How to Secure Fiberglass Columns

Securing the Fiberglass Column

• 1

  Measure the soffit beam to find its center. Drop a reference line, called a plumb line, by guiding a cord or string weighted down at its end with a plumb bob weight. This will create a vertical reference line from the soffit's center to the floor to help you position the fiberglass column.

• 2

  Mark the end of the reference line where it touches the floor. Use the mark to center the fiberglass column base, called a plinth.

• 3

  Measure the height from the floor to the beam. Use a brace to raise the beam to temporarily secure the column into proper position.

• 4

  Use a cut-off saw, also known as an abrasive saw, to trim the bottom end of the fiberglass column shaft, or pole. Use a sander to sand both the top and bottom ends of the shaft to ensure equal distribution of load around the shaft.

• 5

  Take the column cap and secure it over the top of the shaft. The cap should settle over the neck mold.

• 6

  Fit the fiberglass column plinth over the shaft's bottom end. Stand the column upright. Ensure the center of the beam load is directly positioned over the fiberglass column. This will help ensure equal beam weight distribution around the column.

• 7

  Use small L-brackets if the fiberglass column must be properly positioned before it can be secured to support the beam. Position the L-brackets in a way that will allow you to fit the cap over the top of the column and fit the plinth over the bottom of the column. Use your drill to drill a hole through the fiberglass column shaft. Then, bolt the L-brackets to the shaft.

• 8

  Carefully remove the brace previously used to hold up the soffit beam. The fiberglass column should now be able to bear the load weight of the beam.

• 9

  Apply polyurethane to the plinth and cap of the fiberglass column. Raise the cap until it is positioned against the soffit. Screw it to the soffit with corrosion resistant screws. Secure the column base to the floor with masonry fasteners.

• 10

  Apply caulk between the base and fiberglass shaft, as well as between the cap and shaft and cap and soffit to create a seal and give the column a professional look.