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PREFABRICATED/SINGLE-SOURCE baptismal fonts
EQUIPMENT DESIGN SERVICE
STANDARD AND CUSTOM MODELS
TURNKEY INSTALLATIONS
- ONE-PIECE
AND SECTIONAL MODELS
- WET
WALLS
- WATERFALLS
- NOISE-REDUCING
WATER FEATURES
- TURNKEY
INSTALLATION OPTION
- HEATERS
- CUSTOM
DESIGNED EQUIPMENT SERVICES
- ODORLESS
WATER DISINFECTION EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
YOUR OWN PRODUCT LINE
- NO LONGER
DO YOU HAVE TO COMPROMISE YOUR DESIGN
FOR LACK OF A SUITABLE MODEL.
- WATER
STRUCTURES SPECIALIZES IN CUSTOM-DESIGNED PRODUCTS.
FIFTY PERCENT OF OUR PRODUCTION IS DESIGNED BY OUR CLIENTELE.
REMEMBER...IF
YOU DON'T SEE IT, DESIGN IT!
THE
PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE
Water Structures provides a single source baptismal font system that is
qualitatively better than a site-produced baptismal font. By offering a
single-source product, Water Structures' baptismal fonts reduce multi-trade
conflicts, save time and greatly reduce the liability nightmare of a
leaking baptismal font. Water Structures offers a proven equipment package
including odorless water disinfection equipment, as well as pumps, fiber-optic
defused lighting, filters and heaters. Professionals can relax knowing
that all their clients' needs are met by one, single-source, professional
company.
QUALITY
Only quality surface materials like marble, granite ot ceramic tile
are used in Water Structures' baptismal fonts. Our baptismal font designs and
materials reflect the churches they inhabit. Water displays are meditative
and reflective. In short, a Water Structures' baptismal font can never be
mistaken for a plastic jacuzzi.
SITE-BUILT
baptismal fonts
The renewed interest in the baptismal font as a central architectural feature
has brought about some serious construction problems. All too often,
parishioners have been greeted by leaking or empty baptismal fonts that
are just a few months old. The problem can usually be traced back to
an indeterminent leak in a containment vessel. Usually the leaking area
is covered by building materials like cement, wire, plastic, copper
or tile. Finding the leak is then nearly impossible without taking the
baptismal font apart. Containment materials like copper, plastic or cement
are prone to undetected site damage or just plain incompetence by the
many trades needed to construct the baptismal font.
THE
TECHNOLOGY/THE DIFFERENCE
At the heart of every Water Structures' baptismal font is a revolutionary
fiberglass/fibercement shell. A proprietary manufacturing process provides
Water Structures with the ability to economically produce these superior
shells in both standard and custom sizes. Waterfalls, spillways and
multi-pool baptismal font designs are uni-sealed at the factory. The super-strong
shells provide short term construction protection as well as long-term
structural preservation. Simply put, Water Structures' superior shell
technology can save a church the agony and embarrassment of a leaky
baptismal font.
DESIGN
FLEXIBILITY
Water Structures offers both standard and custom baptismal font designs.
Our master mold makers have been building architecturally-specified
products for fourteen years. Water Structures offers the design professional
technical assistance as well as shop drawings and other construction
documents. baptismal fonts can be tiled at the factory or on site using
conventional thin-set or mud methods. Clients can optionally order shells
and equipment or a complete turnkey installation.
COPING
Coping can be constructed in natural stone, cast stone or wood. Natural
stone coping like marble or granite, especially with polished edges,
are the most costly. Compressed stone and wood are the least expensive.
INTERIOR
FINISHES
The interior of the baptismal font must be in tile or natural stone. Water
Structures does not use any plastic surfaces like gel-coat. Ceramic,
porcelain and glass tiles come in many shapes, colors and textures.
Natural stone comes in slab or tile form. Natural stone tiles like granite,
marble or limestone are usually polished, but can be ordered in different
finishes like rough-sawn, sandblasted or honed. Slab stone can be fabricated
to add a dimensional look to the baptismal font. Slab fabrication of natural
stone is by far the most expensive.
Note: The manufacturer of the tile or natural stone should always
be consulted before specifying any product for underwater use.
EXTERIOR
FINISHES
The interior of the baptismal font can be finished in almost any finish
desired.
Note: Room for the baptismal font's piping should be allowed for
in the baptismal font design.
CUSTOM
WATER AND LIGHT OPTIONS
Water Structures also offers a wide array of Water Effects. Water
Structures' experienced staff will help you create a fountain or
baptismal font with just the right ambient sight and sound.
Water Structures can provide commercial filtration and heating systems
for baptismal fonts. Special consideration is given to noises, outer and
visual effect. Water Structures can provide self-draining systems
equipped with a heater, or permanently filled units with multi-function
water effects. The professionals at Water Structures can make
your vision a reality.
SHELL
Water Structures' shells are one-piece, factory built, installation-ready
vessels, available with pre-plumbed through-wall fittings. Tile or natural
stone can be installed at the factory or job site.
STRUCTURAL
COMPOSITION
The outer shell is constructed of polyester fiberglass with integral;
laminated supports. The interior of the fiberglass mold is chemically
bonded to a fiber-cement wall 5/8" thick. Tile or natural stone
is adhered to cement surface with conventional latex enhanced thinset.
INTERIOR
DURABILITY
The durability of the Water Structures' baptismal font's interior
is dependent on what product is chosen. Granites, some marbles and ceramic
tiles have traditionally been the best interior surfaces.
PRODUCT
LIFE CYCLE
Water Structures' baptismal fonts are designed so that the interior
surfaces can be replaced using conventional methods without disrupting
the baptismal font's watertight containment vessel. The piping in and around
the Water Structures' containment shell, unlike site-produced
Gunite or plastic lined baptismal fonts, can be repaired or replaced without
jack hammering the font apart. The design of the Water Structures'
baptismal font will afford future generations the opportunity to repair
and resurface the baptismal font without starting over.
SECTIONAL
baptismal fonts
Water
Structures' baptismal fonts can be manufactured in sectional pieces
that can be assembled on the job site. The reassembled units are sealed,
bolted and fiberglassed on site. The inside joint is tiled so as to
match the rest of the unit.
FIELD
TEST
Water Structures has manufactured tile and natural stone custom
baptismal fonts and fountains for thirteen years. Water Structures'
products have performed well outside in diverse environments from the
Rocky Mountains to the Middle Eastern deserts.
QUALITY
CONTROL
Water Structures provides a factory tested, finished product
from one source. The experienced mold makers and stone and tile setters
at Water Structures have years of experience. Water Structures
customers are guaranteed a baptismal font whose look and durability are
unmatched in the industry.
FREE
STANDING UNITS
baptismal fonts can be constructed with no connecting pipes. The disadvantage
of installing a unit this way is that a hose must be used to fill and
drain the baptismal font.
CONTINUAL
WATER DISPLAY
In some cases it is not possible to locate the baptismal font equipment
in a separate area. If water is to be left in the unit, then equipment
must be installed under the skirt to prevent the water from becoming
unattractive or unhealthy. Easy access is needed for this under-deck
equipment. Automatic disinfection, heating and filtration equipment
can all be placed under a baptismal font deck. The area needed is dependent
on the amount of equipment specified. This equipment does need an electrical
supply. Your local Water Structures' representative can help
you design an equipment area.
Note: In some cases, mounting the equipment at the baptismal font
causes noise and access problems
STRUCTURAL
DURABILITY
Water Structures' baptismal fonts have no steel reinforcement that
can corrode over time, like Gunite. The Water Structures' shell
is construction tolerant with no plastic liner or copper panes that
can be easily damaged during construction. Fiberglass has been proven
to be one of the most durable products available for the containment
of water. Engineers specify fiberglass when they can't afford to take
a chance on leakage, as in the construction of underground gasoline
storage tanks.
DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
LIGHTING,
SPOTS
A baptismal font should be built in such a way as to show off its central
place. Spot lights can usually serve this function. Underwater lights
are available for applicable installations.
WATER
EFFECTS baptismal fonts
baptismal fonts can have a number of water effects that reflect their meditative
and symbolic function. The noises created by these effects should be
considered when designing a system. Waterfalls and spillways can be
diverted for quiet runs but this option must be planned into the plumbing.
Waterfalls may be the quietest and easiest solution to noisy baptismal fonts.
LIVING
WATER
A small movement can be created in a baptismal font to give it the look
of moving water. This symbolic effect has the added benefit of being
quiet.
WATERFALLS
A waterfall effect can be created in two ways. The first is to have
water pumped into a baptismal font or collector that has a weir or spillway
exiting it. Water is pumped from the lower baptismal font into the upper
baptismal font or collector. The waterfall or spillway effect is created
as the water cascades over the spillway lip back into the lower baptismal font.
The spillway collector method demands a significant amount of water
be pumped in order for the system to work properly. When water cascades
over a waterfall lip, there is a tendency to have some water hug the
underside of the waterfall lip. The offending water then travels down
the outside wall of the upper baptismal font or collector. This can cause
water problems if not planned for. This type of waterfall probably should
not be run duing the service due to the level of noise.
The second
method for creating a waterfall effect is by using a waterfall fixture.
Waterfall fixtures are usually installed in a wall on site. The water
throw of the waterfall can be regulated at the pump. Of the two types
of waterfall methods, the fixture type is simplest, most efficient and
least likely to cause noise level problems.
baptismal font
JETS
Some baptismal fonts have been equipped with small, quiet jets that can
be mounted in the center of the baptismal font or coming out from the side.
These give the water some movement.
STONE
OR TILE CHOICE
The ability of a particular stone or tile to maintain its look in water
should be considered in choosing a material. Some marbles and tiles
do not do well in water. Granites, most tiles and many marbles do well.
The manufacturer of the stone or tile should be consulted before choosing
a material.
WATERFALL
STEPS AND WET WALLS
Waterfall steps and wet walls are quieter to operate than waterfalls.
A dynamic water display can be created using these features. When designing
a step or wet wall into a baptismal font, it is important to consider how
these features project. The projective nature of the features should
be worked into the overall design. It is also very important to make
sure that the spillway or slide is completely waterproof before applying
the surface material. Water Structure's baptismal fonts have a one-piece
shell which prevents leakage through this transitional structure which
connects the upper and lower baptismal font parts.
DECK
SHELL INTERFACE
SHELL
INSTALLATION
The piping that surrounds the outside of a baptismal font makes it almost
impossible to "drop in" a shell. The shell should be set in
place and leveled before the deck is built. If a platform is being poured
before the shell is on site, a call should be made to Water Structures
to get the exact height of the unit. Remember, it is much easier to
bring the baptismal font or fountain shell up than it is to lower it.
SHELL
TOP LIP, UNFINISHED
The top of the untiled Water Structures shell has a fibercement
lip which usually measures 3 ½" in width from the inside of
the unfinished shell to the outside of the lip. Tile or slab stone can
be directly set on this lip. The rough lip can interface with the deck
in a number of ways. See your Water Structures representative
for details. Dimensional tolerance should be allowed for in the shell
deck interface. The shell should be set, leveled, plumbed and tested
before decking is built.
SIDE
PANEL DECKING
When designing a side panel decking system, the pipe which protrudes
from the outside of the shell and its rough lip should be taken into
consideration. Try to allow for at least a 5" space from the outside
of the shell to the inside of the panel. This space should allow for
the throughwall plumbing fittings. The side wall of the untiled shell
measures approximately 1", with the exception of the lip area which
is approximately 3½" wide by 4" deep. The shell's entire
weight must be supported from the bottom. Large baptismal fonts should
have their lips supported every 3 feet to prevent movement.
baptismal font
DIMENSIONS
Water
Structures' baptismal fonts are often built to meet specific design
needs. The size of the lip and floor may vary from application to application.
Tolerance for dimensional variation should be built into the unit's
design. Consult your local Water Structures representative for
assistance.
OVERFLOWS
Overflows can be used on baptismal fonts, however, local authorities
should be consulted. Overflows are mandatory if an auto fill system
is to be used. The fill rate of the auto fill system should be well
below the ability of the overflow to dispense with water. Note: Some
churches require a separate dry well be used to drain baptismal font holy
water.
DIRECT
WATER FILL CONNECTIONS
Most local codes prohibit a direct connection between the baptismal fonts
and the portable water system. Some localities will accept direct fill
connections if certain types of back flow preventers are used. Some
inspectors will only accept a fill system that has a gap between the
top of the unit and the fill spot. Though less convenient, a conventional
hose fixture with a backflow preventer can be an inexpensive solution.
PIPING
REQUIREMENTS, SEPARATE EQUIPMENT
If the recirculation and water effects equipment is to be separate from
the baptismal font, piping should be run and tested before the floor is
poured. Pipe sizes vary greatly from job to job, but even a small baptismal font
should have a minimum of two 1½ " PVC Schedule 40, or better,
pipes. Equipment can be placed under the baptismal font decking, which would
negate the need for recirculation piping, but would necessitate an electrical
feed. Copper pipes do not usually last as long as PVC. An additional
pipe will be needed if a controller or lighting system is used at the
unit. Often larger pipes are needed as when a water effect is incorporated
into the project. Piping requirements can vary greatly from job to job.
A Water Structures representative should be consulted before
producing piping specifications.
MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS
baptismal fonts need to be maintained. Water must be added due to
evaporation. If the system does not have an automatic disinfection system,
then a chemical disinfectant must be used. Even systems with automatic
disinfection equipment need to have their PH and hardness adjusted occasionally.
SAFETY
The safety of the baptismal font should be considered when designing
the unit. Local codes and authorities should be consulted.
EQUIPMENT
baptismal fonts need a designated area to put their equipment. Some fonts
can have the equipment installed at the factory. The size of the equipment
area can vary greatly. Equipment areas should always be accessible and,
whenever possible, be on the same grade or below the baptismal font or fountain.
Your Water Structures' representative should be consulted before laying
out the room.
FILTRATION
baptismal font water should be filtered every day. Filters should be
cleaned when the water is changed.
HEATERS
Some baptismal fonts have heaters that can be turned on when needed.
Smaller baptismal fonts may be able to use the domestic hot water. A thermostatic
valve would make this process easier and safer.
ODORLESS
WATER DISINFECTION
baptismal fonts can be equipped with odorless disinfection systems that
operate when the filter pump is on. baptismal fonts and fountains without
automatic disinfection systems should be chemically treated.
WATER
SUPPLY
baptismal fonts need to be filled frequently due to evaporation and
water changes. Direct connection made to the plumbing should not be
done unless a back flow preventer is used and the local plumbing inspector
is consulted. The control valve for the water fill should be within
sight of the baptismal font, if possible.
DRAINAGE
baptismal fonts can be drained or pumped out. The local plumbing inspector
should be consulted before any hook ups are made. NOTE: The Church may
want baptismal font water to be drained into a separate dry well.
SAFETY
The safety of the public should be considered when designing a
baptismal font. When possible, the water depth should be kept down or a
safety barrier should be built.
The following
excerpts were taken from a pastoral letter to the congregation of St.
Mary of the Hills, Boylston, MA.
THE
baptismal font
The nature of a baptismal font is described this way
in the official documents of the Church.
"A
baptismal font separated from the body of the church is to be worthy of
the sacrament celebrated there and is to be set aside exclusively for
baptism, as befits the place where from the womb of the Church, so to
speak, Christians are reborn through water and the Holy Spirit."
The Pastor
asked Kim Noble, a representative of Water Structures, to give
us a written description of its workings.
"St.
Mary of the Hills new baptismal font was designed by the Church's Architects,
Keefe Associates of Boston. The baptismal font was placed in the entry of
the church so as to incorporate it centrally in the Church's activities.
The design reflects other forms in the church as it balances the Altar
and Tabernacle.
The
water from the top and bottom baptismal fonts is circulated through a filtration
and disinfection system. An ultraviolet germicidal disinfecting unit
has been used because it has no chemical odor. The top and bottom baptismal font
can be quickly filled with thermostatically controlled warm water before
Baptisms. Both baptismal fonts have a central flume of water to continually
"move the waters" reflecting the Bible's "living water"
passages. A timer controls the filtration and disinfection of Baptismal
water.
The
lower baptismal font is constructed of hand cut Golden Travertine Marble
that is from the same vein as the Altar. The Upper baptismal font is manufactured
from spun bronze. The Lower baptismal font and the equipment was manufactured
and installed by Water Structures. The floor of the baptismal font has been
hand cut in an octagonal pattern to reflect the overall design motif.
The Marble used is the remaining marble from the two Altars given by
the Jesuits of Holy Cross College. The lower baptismal font rests in a custom
fiberglass mold to safely contain the lower baptismal font's water.
The
success of the project is largely due to Father Tougas' strong sense
that Baptism should be a central and continuing part of a living Church.
It is hoped by all involved that St. Mary's baptismal font will be just
that."
DISCUSSION
OF SITE-BUILT PRODUCTS
Custom
built baptismal fonts have often been constructed using protective pans
made of copper, metal sheet or plastic liner. Wven with these protective
pans, water would too often work its way past the interior surfaces,
causing a major leak. There are some historical problems with metal
and liner pans which are discussed below.
HIDDEN
LEAKAGE
Copper, vinyl, or metal sheet liners are easily damaged during the construction
process. These liners are made of thin material with weak joints. Hidden
damage can occur well after a liner and its piping are tested. Liner
pans are labor intensive to install with many different contractors
working on the unit. Damage occurring to the pan is not usually visible
so it is impossible to tell which sub-contractor was working on the
unit when the damage was done. A leak in a liner or pan does not appear
until the water migrates past the surface, a process that usually take
6 months or more, long after the sub-contractors have been paid. These
liners are impossible to repair without destroying the baptismal font and
starting over!
PIPING
The weakest point in a metal pan or liner is the place where a pipe
passes through it. These pipes can be drains or recirculation fittings.
The more through-wall connections the more likely a leak. Through-wall
connections can be easily damaged during construction. Piping connection
leaks are usually hidden and can not be fixed without destroying the
font which surrounds them.
LONG
TERM
Copper, stainless steel, and vinyl can be damaged over time due to the
caustic environments they occupy. Copper and stainless steel liners
can be eaten by the chemicals in cement. Plastic liners can be stretched
due to the heat and chemicals in the water.
WATER
STRUCTURES FIBERGLASS/FIBERCEMENT SHELL
Water Structures manufactures a uni-bodied fiberglass/fibercement shell
which is far superior to any site-built product. The Water Structures'
shell is made from reinforced fiberglass. The exterior is chemically
bonded to a fibercement interior surface in the molding process. Because
the interior of this uni-boded product is Portland fibercement, it will
accept tile adhesive easily. The exterior of the shell is made of fiberglass
which is both durable, waterproof and allows for the double manifolding
of through-wall pipe fitting.
WATER
STRUCTURE PROVEN DEPENDABILITY
Water Structures' staff has thirteen years of experience building custom
baptismal fonts, fountains and other water features. Each Water Structures'
baptismal font is handcrafted by our experienced craftsman. When you order
a Water Structures' baptismal font you get the advantage of a single-source
product from an experienced manufacturer. Each shell comes with a Water
Structures Limited Ten-Year, No-Leak Warranty.
LIABILITY
REDUCTION
The labor and material that go into making a custom tile or natural
stone baptismal fonts can be substantial. The cost to remove a custom baptismal font
and replace it is even higher than the original cost. Water Structures'
baptismal fonts provide you with the best protection possible from indeterminate
leakage.
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