The provided documentation details installation procedures for various Veranda railing systems, including Concord, Heathrow Aluminum Rail Kits, and Traditional Railing. The documentation focuses on bracket installation, rail preparation, and specific techniques for baluster placement and deck board attachment when utilizing an “Over the Top” format. The materials cover both bottom rail and top rail preparation, with notes on chassis and bracket compatibility.
Bottom Rail Bracket Installation
The installation process begins with the preparation of the bottom rail. This involves installing lower rail brackets to the post sleeves. A bracket install template should be used to align the brackets to the center of the post sleeve, ensuring the “THIS SIDE UP” marking on the bracket faces upwards. Pre-drilling bracket holes with a 1/8” drill bit is required before attaching the brackets using #10 x 2-1/2” screws.
Following bracket installation, a center support brace is to be installed. Specific details regarding the installation of this brace are provided, but further elaboration is not available in the provided documentation.
Once the brackets are secured, the bottom rail is slid over the installed brackets. The rail should be fitted snugly against the posts, positioned approximately 1/2” from the end of the post. Pre-drilling through the rail and bracket with a 1/8” drill bit is necessary before driving a #10 x 1” screw through the top of the bottom rail into the bottom bracket.
Top Rail and Chassis Preparation
Preparation of the top rail involves plugging in top brackets to the chassis, ensuring the “This Side Up” marking faces upwards. These brackets are then attached to the chassis using supplied #8 x 5/8” self-tapping screws inserted into the groove in the chassis. This process is repeated on the opposite side.
A specific note is included for 10’ rail kits. In these instances, the chassis is constructed from aluminum and requires pre-drilling with a 1/8” drill bit before screw installation.
After bracket attachment, a baluster spacer is laid on top of the chassis, ensuring it completely covers both the chassis and brackets without extending beyond the bracket ends. The baluster spacer is then removed.
Baluster Installation Considerations
The documentation provides a tip regarding baluster installation, specifically when miter cutting is required. It is recommended to start the cut at the top edge of the baluster to maximize length and ensure consistent cuts between balusters. Further details regarding baluster attachment are not provided in the available documentation.
“Over the Top” Deck Board Installation
The documentation outlines a method for installing deck boards in an “Over the Top” format. This method requires ensuring the posts are at the same height as the rail installation, achieving a tight fit between the post and post sleeve. The post and post sleeve should be cut to a height of 35 13/16”.
Following the steps outlined for bottom rail and top rail installation (Steps 2-3-4-5), a deck board (sold separately) is placed over the top rail. The deck board is then attached using board manufacturer-recommended 2” screws, driven into the center of the rail and through the board, ensuring the screws engage the chassis.
Rail Kit Specifics
The documentation references several specific rail kit types:
- Concord Installation Instructions
- Heathrow Aluminum Rail Kit Installation Instructions
- Veranda Traditional Railing Installation Instructions
- ADA Aluminum Hand Rail Installation Instructions
- ADA Vinyl Hand Rail Installation Instructions
- RDI® Collection Finyl Line™ Installation Instructions
- RDI® Collection MetalWorks® Excalibur Installation Instructions
- HandiRail Aluminum Rail Kit Installation Instructions
- Elevation Rail Installation Instructions
- Y-Series Pre-Built Guardrail Installation Instructions
- Post Extension Installation Instructions
However, the documentation does not provide specific installation details unique to each of these kits beyond the general procedures outlined above.
Bracket Angle Adjustment
The documentation notes that if a bracket angle is not 32 degrees, it can be cut to the desired angle. This suggests a degree of adjustability in the bracket design.
Screw Specifications
The documentation consistently specifies screw sizes for various stages of the installation process:
- #10 x 2-1/2” screws for attaching bottom rail brackets.
- #10 x 1” screws for securing the bottom rail to the brackets.
- #8 x 5/8” self-tapping screws for attaching top rail brackets to the chassis.
Conclusion
The provided documentation outlines the core procedures for installing Veranda railing systems, focusing on bracket installation, rail preparation, and deck board attachment. The instructions emphasize the importance of proper alignment, pre-drilling, and the use of specified screw sizes. The documentation also highlights the availability of various rail kit options and a degree of adjustability in bracket angles. However, the documentation lacks detailed instructions specific to each rail kit type and provides limited information on center support brace installation and baluster attachment.