FAST™ INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Installation of the system is typical and simple. A chalk line is snapped to establish the location of the brackets in elevation, and anchor holes are predrilled at the required spacing. One of two methods may be used to position and fasten the brackets:
Method 1. Accurately position the shelf angle temporarily or by installing brackets at its outer ends. Hook the intermediate brackets onto the angle and spread them horizontally to their bolt locations. Securely fasten the brackets against the structural backing. or:
Method 2. Accurately position the brackets at each anchor location, both in elevation and perpendicular to the wall. Securely fasten the brackets against the structural backing. Rotate the angle into the claws of the brackets.
To accommodate tolerances in the position of the structural backing that otherwise cannot be accommodated by selecting a different sized bracket, FAST™ Shim Plates are placed between the structural backing and the backside of the bracket. The Shim Plates must bear directly against the structural backing and extend over the full surface and height of the bracket. Where the number of Shim Plates per bracket would exceed two, the next size bracket should be installed in lieu of shimming.
Each bracket is installed so that the shelf angle rests firmly on the lower supporting legs of the bracket. After adjusting and positioning the brackets, the anchor bolts are seated by torquing in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The lower end of the angle's vertical leg (heel) must rest against the back of the bracket slot, as shown in Figure 1, and the upper end of the leg (toe) should be in direct contact with the bracket claw (see side view of Figure 2).
FERO Wedge Shims are inserted between the shelf angle and bracket, as required, to ensure that the vertical leg of the shelf angle bears properly against the bracket at the toe and heel. Care must be taken to ensure that the shelf angle properly contacts and bears against the bracket so the angle will not rotate or drop under the weight of the veneer.
If an air/vapour barrier membrane is installed behind the FAST™ bracket, only use one layer of membrane, and destroy the plastic finish (if present) to reduce the likelihood of bracket rotation and slip under load.
Once all adjustments have been made, veneer can be laid on the angle, respecting the requirements of all applicable standards for veneer installation and positioning with respect to the toe of the angle.
Figure 3 shows the installation sequence. To temporarily brace a shelf angle so that it will not dislodge from the FAST™ bracket during construction (by vertical impact, before placement of the veneer), FERO provides a 9.5 mm (3/8") diameter steel pin that is driven between the backside of the vertical leg of the angle and the bracket claw. Only one pin per length of angle is required. The pin is hot dipped galvanized and can be left in-place if desired.
FAST™ RECOMMENDED USE
The FAST™ system can be used to support masonry veneer of all types. It can also be used to support granite panels and precast concrete. The system is ideal to accommodate construction tolerances because it is available in a wide range of sizes, and provides adjustability in all directions.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The FAST™ system is pre-engineered by assuming a point load acts near the edge (toe) of the shelf angle. Table 1 shows maximum allowable veneer heights for various bracket spacings.
