Baluster
One of a set of small pillars that support a hand rail and form with the hand rail a balustrade system. Hairline shrinkage cracks at the neck of the baluster are not imperfections; they are natural occurrences caused during the drying process whenever a small mass meets a large one.

Balustrade System
A hand rail system composed of balusters, top rail, bottom rail and piers. Available in standard or lightweight pre-cast cement in a paint grade, sandstone or travertine finish.

Building codes
Local laws which enforce a system of rules and regulations for the purpose of ensuring adequate standard of practice and uniformity in workmanship. It is the responsibility of the contractor / client to make sure their project is working within the guidelines of the local building codes. For example, baluster spacing needs to comply with local codes.

Colored Cement
A cement mixture which includes the appropriate pigment and aggregate to obtain the desired color. The beauty of this process is that the color is an innate element of the product.

Color and Product Variances
Slight variances of color and/or finish in the AFU product line are not imperfections; they are a natural occurrence inherent in the casting process which further enhances the naturalistic quality of the cast stone.

Custom Design
AFU's accomplished in-house design and production team can actualize your design, or they can design and fabricate to suit your individual project requirements.

Entry Piers
Oversized piers which flank both sides of your walk and/or driveway.

Wrought Iron Fence Pier
Especially designed to wrap around structural posts and enhance otherwise uninteresting wrought iron fence joints.

Field Cutting
Field cuts are required on every job. AFU's entire product line may be cut with a diamond or carbide blade. The cut edge, if desired, may be restored with a grinder or wet stone.

Fire Rating
AFU's entire product line (standard cement, plaster, GFRG & GRRC) maintains a zero clearance fire rating.

GFRC
GFRC is a lightweight product composed of glass fiber reinforced cement for both interior and exterior applications. Weights approximately 8 lbs. per square foot of surface area.

GFRG
GFRG is a lightweight product composed of glass fiber reinforced gypsum for interior applications. Weight approximately 6 lbs. per square foot of surface area.

Grout Lines
Grout should be installed wet and packed tightly with a mason's tool. Grout lines are naturally prone to cracking and a patching of the grout lines should be scheduled 120 days past the initial installation.

Gypsum
Hydrous sulfate of lime, occurring in massive, fibrous, foliated or granular form. When calcined, it is called "Plaster of Paris."

In Line Piers
Piers that nestle between the top and bottom rails of the balustrade system.

Installations
AFU recommends that a professional tradesman, i.e. mason, handle all installations.

Lead Time
Lead times vary and begin at the time AFU has received a) the required deposit b) signed proposal c) signed color sample (when applicable and signed shop drawing.

Light Weight Cement
Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GFRC), a high strength and durable product used in areas where weight is an issue. Applicable for both interior an exterior specification.

Light Weight Gypsum
Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG). Lightweight product for interior applications only.

Maintenance & Care
Check with your local tile/masonry supplier for their recommendations on sealers, cleansers and/or stain lifters for the surfaces you need to treat. AFU recommends that the sandstone and travertine finishes be sealed, however the decision to seal or not to seal is the sole responsibility of the client.

Overage
When ordering, one should plan for a cutting and breakage margin of 5%. Make sure that you order enough product to meet your design and structural needs. This will ensure that you have the proper amount of product when you need it the most-during installation. For all product and installation bids, the client must consider the product layouts and grout line widths when finalizing the product, installation bid or contract. Tolerances may be planned for a grout width and/or be ground down by the masons at the job site.

Paint Grade Finish
AFU's paint grade product arrives ready to be installed, prepped and painted. Tiny air pockets and hairline cracks are characteristics of paint grade smooth finish. AFU strongly advised that the client consult with their local supplier for a paint recommendation best suited to the site's climate conditions.

Piers
Masonry supports in the shape of a rectangle or square. AFU's piers are composed of GFRC with a hollow core and are used conjuntion with the balustrade system as stabilizers and/or entry piers.

Pier Caps
A flat or peaked top for piers (piers may be made of pre-cast cement, brick, natural stone, stucco, etc.) They can be drilled on job site to accommodate wiring, wrought iron, water, etc.

Preliminary Bids
All preliminary bids are considered rough bids in accordance with drawings, blueprints, or direct orders. It is during this stage that all changes and corrections are to be made. Shop drawing are not included at this stage and will not be provided until after the bid has been accepted and signed, and a deposit has been received.

Radius
A straight line from the center of a circle or sphere to its periphery.

Reinforcement
AFU uses one # 4 rebar per baluster, two # 3 rebars in top rail and two # 3 rebars in the bottom rail of their standard precast balustrade systems.

Sandstone Finish
A sandblased colored cement or plaster product that mimics the surface texture of limestone or sandstone.

Standard Cement
A hydraulic cement made by calcining limestone with clayey matter. This mixed with aggregate creates a strong and long lasting product.

Storage
AFU strongly advised that all packaging be removed upon receipt. Storage for over 5 months is not advisable. Columns should be stored in an upright position, protected from the environment.

Travertine Finish
A handpacked colored cement or plaster product that mimics the handsome textural surface of travertine marble.

Wall Cap
An elegant finished detail capping any boundary, entry or retaining wall. Whether the wall is made of stone, stucco or masonry, wall caps give added protections and an aesthetically pleasing final touch.