Frequently asked questions

The base ingredient used for vinyl railing is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride), modified to provide superior strength and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. The formulation of vinyl railing is similar to vinyl siding which has been around for nearly three decades. This means vinyl railing also provides the same type of durability and structural integrity.

Most plastics — vinyl included — become less flexible in cold weather. Under normal use, vinyl railing will not break when installed properly.

Most materials expand and contract with temperature changes. Our vinyl railing is engineered with this in mind.

No, it will not. RDI Vinyl Railing contains 12 parts titanium dioxide (a UV inhibitor) which prevents ultraviolet degradation. For additional peace of mind, all RDI Railing products are backed by a Transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Some chalking is to be expected with any pigmented surface. Due to RDI Vinyl Railing’s TiO2 performance, chalking will be at a minimum and will be washed away by normal weather conditions.

For normal cleaning, any non-abrasive cleaner mixed with water will be sufficient. For more stubborn problems, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works well.

It is NOT recommended to paint Endurance® Original RailTM or RDI® Finyl LineTM vinyl railing. Painting will void the warranty for RDI Vinyl Railing.

Transform® Composite Railing features an acrylic cap which can be painted since it contains no plasticizers or additives that would interfere with paint adhesion or affect the paint’s durability. It is important that the paint used be specifically designed for acrylic surfaces. Ordinary house paint and traditional water-based paint will not adhere properly to acrylic. To ensure paint is suitable for acrylic, consult the paint manufacturer.

RDI Railing’s 4″ x 4″ adjustable vinyl post wraps are designed to fit posts ranging from 3 3/8″ to 4 1/8″ in size. In addition, RDI Railing’s 6″ x 6″ adjustable vinyl post wraps are designed to fit posts ranging from 5 7/16″ to 6 1/8″ in size.

  • Endurance Original Rail Vinyl Railing kits are 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’ x 36″ kit is actually 95 3/4″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.
  • Transform Composite Railing kits are true to the nominal length. For example, an 8’ x 36″ kit or top rail is actually 96″ long.
  • Finyl Line Vinyl Railing kits are 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’ x 36″ kit is actually 95 3/4″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.

Yes, but only when the stair section is level (0 degrees). Stair rail panels are designed for installation at angles ranging from 0 to 41 degrees. The higher the pitch of the rail, the closer together the spacing becomes. At maximum pitch, baluster spacing becomes about 3”.

  • Endurance Original Rail Vinyl Railing level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5-degree slope, which is the maximum pitch allowed by code.
  • Transform Composite Railing kits can accommodate handicap access ramps. This can be accomplished by purchasing a stair or beam kit with stair balusters and then cutting the rails and balusters to fit the 5-degree slope.
  • Finyl Line Vinyl Railing level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5-degree slope, which is the maximum pitch allowed by code.

Post caps can be glued in place with any vinyl adhesive. You may also use PVC glue or silicone adhesives that are sold at most hardware stores, lumberyards or home centers.

Yes, RDI Railing vinyl and composite railing products meet or exceed all code requirements for installation on second-story levels. It is important to always check with your local code enforcement office for the requirements on your project.

Yes, but only when the stair section is level (0 degrees). Aluminum stair rail panels are designed for installation at angles ranging from 0 to 41 degrees. The higher the pitch of the rail, the closer together the spacing becomes. At maximum pitch, baluster spacing becomes about 3”.

Avalon Aluminum Railing® panels and top rails are 1/2″ shorter than the nominal dimension. This is to allow room for the mounting brackets and rail end caps. For example, an 8’ x 36″ panel is actually 95 1/2″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.

Avalon Aluminum Railing posts are available in residential grade or commercial grade. Posts are available for where the top rail nests between the posts (2 1/2″ posts or 4 1/4″ posts) or where the top rail sits over the top of the posts (2″ posts).

Avalon Aluminum Railing level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5-degree slope, which is the maximum pitch allowed by code. Use level rail sections and stair rail brackets.

Yes, RDI Railing offers two choices to mount Avalon Aluminum Railing on concrete. You can core mount in the concrete using either of our face/core posts or use our flush mount post with a high-quality concrete anchoring system.

Yes, Avalon Aluminum Railing® meets or exceeds all code requirements. It is important to always check with your local code enforcement office for the requirements on your project.

Avalon Aluminum Railing® can be cut with most saw types. When using a power miter saw, a high tooth count (80 or more) carbide tip is best. Be sure to have the blade up to speed before beginning your cut. Hacksaws and other saws with metal cutting blades will also cut aluminum railing.

Yes, you can use the 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ x 108″ columns with mounting kits for both the top and the bottom of the column.

Dings or scratches can be repaired with color matched touch-up paint. For small areas, use our .5-ounce bottle with brush applicator. For larger areas, use our 12-ounce aerosol can.

Double post at the top of the stairs. Stair posts were engineered so that the cable would not hit the nose of the stairs and also prevent a 6” sphere violation.

A maximum of 2 corners or 40 ft of cable through a corner is allowed before needed to double post. If you have more than 2 corners in a run, you will need to choose a location to double post. If you have a corner post and more than a 40’ run of cable, you will need to double post that corner. This allows the tension required to be achieved.