Setting the Pieces
Precast must be installed on a sound substrate with adequate adhesive applied to the bonding surface of each casting. Many substrates are suitable for application of CDI products provided they are clean and strong enough to support the weight of the castings. Fasteners, such as corrugated wall ties or threaded insets, are included with most CDI products and should be used in conjunction with adhesives.

In addition to the fasteners, an adhesive should be used to bind the castings to the substrate and to each other. Latex-modified mortar produces a strong, permanent bond, and the setting bed formed by the mortar allows for the adjustments needed for a satisfactory alignment. A recommended latex mortar adhesive is Custom Crete (Custom Building Product, 1-800-272-8786).

Premium-grade construction adhesives, packaged in tubes and applied with caulking guns, are recommended for bonding column halves and flat surfaces. Sikaflex-1a (Sika Corporation 1-800-933-7452) is widely available.

Clean up and Sealing
Precast concrete should be cleaned with masonry cleaners available from masonry specialty suppliers. At no time should acid be used.

The precast concrete should be treated as other concrete, depending on your local weather conditions. Sealer information is available from masonry product manufacturers. We suggest testing sealants on samples.