Poly-Classic ® Ornamental Capital Installation Instructions For Capitals WITHOUT Centering Neck Sleeve
Capitals without centering neck sleeves are made of FRP or polyurethane . These are designed for the simplest installation — merely slide the capital over the column shaft neck , and rest it on the column ’ s astragal . Capitals are load‐bearing if they are TALLER through the center than the neck of the column shaft . If the capital height through the center is shorter than the shaft neck , the installer will need to trim the top of the shaft to a height 1 / 8 ” taller than the capital . This allows the shaft , rather than the capital , to carry the load placed on the column .
Since the different capital styles have different heights , the overall maximum height of the finished column may change . Please see the “ Height Adjust ” information in the Poly‐Classic Ornamental Capitals specifications pages to determine the height difference when using capitals .
Installation Steps ( in addition to standard instructions ):
1 ) To help keep the top of the column in the correct place , you may want to cut a " centering block " to fit inside the top of the capital . Scraps of plywood or other materials are commonly used . Attach this centering block to ceiling / soffit .
2 ) For capitals that are shorter than the neck of the column shaft above the astragal , slide the capital over the neck , and mark a line around the shaft 1 / 8 ” above the capital . Remove the capital , and trim the column at that line . ( The extra 1 / 8 ” prevents the capital from having a load placed upon it — the load is carried by the shaft instead .) This step doesn ’ t apply if the capital is taller than the neck of the column shaft .
3 ) Calculate the correct finish height and trim the bottom of the shaft accordingly . Slide base over bottom of shaft , then attach the installation brackets at the bottom of the shaft .
3 ) Apply a small bead of construction adhesive around the astragal ( neck ring ) on the shaft . Slide the capital onto the shaft . It is not necessary to attach the capital to the shaft — do not install screws through the capital into the shaft . Installing screws into FRP column shafts is not recommended and could void your warranty .
4 ) Add flashing to the top of the capital if necessary . ( All column installations should be flashed if columns are installed in an area where water , debris , etc . could accumulate inside the shaft .) Flashing should be attached with construction adhesive , and the edges of the flashing folded over the sides of the capital .
5 ) Apply construction adhesive or caulk as needed to the top of the capital ( or flashing ).
6 ) If necessary , jack up the roof where the column is to be installed ( approximately 1 / 4 ” is usually sufficient .) Raise the column into place , slipping the top over the centering block , then sliding the bottom in until the column is plumb . Lower roof onto column .
7 ) Pre‐drill and counter‐sink through the capital abacus ( top ) and attach to the ceiling / soffit with non‐corrosive screws .
8 ) Attach column at base ( see standard column installation instructions ). Fill all countersunk screw holes , seams , etc . with caulk . Sand , clean and finish according to standard instructions .
When Cap is Shorter than Column Neck : When Cap is Taller than Column Neck :
Centering block - fits inside of shaft or cap : ( not provided by Turncraft )
Centering block - fits inside of shaft or cap : ( not provided by Turncraft )
When neck is taller than cap :
Shaft must be trimmed to 1 / 8 " taller than cap
When cap is taller than neck , do not trim the top of the shaft .