How To Repair Fiberglass Porch Columns

Royal Corinthian articles 3 types of fiberglass columns: RoyalCast™ Fiberglass Columns, RoyaLite™ Fiberglass Cavalcade Covers and Columns, and RoyaLite™ pultruded fiberglass columns. We too manufacture synthetic stone columns and square PVC column wraps.

RoyalCast™ Fiberglass columns are the nearly common in the industry. They are manufactured equally load-begetting whole columns merely can exist split in one-half to deed equally column covers or in well-nigh any imaginable plan blazon. These columns are mostly made from a combination of marble (calcium carbonate) and polymer resin with very little fiberglass content (one-3%). They are miss-classified as fiberglass columns in our opinion due to the low content only that is what the industry calls them and so we follow that naming convention. They are available in every style that we offer and come with a lifetime warranty. They don't need to be painted only near customers choose to due to the grayish bluish color that they come in.

RoyaLite™ Fiberglass Column Covers and Columns are a true fiberglass column. They are comprised of roughly 35-twoscore% fiberglass strand and the balance is polyester resin and gel glaze. These columns are made from the same material that fiberglass boat hulls and semi truck tractor covers are made from so they are very durable. Nosotros use country of the fine art spray upwards and hand layup applied science, which results in a column that is pound for pound stronger than steel but significantly lighter. The columns are made at our manufacturing plant equally two halves with an integrated lap flange that connects one half to the side by side at installation. These columns are typically used for decorative purposes effectually structural columns or supports. We can assemble the two halves together at the factory to form a total column only these whole columns will bear significantly less weight than our RoyalCast™ columns and are considered decorative. They weigh a fraction of the weight of our cast culling and come with a lifetime warranty. Although they are available in unlimited finished colors, sheens (matte to loftier gloss), and finishes (granite, metallic, rock, etc), typically, they are ordered with a marine-course white gel-coat and are painted on site. As far as toll, these columns tend to exist more than expensive for smaller diameters and widths and go significantly less expensive than our cast option at 16" and larger. Feel free to mix and match our bandage and lite options as both are made from the same molds.

RoyaLite™ pultruded fiberglass columns are a subset of the above just are made as total columns that are load-bearing. The columns are made with a pultrusion procedure and have a composition that is very different from our other columns. They have a fiberglass skin coat that surrounds a polymer marble composite from both the within and the outside of the column. Honestly, nosotros should come up up with a dissimilar name for them but since they are also much lighter than our cast version, nosotros will stick to it for now. These columns are bachelor in round non-tapered and square not-tapered due to the limitations of pultrusion and in very limited sizes (8" and 10" in round and vi", 8", 10", and 12" in square and up to 20' in elevation). These columns can only be fabricated as non-tapered as they are pulled through a dice (mold) and take to stay a consistent shape every bit that is done. They come in a white or grayness color and are considered paint-grade. We make round and square columns from the other two fiberglass materials merely these tend to exist less expensive for the limited sizes that we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fiberglass Columns

What is a fiberglass column?Fiberglass columns are likewise called fiberglass reinforced polymer or "FRP". Most companies use the terms interchangeably as practice we, but nosotros try to reserve "FRP" for our RoyaLite™ cavalcade covers in an effort to differentiate them from our cast selection. Equally described above, fiberglass columns come up in many compositions. The most popular "fiberglass column" in the market has very fiddling fiberglass strand in information technology (RoyalCast™). In curt, a fiberglass column is a composite column that has any amount of fiberglass strand in it. A fiberglass cavalcade typically comes with a capital, base, and shaft just we sell them individually if desired. Watch this video to learn more well-nigh the 3 virtually mutual compositions of fiberglass columns.
Can I buy only a capital or a base without the column shaft?Yeah, we specialize in capitals and bases that are customized inexpensively for your detail awarding. We can brand our standard bases taller or shorter, widen or shorten the hole opening, make the base fully solid, remove the plinth, brand a foursquare plinth circular, add vents to the base and then that your existing forest column tin can breathe, and much more. Read more nearly replacement bases. Our standard capitals are merely as customizable and we have many more than decorative majuscule options than we listing on our website. Every bit always, we never shy away from celebrated replications or custom projects.
Can fiberglass columns exist painted?Fiberglass columns don't need to be painted but information technology is recommended. They are a paint-grade product more than often than not unless you get our pre-finished FRP version. We recommend sanding, priming, and painting our RoyalCast™ columns using acrylic latex products and nosotros accept very detailed painting instructions for you lot to follow: How to properly paint cast fiberglass columns.
What is the best caulk for fiberglass columns?Typically, installers will use a latex caulk for fiberglass columns. It is known as the "painter'south caulk" as it accepts primer/paint very well. If you lot aren't planning to pigment over the caulk, silicone caulks fare better as they will aggrandize and contract with the cavalcade and separate less. We also recommend a polyurethane caulk from MasterSeal that we have had over a decade of success with. You can read more near caulks at the link in the previous question.
How to split fiberglass columns? Yeah, as mentioned previously, nosotros can split them in half if they aren't already fabricated every bit halves. They can also be split to any plan type available past the manufactory or by your installer. Watch a video on how to split fiberglass columns yourself.
Tin can y'all cut fiberglass columns? Fiberglass columns can be fabricated to your exact tiptop or you can cutting them with a circular saw on site. A good rule of thumb is to cut from the bottom of the shaft every bit some columns showtime to taper as you move upward and others have decorative details similar the neck ring or astragal at the top. Some of our columns have a upper-case letter support band that is meant to hold a Tuscan majuscule in place. If y'all cut likewise much of the tapered column off, yous run the take a chance of creating a bigger gap between the shaft and the base. The gap can be caulked but we can also make our bases to fit if y'all request that at the time of social club.
Can fiberglass columns be used as cavalcade covers?As mentioned at the onset, all of our columns can be used as column covers. Some are made as whole columns and can be split by united states or you to act as covers while others are mill made every bit covers to be assembled around structural supports.
Are fiberglass columns load-bearing?As mentioned above, two versions of ours are load-bearing and our RoyaLite™ cavalcade covers can exist assembled to bear weight. Keep in mind that in that location is a distinction betwixt load-bearing and structural. Fiberglass columns are not structural as it pertains to uplift. They volition concur the weight of your roof in other words merely they won't keep the roof from lifting up during a hurricane. They can be fabricated structural in combination with hardware like a Simpson Strong-Necktie or with the use of a lally cavalcade or the like. Many manufacturers apply the words "structural" and "load-bearing" interchangeably so don't be fooled. The next two questions are relatable.
Are fiberglass columns structural?They are load-begetting and can be structural when used in combination with structural hardware or columns. Yet, they do take structural integrity when lateral strength is practical as with the use of railings that are secured to them. See more in the question above and below.
Can railings be installed into fiberglass columns?Yes, balustrade systems or railings tin can be installed into our fiberglass columns. Our columns are structurally capable of withstanding the lateral force that tin can be applied to a railing system. For cavalcade covers, make sure that the railings anchor into the structural member behind the column. Always, pre-drill fiberglass columns.
How to install fiberglass columns? Installing round or square fiberglass columns doesn't affect the installation procedure. They are all installed the same. Please download our fiberglass column installation instructions. Make sure to apply the advisable instructions every bit our RoyalCast™ and RoyaLite™ column covers install differently.
Can y'all screw into fiberglass columns?Yes, but always pre-drill using the appropriate size drill bit. Countersink in order to conceal the screw caput. Exist mindful when screwing into thinner fiberglass options and don't countersink too deep. Installation instructions are available for all of our columns.
Where to buy fiberglass columns? Yous tin can buy them locally at The Home Depot, Menards, Lowe'southward, and many lumberyards. However, well-nigh lumberyards don't stock columns and the ones that practise only take limited styles, sizes, quantities, and options. We practice non sell direct but we guarantee the lowest prices through our distributors, even when competing against these "big box" stores. In add-on to the lowest price guarantee, our fiberglass columns come with capitals and bases made from the same poly/marble blended material equally the shaft. We exercise non inexpensive out like the balance of the industry merely we nevertheless sell our columns for less. We don't cut corners, e'er. Nosotros take the best fiberglass columns and a lifetime warranty on all of them. Please phone call united states of america at 888-265-8661 for a distributor, email usa at [e-mail protected], or fill out our contact form.
How much are fiberglass columns? The price of a fiberglass column is fairly cheap compared to virtually column materials. Some wood and aluminum columns are cheaper just they merely come with a 1 twelvemonth warranty, typically. Once you paint a fiberglass column with a loftier quality pigment, y'all won't have to deal with repairs or maintenance for a very long fourth dimension, if e'er, which is why they are backed by a lifetime warranty. Wood will rot and has to be maintained consistently and aluminum will rust in add-on to being very limited in styles and architecturally displeasing to the optics. Aluminum Columns are not architectural columns; they are more accurately chosen posts. Physical is heavy, corrodes, and requires a lot more structural reinforcement to the foundation than practice fiberglass columns. The simply other alternatives that have a nifty amount of value is our synthetic stone columns or PVC cavalcade wraps. Synthetic stone looks and feels similar stone but is much lighter and less expensive. These are most 30% more than than fiberglass but avoid the costs associated with painting the columns. PVC is bachelor in square styles only and is unremarkably painted simply some people leave them in their natural white cease. They are only available equally decorative, non-load-bearing columns. PVC is sometimes less expensive and sometimes more than expensive than fiberglass. The proficient news is our distributors guarantee the lowest prices and will price every choice that you want priced. You may get distributor information past contacting us.
Are fiberglass columns hollow?Yes, fiberglass columns are hollow, which allows for them to surround structural columns if needed likewise as run electrical wiring through them. Fiberglass columns can be made solid if desired but there really is no need to. A solid column would crave additional reinforcement to the foundation and would exist much more difficult to install. Fiberglass is pound for pound stronger than steel and so this blazon of reinforcement is what allows for these products to exist made hollow and still bear a lot of weight. Nosotros do, from time to time, make solid or semi-solid cavalcade bases for rotted forest base replacement because most wood column shafts sit on height of the base rather than within of it. Learn more about replacement column bases.
Can you stain fiberglass columns?Yep, there are special stains available that can be used to stain a fiberglass column. Brand certain to sand the unabridged column first. Consult your local paint skillful for recommendations on which stain to use.
How to repair, patch, or fix fiberglass columns? With hard enough impact, anything can break, especially with reckless forklift operators. If your fiberglass column has a crevice in information technology, a cleaved off slice, or a missing chunk, we have a patch material that can set up it besides as a video showing you lot ever step. Pocket-sized divots can be repaired with appropriate construction putty or bondo.
How to attach or ballast fiberglass columns?1 method for attaching a fiberglass cavalcade to a floor or substrate and soffit or ceiling is to apply L-brackets. The brackets get secured into the floor or ceiling using the appropriate screws and then fastened into the side of the cavalcade shaft using masonry screws. Don't forget to pre-drill into the fiberglass. The brackets are so covered by the cap/base. The cheap brackets are available in any hardware shop or tin can be purchased from us. Another method is to secure the entire cavalcade by screwing through the capital and base and into the substrate or soffit/ceiling. Make sure to pre-drill and countersink the screws and to use screws long enough to penetrate the substrate and soffit/ceiling.
How to make clean fiberglass columns?If your fiberglass columns haven't been painted yet and are dirty, use water to wash away the dirt and soapy water for tougher stains. If it'southward a scuff mark from a forklift or something like, use a loftier grit sandpaper. If it is only dust, use a tack textile. Yous can read more well-nigh prepping a fiberglass column in our painting fiberglass columns instructions. If the column has been painted, follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for how to make clean.