:

1. Before installation, apply the panel insert pieces to the top and

bottom of each side of the column shaft (Field trimming shaft to

desired length prior to attaching insert pieces). Each column will

include (4) top panel insert pieces and (4) bottom panel insert pieces.

The pieces can be attached to the shaft using a construction adhesive

and non-corrosive screws (screws must be countersunk and ﬁlled

with “Bondo”).

2. If using panel divider pieces to achieve a two-panel or three-panel

design column, they are attached in the same manner as the panel

insert pieces. First measure and determine the placement of each of

the panel divider pieces and attach to each side of the column shaft

using a construction adhesive and non-corrosive screws.

3. Fill the seams where the panel insert pieces and panel divider pieces

meet the shaft and the countersunk screws with a ﬁberglass boat

repair kit or “Bondo”.

4. Follow Column Installation Instruction Steps 1-10.

PermaLite

Installation Instructions