Sure-Panel aluminum column covers at Wurth in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Reveal Joint Column Covers

Sure-Panel Reveal Joint column covers turn the seam into a design line. Our dry-joint channel system uses clips mechanically fastened to the panels and the underlying substructure, with a "C" channel insert at each vertical reveal. There are no exposed rough edges, fasteners, adhesives or caulk, just a clean, deliberate reveal.

How the reveal joint works

Dry-joint channel system. Clips are mechanically fastened to the cover panels and to the substructure.
"C" channel insert. A channel sits in each vertical joint to form a crisp, consistent reveal.
No sealant. Nothing to re-caulk or discolor.

When to choose a reveal joint

Choose reveal when the design wants a visible, uniform joint that lines up with other reveals on the building, such as a dry joint rainscreen facade. Choose hairline when the joint should disappear, or caulk for a sealed exterior joint.

Installation (general sequence)

From the Sure-Panel Column Cover Installation and Storage Guide. Shop drawings and job-specific details govern.1. Base angles: locate base angles at 24" o.c. maximum. Use PVC shims under the clips to separate dissimilar metals.2. Clip angles: refer to the shop drawings for dimension "A", determine the proper clip depth, and fasten the clip angles to the base angles.3. Male half: set the top of the column 3/4" below the ceiling and attach the male half of the column to the clips. The bottom ring should be 1/4" above the floor. A 3/4" joint at the top is required for keyhole slot engagement.4. Female half: set the female half by engaging the bolts into the keyhole slots. Turn the bolts in or out as required for engagement while keeping a tight joint between the column halves.5. Top closure (optional): an angle reveal at the top sets inside the column and closes off the 3/4" gap.

Jobsite storage

Store column covers indoors, away from the elements. If crates must be stored outside: put a plastic cover on the ground, raise the crates off it, set them at an angle so water drains, support them so they don't bow, and cover them with a loose-fitting waterproof tarp that still lets air circulate. Moving crates from a cold area to a warm one causes condensation between covers, so limit water contact, temperature extremes and storage time, and dry any wet bundles right away.

Lead time

Column cover fabrication in as little as 3–4 weeks (about 6–8 weeks with drafting). We ship nationwide.

Column cover materials, sizes and finishes

From the Sure-Panel column cover specification (Section 05 58 13):

3003-H14 aluminum (painted), .090"–.125": PVDF / Kynar (standard)
5005 anodic-quality aluminum (anodized), .090"–.125": Powder coat
ACM, 4 mm or 6 mm FR core: Anodized
304 or 316 stainless steel, 16 ga: Brushed stainless, mill, primed
Minimum diameter: 8"
Max length (round or square): 15' (longer requires a stack joint)
Round covers over 34" diameter: Require vertical joints
Square covers over 26": Require vertical joints

Approximate panel weights: .080" aluminum 1.14 lb/sf · .090" 1.28 lb/sf · .125" 1.78 lb/sf · 4 mm FR ACM 1.56 lb/sf · 6 mm FR ACM 2.23 lb/sf · 16 ga stainless 2.5 lb/sf.

Shapes: round, square, rectangular and custom profiles, plus capitals, bases, rings and reveals. Perforated covers can be used for internal lighting effects.

Compare column cover joints

Joint look: Hairline: Subtle hairline; Reveal: Clean vertical reveal with "C" channel insert; Caulk: Sealed sealant line
Attachment: Hairline: Internal key-slot system; Reveal: Clips mechanically fastened to panels and substructure; Caulk: Clips on rout-and-return legs, hard-fastened to structure
Sealant: Hairline: None visible; Reveal: None; Caulk: Foam backer rod + silicone
Best for: Hairline: Lobbies, high-end interiors and exteriors where the joint should disappear; Reveal: Exterior or interior designs that want a deliberate reveal line; Caulk: Exterior columns needing maximum weather protection