Category: RDI

• Aug 16,
  2011

  What to Look For When Choosing a Vinyl Railing System

  Choosing a railing system for a commercial or residential project is difficult due to an array of options as well as budget and design parameters. A few key questions to ask are, will this product meet building code requirements and is there a meaningful warranty backed up in easy to read and understand language? Many popular rail systems range from steel and aluminum to wood and composites as well as vinyl. While there still is a significant gap in pricing between all of the above materials, wood producers and vinyl manufacturers seem to have narrowed this differential greatly in the past few years.

  The overall beauty, performance and longevity of the aforementioned railing materials vary greatly. Vinyl rail systems have become widely used due their exceptional performance and good looks, durability and low-maintenance attributes.

  When choosing a vinyl rail system, there are a few key factors to consider prior to designing or purchasing for the project.

  Does this vinyl railing meet the necessary building and handicap codes?

  Always check with the local code enforcement official for the exact building requirements prior to installation. Many towns and municipalities require a building permit is in place. Something as simple as a set of five stairs or a third story railing installation is no simple matter.

  Does this  vinyl railing brand use interior aluminum extrusions in top and or bottom rails as stiffeners to reduce deflection?

  Aluminum extrusions provide exceptional strength and superior protection against rusting. It can be cut with a standard, carbide tipped saw blade and does not require the cuts to be re-sealed, making job site installation quicker.

  Is the railing constructed with high quality PVC resins and modifiers?

  While most PVC railing manufacturers utilize some amount of recycled content, a high percentage use of 100% virgin vinyl is essential to encapsulate and protect the rails from discoloring and the like. Also, modifiers and titanium dioxide (UV inhibitor) are key elements used to withstand extremely harsh weather climates and to ensure color stability. Look for companies that offer color all the way through the vinyl. Some railing manufacturers only use color only in their cap stock. If color is specific to the cap stock only, any deep scratches developed during installation or during the occupants use will appear as off-white, thus exposing the recycled vinyl content.

  Look for a full line producer

  Look for a manufacturer that offers complementary accessory items like porch posts, gates, post caps and other items needed to customize any project. Purchasing from a single manufacturer means that accessory colors, even traditional “white”, more than likely will match your  top and bottom rail as well as post sleeve. Many companies out source accessories and often times the color or sheen does not match the railing kit characteristics.

  1.     Identify a company that offers railings in a profile that fit your style. Many offer only one design, while others offer a broader spectrum. Some companies offer a railing system that even allows the building owner to add a custom top rail such as matching deck boards or exotic hardwood cap. Custom wide rail tops are ideal for enhancing the outdoor living space by accommodating plants or candles while also making a great place for resting a cold summer drink.

  2.     Beware if you are replacing an existing rail system with vinyl. Carefully measure the distance between all the posts. Many vinyl rail system producers claim that their kits are 6’ or 8’ wide when they actually measure 68 ½” and 92 ½” in length.

  Is the product supported with a meaningful warranty?

  Some vinyl rail system producers produce products that look good the day of installation but over time yellow, become wobbly or crack. It is a good idea to make sure that the company that make the railing stands behind the railing with a written warranty that requires registration.

  Vinyl railing is here to stay! The low maintenance attributes, safety, ease of installation and a variety of design choices, have this material being widely utilized in high end residential as well as commercial applications.

  Boston Cedar proudly distributes the entire high quality Railing Dynamics, Inc (RDI) product line.  Since 1989, RDI has been one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of low-maintenance building solutions. RDI’s products include the Endurance Original, Deck, Porch Rail, ADA Hand Rail lines, and Titan vinyl clad metal railing system.

  

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