The base ingredient is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride), modified to provide superior strength and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. The formulation is similar to vinyl siding, which has a nearly 30 year history of durability and structural integrity.
Technically “recycled” refers to post-consumer or post industrial waste. PVC can, and is being recycled. We do use recycled material (which still must meet our specifications), mainly this is used in our post sleeves to keep the cost to the consumer down.
Virgin vinyl is 100% new PVC with no recycled material added. All RDI railing meet or exceed the requirements for long lasting durability and performance after installation.
Our vinyl is impact modified for flexibility and durability. All RDI railing meet or exceed the requirements for long lasting durability and performance after installation.
Most plastics, vinyl included, become less flexible in severe conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will not break.
All materials expand and contract with temperature changes. Our railing is engineered with this in mind.
Darker colors are more expensive to manufacture due to the need for additional UV resistant ingredients (titanium dioxide). This has a white pigment, therefore it makes darker colors more difficult and cost prohibitive to achieve.
Simply put, some chalking is to be expected of any pigmented surface. This will be washed away by normal weather conditions. It is truly a “maintenance-free” product.
With all RDI vinyl railing, your finished installation hides all fasteners, leaving nothing but smooth surfaces and no sharp edges. Vinyl has a tough finish, retains virtually no moisture, has no taste, and is non-porous.
No they will not. It contains 12 parts titanium dioxide (UV inhibitor) which prevents ultraviolet degradation.
No again. PVC has a high flash point of 900°F and does not readily ignite. It is also categorized as being self extinguishing.
For normal cleaning, any non-abrasive cleaner mixed with water will be sufficient. For more stubborn problems Colonite #920, a fiberglass polish, is recommended.
Your choice of RDI vinyl railing would normally preclude the desire to paint or “maintain” it any way. However, if you do choose to paint, there are vinyl primers available to achieve this.
In reality, vinyl railing is not only as economical, but more so than options available. The initial purchase may seem high at first glance, but after maintenance (painting, sanding, priming, water proofing or staining) added to the equation, you will see drastic savings.
Railing Dynamics, Inc. started as a contractor, we know how expensive it can be to constantly need to filter through to find the quality. With RDI railing packaged the way they are, you can be sure each and every piece will be safe, secure, and undamaged until you are ready to install it.
All our vinyl railing kits are reinforced top and bottom with aluminum extrusions that are specifically engineered for the best performance possible.
Endurance® level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5° slope, which is the maximum pitch allowed by code. As recommended earlier, always check with your local code enforcement office for the codes in your area.
No, like any gloss finish, Endurance® Railing will dull due to exposure to the elements. If the shine is what you like, it can always be buffed back to its original luster.
Kits can be cut down to any dimension and, with an additional bracket kit, can become two complete railing sections. Cutting a kit evenly in half usually will not work with symmetrical end spacing.
No, our railing kits are ¼” smaller than stated on the label. They are designed to fit a finished opening of exactly your kit length. (i.e.: A 6’ level rail kit will fill a 6’ finished opening with no cutting.)
No, we do not manufacture a commercial height flush mount structural post. At the required 42” railing height we feel the added strength of a core mount or through the deck mount is necessary.
Yes, RDI Products meets or exceeds all code requirements. It is very important to always check with your local code enforcement office for the requirements on your project.
Yes, we offer two choices for a concrete mount. The first would be to core mount in the concrete using either of our face/core posts, or by using our flush mount post with a high quality concrete anchoring system.
Some RDI railing kits offer standard bracket kits to achieve most level angles, acute angles not possible on one post. We offer a pre-notched 45° bracket kit which installs directly to the corner of a post or wall. Our 0-44° angle bracket kit is also available for most other angles.
The EARB1 level round column bracket kit comes complete with everything required to install one rail end to an 8”, 10”, or 12” round column.
Most hardware stores and home centers carry masonry mounting hardware. Be sure the anchors you choose have sufficient load ratings and are the correct size to fit the Endurance® brackets and still allow the snap-in screw hole covers to be utilized.
The best way to accomplish this is to plan ahead. When installing your posts, be sure to set the transition post in line with the stair rail so you can utilize the standard stair brackets. With this done, you can use the 45° or 0-44° angle bracket kit to install your level rail to the same post.
Endurance® structural newel posts are pre-drilled to accept lags and/or bolts of up to 3/8” in diameter.
RDI includes stainless steel hardware, which is a relatively soft material. It is recommended in our installation instructions to always pre-drill. If this is done stripping will not be an issue.
Endurance® 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. Hack saws and other saw types with metal cutting blades will do the job.
Refer to the Endurance® Railing Product Guide. All you need to know are your rise and run measurements and follow the chart.
Using the EAAK1, 0-44° angle bracket kit, you can install up to a 32° angle to the face of a 4” x 4” post. More than a 32° angle you will need to notch or V-cut the brackets to encompass a corner of the post.
No. The top stair brackets will be cut on site to match the stair angle. The bottom bracket will also be altered on site. This is covered in our instruction sheets included in every kit sold, you can also download a PDF from this website.
Yes, the retaining pin is essential to the strength of the Endurance® railing system. When properly installed it holds the top horizontal rail firmly in place. This is what gives our system its added strength.
Post caps can be glued in place with any vinyl adhesive. You may also use PVC glue or a silicone adhesive. Any of these are sold by most hardware stores, lumber yards, or home centers.
There is no wrong answer, as long as you have enough room for your post cap to be properly installed, it is strictly an aesthetics issue.
Yes, Endurance® Railing meets, and in most cases exceeds, the load requirements for all building code applications. Always check with your local code enforcement official for the requirements in your area.
Most codes require a minimum railing height of 48” around swimming pools. Endurance® is available in a maximum of 42”. Always check with your local code enforcement official for the requirements in your area.
