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Fortress Technologies EVOLUTION Installation Instructions Manual

Freestanding frame & stair kit
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FREESTANDING FRAME & STAIR KIT INSTRUCTIONS
1
DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING

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Summary of Contents for Fortress Technologies EVOLUTION

  • Page 1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREESTANDING FRAME & STAIR KIT INSTRUCTIONS DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction General Guidelines...............3 Required Tools/Components..........4 Installation Installation Overview............6 Project Planning..............8 Post To Pier Brackets............13 Posts...................14 Single Beams..............16 Frame Joists...............19 Lateral Bracing Joists............24 Post Blocking..............27 Picture Frame Blocking............36 Rim Joists................40 Evolution Strap..............42 Stair Kit................44 Cutting & Painting.................65 Care & Maintenance/Warranty............68...

  • Page 3: General Guidelines

    Eye protection, hearing protection, closed-toe shoes, gloves, long sleeves, and pants must be worn to keep yourself safe. As the Evolution steel framing parts are cut, all metal shavings and/or chips must be removed from inside the Evolution Fram- ing parts. At the end of a work period, all steel shavings and/or chips must be cleaned off the jobsite.

  • Page 4: Required Tools/Components

    [89mm x 89mm x 3048mm] [51mm x 152mm x 3658mm] [51mm x 279mm x 3658mm] U-Rim Joist Beam Blocking Evolution Strap (16” OC) (16” OC) 2” x 6” x 8’ 2” x 2-1/2” x 14” 2” x 2” x 48”...
  • Page 5 [51mm x 152mm x 3658mm] Evolution Self-drilling Screw Strap Stair Strap 3/4” [19mm] #12 8” [203mm] Stair Anchor Bracket Joist Cap Adjustable Stair Bracket Note: • Components ARE NOT show to scale. DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 6: Installation Overview

    INSTALLATION OVERVIEW Evolution Free-standing Framing Without Stair Kit Evolution Free-standing Framing With Stair Kit Connections: 1. Joists to Beam & Straps 2. Joists to U-Rim 3. Lateral Blocking to Beam 4. Post To Beam 5. Post to Footing 6. Stair Kit...
  • Page 7 Install Frame Joists & Post Blocking Install Lateral Bracing Install U-Rim Joists & Evolution Strap Install Stair Kit (Optional) Note: Construction methodologies are always improving. Please visit FortressBP.com for the most up-to-date Installation Instructions. DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 8: Project Planning

    PROJECT PLANNING Step 1: Sketch Layout of Framing Project 1. Sketch the top and side faces of the house/building profile. 2. Identify the desired location of your framing project. Reference Fig. 1 below for overall dimensions. 3. Sketch desired positioning of your free-standing frame. 4.
  • Page 9 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 10 Step 2: Create a Perimeter For The Post Footprint 1. Using Stakes and Guide String, create a perimeter around the post footprint. As shown in Fig. 2. Recommended Post footprint is 10’ x 10’ [3048mm x 3048mm]. Tip: • Be sure corners are set at 90o angles. •...
  • Page 11 Note: • Follow manufacture instructions for required concrete cure time before installing Post To Pier Brackets. • Footing requirements will vary in different geographical regions. Follow your local building codes for requirements. DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 12 Fig. 6 Consult local code requirements Level with the ground or higher Consult local code requirements 3” [72mm] Concrete Gravel Side View Fig. 7 Concrete Footing...

  • Page 13: Post To Pier Brackets

    Fig. 8 HOUSE/BUILDING 10’ [3048mm] Footing Position Post to Pier Bracket along internal corners of Guide Strings Top View Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Top View Post To Pier Bracket Concrete Anchor & Washer DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 14 As shown in Fig. 14. Adjust if needed. 6. Confirm that the posts are level and plumb. 7. Fasten Posts onto Post to Pier Brackets using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws. As shown in Fig. 15. Continuously check if posts are level and plumb.
  • Page 15 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Indented Bracket Fig. 13 Post Post To Pier Bracket Fig. 14 Indented Brackets facing inside of framing Fig. 15 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 16: Single Beams

    SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION IT IS CRITICAL FOR THE BEAMS TO BE SQUARE. 6. While keeping the Beams in position, use Evolution Self-Drilling Screws to fasten Single Beam to Post Brackets onto each Beam. As shown in Fig. 21. The use of Clamps is recommended to keep Beams in desired position.
  • Page 17 Fig. 16 Singe Beam to Post Bracket Fig. 17 Drainage holes facing down Fig. 18 Ends of Beams in line Beam Beam Fig. 19 24” [610mm] Maximum Side View Overhang DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 18 Side (Profile) View Step 2: Install Beam Cap 1. Position the Beam Caps onto the ends of Beams. As shown in Fig. 23. 2. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten Beam Caps onto Beams. As shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 23 Fig. 24...

  • Page 19: Frame Joists

    Adjust if needed. FOR A SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION IT IS CRITICAL FOR THE END JOISTS TO BE SQUARE. 5. Using F-10 Brackets and Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten End Joists onto both Beams at each contact point. As shown in Fig. 29.
  • Page 20 Fig. 25 End Joist End Joist Fig. 26 Fig. 27 Side View Top View End Joist End Joist Determined overhang Beam Beam Beam & End Joist Flush Fig. 28 End Joist End Joist Measurement 1 Measurement 2 Top View Fig. 29 End Joist Beam...
  • Page 21 5. Confirm the Infill Joist overhang is in line with the End Joist. As shown in Fig. 32. Adjust as needed. 6. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the Infill Joist onto the F-10 Brackets. As shown in Fig. 32. Be sure the Infill Joist is plumb when fastening.
  • Page 22 Fig. 30 End Joist 13-1/16” [332mm] Back face of F-10 Bracket flush with marking & facing Beam inside face of End Joist Top View Fig. 31 Beam End Joist Fig. 32 Infill Joist Fasten F-10 Bracket onto Infill Joist Overhang End Joist of Joists in line...
  • Page 23 Fig. 34 Front View Bracket Lip Fig. 35 Fig. 36 Mounted F-10 Overhang of Bracket Joists in line DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 24: Lateral Bracing Joists

    INSTALLATION: LATERAL BRACING JOISTS Lateral Bracing Lateral Bracing Lateral Bracing Support Joists Support Joists Joists Step 1: Cut Joists to length 1. Measure opening between inside faces of Beams. As shown in Fig. 37. 2. Cut two Lateral Bracing Joists to measured length. As shown in Fig.
  • Page 25 1. Position F-50 Brackets onto Beams with outside face of brackets and post in line. As shown in Fig. 39. 2. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the F-50 Brackets onto Beams. As shown in Fig. 40. 3. Position cut Joists between opposite F-50 Brackets.
  • Page 26 5. Position F-50 Brackets between previous markings, be sure outer faces of brackets are flush with Lateral Bracing Joist and post faces. 6. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the F-50 Brackets onto the Lateral Bracing Joist and Post. As shown in Fig. 43.

  • Page 27: Post Blocking

    Be sure the F-50 Bracket is facing out away from the frame. 6. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the F-50 Bracket onto the End Joist. As shown in Fig. 49. Be sure the top faces of all joists are flush and the bracket is plumb/ perpendicular to joists.
  • Page 28 8. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the second F-50 Bracket onto the Infill & cut Joists. As shown in Fig. 50. Be sure the top faces of all joists are flush and the bracket is plumb/perpendicular to joists. 9. For Al Railing installation, position the second cut Joist flush with the inside face of the mounted first cut Joist.
  • Page 29 Railing) or 2-15/16” [75mm] (Fe Railing) Fig. 50 Fig. 49 Top faces flush marking faces flush marking Fig. 51 Top faces flush Fig. 52 Single front corner blocking Railing installation Top View DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 30 7. Position second F-50 Brackets in front of the mounted brackets with the side and top faces flush. 8. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the second F-50 Brackets onto each Joist. As shown in Fig. 56. Be sure the brackets are plumb/perpendicular to joists when fastening.
  • Page 31 15. Using Evolution self-drilling screws, fasten the two cut Joists together through the drill holes. As shown in Fig. 60 & 61. Use a bit extender when fastening the two cut Joists together. Be sure screws are positioned to avoid through bolts of railing posts.
  • Page 32 Fig. 57 Measured Length F-50 Brackets Top View Fig. 58 Fig. 59 faces flush Top faces flush Fig. 60 Fig. 61 Section View Fig. 62 Stair Stair Blocking 1 Blocking 2 48” [1219mm] Top View Stair Configuration...
  • Page 33 6. Position second F-50 Brackets in front of the mounted brackets with the side and top faces flush. As shown in Fig. 67. 7. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten the second F-50 Brackets onto each 13” [330mm] cut Joists. As shown in Fig. 68.
  • Page 34 Note: • IF installing stair frame, two post blocking assemblies 43” [1092mm] apart on center will be required. As shown in Fig. 73. Be sure to take into account stair railing post locations when positioning side blocking. • Reference cutting & painting instructions on pages 65 - 67. Fig.
  • Page 35 Fig. 71 Infill Joist Joist Measure & mark 64” [1626mm] Top View Fig. 72 Marking Marking Joist Infill Joist Fig. 73 Top View Stair Stair Blocking 1 Blocking 2 Stair Configuration 43” [1092mm] DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 36: Picture Frame Blocking

    2. Cut four Joists to measured lengths minus 1/2” [13mm] to account for screw heads. As shown in Fig. 75. 3. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, Mount two F-50 Brackets onto opposite ends of each cut Joist. Be sure the outside edge of the F-50 Brackets overhang 1/4” [6mm] from the edge of the joist.
  • Page 37 Fig. 75 Side View Cut joist Measured length minus 1/2” [13mm] (x4) Fig. 76 Side View F-50 Brackets Overhang F-50 Brackets 1/4” [6mm] from edge of cut Joist (x4) Fig. 77 (x4) DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 38 Fig. 78 Infill Joist Joist Marking 3” [76mm] Top View Fig. 79 Marking Top faces flush Marking Topside of Frame Fig. 80 3” [76mm] Marking Marking Top View Fig. 81 End Joist Underside of Frame...
  • Page 39 Fig. 82 Top View Stair Configuration Picture Frame Picture Frame Picture Frame Blocking 1 Blocking 2 Blocking 3 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 40: Rim Joists

    1. Mount Blank U-Rim Joist onto ends of mounted Joists. As shown inf Fig. 83. 2. Using Evolution Self-drilling Screws, fasten on top and bottom faces of the Blank U-Rim Joist. As shown in Fig. 84. Be sure end of U-Rim Joist is flush with outside face of End joist.
  • Page 41 Fig. 83 Fig. 84 Fig. 85 Mounted U-Rim Joist Measure opening length Fig. 86 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 42: Evolution Strap

    Step 1: Mount Evolution Straps onto Infill Joists 1. Place three Evolution Straps onto the underside of the Infill Joists. As shown in Fig. 87 & 89. Fasten straps to joists using Evolution Self-drilling Screws. As shown in Fig. 89.
  • Page 43 Fig. 88 Fig. 89 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 44: Stair Kit

    INSTALLATION: STAIR KIT (OPTIONAL) Adjustable Stair Frame Step 1: Calculate Required Stair Measurements 1. Reference link below for the Fortress Stair Calculator. https://fortressbp.com/framing/stair-calculator 2. Determine Configuration: On the Fortress Stair Calculator page, begin by selecting the desired configuration. The deck and stair kit framing is designed to use the “Drop to Grade”...
  • Page 45 “No Tray”. In the “Tray and Stringer: Stringer” section, select “Evolution 2” x 6” Joist as Stringer”. As shown in Fig. 96. 10. Determine Step Configuration: In the “Select a Step Configuration” section, select the drop down list then select the desired number of steps and total run.
  • Page 46 Fig. 91 Side View Rise (height) plus 1” [25mm] to account for deck board thickness Fig. 92 [Example for Reference] Fig. 93 Side View 1/8” [3mm] gapping Tread Depth = 5-1/2” + 5-1/2” + 1/8” 5-1/2” [140mm] 5-1/2” [140mm] deck board width deck board width Tread Thickness = Deck Board Thickness...
  • Page 47 Fig. 96 [Example for Reference] Fig. 97 [Example for Reference] Fig. 98 Fig. 99 Side View Top View Minimum of 10” [254mm] spacing Total Run Minimum of 10” [254mm] spacing Total Run DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 48 U-Rim between the two mounted Front Post Blocking. As shown in Fig. 105. 5. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten the cut Joist assemblies onto the Infill joists. As shown in Fig. 106. 6. Cut one Joist to 48” [1219mm] length. As shown in Fig. 107.
  • Page 49 Fig. 101 Measure openings Fig. 102 Side View Cut joist Measured Length (x2) Fig. 103 Fig. 104 Side View Outside faces of F-50 & Joist flush Fig. 105 Mounted Front Post Blocking DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 50 Fig. 106 Mounted Front Post Blocking Fig. 107 Side View Cut joist 48” [1219mm] (x1) Fig. 108 8” [203mm] Stair Tray Strap 48” [1219mm] cut Joist Fig. 109 8” [203mm] Stair Tray Strap 48” [1219mm] cut Joist...
  • Page 51 2. Position cut Joist flush with bottom face of the End Joist and centered between the two Side Post Blocking. 3. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws and two 8” [203mm] Straps, fasten the cut Joist onto the End Joist. Be sure straps are positioned 3”...
  • Page 52 Fig. 112 8” [203mm] Stair Tray Strap 48” [1219mm] cut Joist Step 4: Cut Stair Stringers (Joists) to Length 1. Reference X1, X2 and X3 measurements in stair calculator. As shown in Fig. 113 & 114. 2. Cut Joist to X3 length. 3.
  • Page 53 • The pins will hold the bracket at the correct angle until it is fastened securely to the stringer. Once the bracket is fastened the pins should be removed and discarded. Fig. 115 [Example for Reference] Fig. 116 Side View DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 54 4. Measure bracket spacing from cut end of joist to back end of bracket. As shown in Fig. 119 & 120. 5. Clamp bracket onto stringer then fasten single face of bracket using Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screw. As shown in Fig. 121. 6. Remove pins once bracket is fastened.
  • Page 55 18. Cut Final bracket and stringer along X2 cut mark. As shown in Fig. 128 & 129. 19. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten second side of all brackets. Note: • Be sure all brackets are initially ONLY fastened on same single face before cutting stringers at X2 cut mark.
  • Page 56 Fig. 122 Fig. 121 Side View Bracket spacing Fig. 124 Fig. 123 Measure from back edge of bracket DO NOT measure from back face of bracket Side View Fig. 125 Fig. 126 Side View Side View Bracket spacing Cut mark X2 Cut mark Scrap piece of Joist Fig.
  • Page 57 Step Rise measurement. As shown in Fig. 132. 4. Confirm straps are level before fastening. Adjust if needed. 5. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten Stair Straps onto framing. As shown in Fig. 133. Note: • Fig. 130 is taken from Stair Calculator results.
  • Page 58 Step Rise measurement. As shown in Fig. 135 & 136. 3. Confirm stringers are level before fastening. Adjust if needed. 4. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten Stair Stringer assemblies onto Stair Straps. As shown in Fig. 137.
  • Page 59 Stair Stringer assemblies. As shown in Fig. 138. 6. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten tail of Stair Straps on to bottom face of Stair Stringer assemblies. As shown in Fig. 139. A screw can be added at bend point to help mount Stair Straps flush onto stringers.
  • Page 60 1. Position a Stair Anchor Bracket on bottom of each Stair Stringer assembly. As shown in Fig.140. 2. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten brackets onto each stringer assembly. As shown in Fig. 141. 3. Be sure flaps on anchor brackets face in. As shown in Fig.
  • Page 61 Stair Bracket and the top and outside faces of the bottom Stair Bracket. 4. Using Evolution Self-Drilling Screws, fasten the top lip of the stair tray onto the top face of the bottom Stair Brackets. As shown in Fig. 145. Deck board screws will be installed with a 1-3/16”...
  • Page 62 Tip: • Be sure the top and bottom lips of the Adjustable Stair Tray are fastened onto to each stair stringer contact point. Use 4 screws per Adjustable Stair Tray. Fig. 143 Be sure top edge of Adjustable Stair Tray is stationary Hammer on both ends so that stair...
  • Page 63 Fig. 146 Bottom Stair Bracket Fig. 147 Bottom lip of Adjustable Stair Tray flush with back Bottom face of bottom Stair Bracket Stair Bracket Fig. 148 Fig. 149 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 64 Fig. 150...

  • Page 65: Cutting & Painting

    • Be sure to support product to prevent bending during cutting. • Be sure to not over heat the material when making cuts with a grinder. DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 66 Fig. 152 Step 3: Clean Cut Areas 1. Use a file to smooth cut edges. As shown in Fig. 153. 2. Remove any metal shavings and dust with a brush or rag. 3. Make sure surfaces to be painted are clean. DO NOT cut product over concrete.
  • Page 67 Tip: • Apply 2 coats of spray paint in non-salt water environments and 3 coats in salt-water environments. Fig. 154 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...

  • Page 68: Care & Maintenance/Warranty

    CARE & MAINTENANCE Care And Maintenance Of Fortress Building Products Powder-Coated Products And Surfaces: • Immediately after installation of your Fortress Building Products, clean powder-coated products and surfaces with a solution of warm water and non-abrasive, pH neutral detergent solution. Surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all residues.
  • Page 69 DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING...
  • Page 70 JOIN THE REVOLUTION. FortressBP.com | 866.323.4766 © 2022 Fortress Building Products. Unless otherwise noted, all proprietary names are trademarks of Fortress Iron, LP. All rights reserved. DECK & STAIR KIT INSTALLATION: FREE-STANDING EVOLUTION FRAMING 8/2022...

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