FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  FAQ Question – Are anchor bolts provided?

A:  No. Similar to most construction projects, anchor bolts are supplied and installed by the concrete contractor. Classic will provide the location, type and sizing information in the structural calculations, layout plan and footing details. The reason we don’t supply them is that the concrete footings and slabs are often done before the structure arrives at the job site. This eliminates separate shipping of the anchor bolts and potential delays. Anchor bolts are available in most areas so this is not usually a problem.

Q:  Are installation instructions provided with each structure?

A:  Yes. They are included with the structure when it is shipped and they can be found in the small trim and screw boxes.

Q:  Are there other types of roofing available?

A:  Yes, you can specify several styles of tile or shingles which need be applied over a 2”x6” t&g sub-roof. Classic will supply shingles but the tile must be supplied by the contractor or owner. Often tile is specified to match existing buildings and are available where the project is being built.

Q:  Are you an approved fabricator?

A:  Yes, we are approved by the City of Los Angeles which is recognized by many other cities and governmental agencies. We also have approval with the City of Phoenix, and as required we have been approved with the City of Houston, City of Riverside, etc.

Q:  Do you use wood for your frames?

A: On standard structures no. But we will use it for custom.

Q:  Does Classic include the footing designs with their engineering calculations?

A:  Yes, we usually supply two types of footing designs with the calculations; a spread and a caisson footing. A caisson footing is good to use for areas that have freezing or where the footing has to be below the frost line or where there is limited space horizontally.

Q:  How are the columns mounted to the footings?

A:  The most popular and easiest method is surface mounted, in which case, we typically use one anchor bolt per column hidden inside the column. Some structures require a sub-surface mounted column which is similar to a surface mount but the footings are poured 8”-12” below the slab finish grade. The structure frame is erected the same as a surface mount but may have more than one anchor bolt to stabilize the frame. After the frame is installed, the concrete slab is poured over the footings and around the columns to “lock” them in place. The last typical column mounting is a full depth or “direct bury” in which the column is buried to within ±3” of the bottom of the caisson footing. This most often occurs with a cantilever structure such as the Marana Model where a lot of over turning moment occurs and center post structures.

Q:  How are the frames erected in the field?

A:  The frame bolts together and all the bolts are provided with the frame.

Q:  How difficult is it to install your structures?

A:  The smaller and/or uncomplicated structures like the Orlando & Mesa models are fairly easy to install but it may depend on the skill of the installer. It is helpful to have someone with general construction experience on your crew to make the installation go smoother.

Q:  How do I order a structure from Classic Recreation Systems?

A:  Contact your sales representative via our web site and request a quote from them.

Q:  How is the t&g attached to the steel frame?

A:  We provide self drilling screws with wings to attach the t&g to the frame. One screw, per board, per beam is all that is required. Fascia and drip trim is nailed to the t&g as per details provided.

Q:  How long does it take to install a typical structure?

A:  Depending on the size and model of the structure and the skill level of the installers, it can take from just a few hours to several days. We recommend that you call us for a man hour estimate.

Q:  How many people does it take to install a typical structure?

A:  Depending on the model and size it would take a minimum of 2-3 people.

Q:  Is structural engineering required for your structures and can you provide engineering for all states?

A:  A majority of cities and states require structural calculations and sealed plans and yes we can provide engineering with stamped calculations and plans for all states.

Q:  Is the roofing and trim factory cut or does the installer need to field cut it?

A:  A vast majority of our structures have the roof factory cut. Only on a few custom structures will parts of the roof have to be field cut. The trim, which is the ridge, hip, fascia, etc. has to be field cut to fit the roof.

Q:  Is there any on site welding required?

A:  No. All welding is done in our shop by certified welders. Only on very rare occasions is some on site welding required typically for a few custom structures where there is no other alternative.

Q:  What are the frames made of?

A:  We use only tube steel (HSS-Hollow Structural Section) for our frames in various sizes and shapes such as round, square or rectangle. The sizes and wall thickness will vary from a minimum of .120 (1/8”) on up, depending on engineering requirements for snow, wind loads and seismic zones.

Q:  What does “fabricator approval” mean and how does it help your customers?

A:  For instance, for the City of Los Angeles which is one of the most widely respected and recognized approval agencies, we submitted a quality control manual which lists all of our facility layout and operations, equipment, personnel, fabrication methods, etc. In addition, to reviewing and approving our manual, they have inspected our fabrication facility on a regular basis to determine if we meet their qualifications and standards to become an approved fabricator. This gives our clients a measure of confidence in our fabrication facility, methods of operation and quality control standards.

Q:  What type of equipment and tools are needed for a typical structure?

A:  For small structures, typically up to 20’-24’, the beams often may be handled by 2-3 people without lifts or a crane by using (2-3) 8’-10’ step ladders and/or movable scaffolding. For larger structures, extended fork lifts or a 5000 lb. min. crane is recommended along with ladders and/or scaffolding. A backhoe, bobcat with forks or a Genie lift may also be used if conditions permit. Typical suggested tools will include a roto-hammer drill, (to drill into concrete footing if anchor bolts are in the wrong place), grinder (to cut off misplaced anchor bolts), battery operated drivers (drills) for self tapping roof screws, 1 1/8” and larger open/box end wrenches , ½” drive socket set with ratchet, 2’-4’level, 25’-100’ tape measures, hammer, pencils, tin snips (left & right handed), 9/64” drill bit (for pop rivets), cordless drill. (Tools in italics are only suggested tools to have and this is not a comprehensive list)

Q:  What type of steel roofing is available and what are their benefits?

A:  All of our steel roofing is 24 gauge zincalume/glavalume (which is a combination of zinc and galvanizing), has a 20 yr. top paint finish warranty (the bottom of the panel is always a standard non warranted white color paint), is factory cut to fit the frame (unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise). Our standard roofing is an HR-36. This panel is 3’ wide with 1½” high ribs spaced 7.2” o.c. which gives it excellent spanning capabilities. An alternate roof is the “Super Span” which is very similar to an R-panel roof or “multi-rib” that our competitors specify. The Super Span has the main ribs spaced 12” o.c., 1¼” high which is the same as the R-panel and it also has very good spanning capabilities. The roof pan (flat area between the main ribs) has only one minor ¼” high rib vs. the R-panels 2 minor ribs in the pan. In addition, the main ribs of the Super Span have an additional small rib at each side of the base of the main rib which adds strength to the panel. We have recently started using the Super Span panel in lieu of the R-panel to simplify the roof color selection and to provide better service by using only one roofing company. Our third optional roof is the 12” o.c. Design Span Standing Seam. This is a true standing seam, meaning that the ribs are narrow and vertical with a true flat pan without minor ribs. (not to be confused with a “multi-rib” which is a version of an R-panel) The Design Span standing seam is one of the few standing seam roofs that is capable of spanning over open beams without a sub-roof such as t&g. This roof is capable of spanning 6’ but requires a tube steel fascia due to the panels’ flat pans. (A wood fascia may be used if t&g is specified as the sub-roof).

Q:  What types of footing designs are available for your structures?

A:  The most common is the spread footing which is wider than it is deep. The second is the caisson footing which is usually drilled with an auger and is typically 2’ to 2’-6” in diameter and varies in depth. The 3rd typical footing is an integral pour or monolithic footing which means the footing is poured at the same time as the concrete slab. This type of footing requires H.D. mesh or rebar in the slab which is tied to the footing. The advantage of this footing is that the footing is smaller since it uses the weight of the slab to hold the structure down. The footing joints are also hidden allowing more aesthetic slab control joint designs. The size of all footings will vary with the size and type of structures being specified and the loading requirements for your area. There are numerous other footing styles available depending on site or design configurations.

Q:  What types of frame paint finishes are available?

A: The standard finish is Zinc rich primer and then TGIC powder coat.

Q:  When Tongue and groove (t&g) is provided, do we have to cut it to the correct lengths in the field?

A:  Yes. We provide the t&g and fascia material in the general lengths needed to fit the structure but field cutting is required to fit the structure frame, roof angles, etc.

Q:  When tongue and groove and wood fascia is specified who supplies it?

A:  Classic normally supplies the T&G, and wood fascia with screws and nails but they may be supplied by the owner or installer if desired.

Q:  Who submits these calculations and plans to the review and approval agencies?

A:  Normally, the contractor or installer is responsible to submit the plans and calculations to the appropriate reviewing agency for approval and subsequent permits prior to pouring footings and installation of the structure.

There are many other faq questions that may come to mind. Please don’t hesitate to email us at info@classicrecreation.com or call us at 1 (800) 697-2195 and we would be happy to assist you.