RDI FAQs

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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.

Most plastics, vinyl included, become less flexible in severe conditions. Under normal use, the railing will not break when installed properly.

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

No they will not. It contains 12 parts titanium dioxide (UV inhibitor) which prevents ultraviolet degradation. RDI railing is backed with a limited lifetime warranty.

Some chalking is to be expected of any pigmented surface. Due to TiO2 performance, chalking will be at a minimum. This 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, Magic Eraser works well.

It is not recommended to paint our vinyl railing. Painting RDI vinyl railing products voids the Transferable Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Transform Composite Railing^® features an acrylic cap, which can be painted easily to create an almost unlimited variety of decorative and functional products. Transform acrylic capstock contains no plasticizers or additives to interfere with paint adhesion or affect the durability of paint film. It is important that the paint selected for use be specifically designed expressly for use on acrylic plastics. Ordinary house paints and traditional water-based paints have poor adhesion to acrylic capstocks. For assurance that a specific formulation is suitable for use on the acrylic capstock in the intended application, consult the paint manufacturer.

Our 4″x4″ adjustable post wraps are designed to fit posts ranging from 3 3/8″ to 4 1/8″ in size. In addition, our 6″x6″ adjustable post wraps are designed to fit posts ranging from 5 7/16″ to 6 1/8″ in size.

• Titan railing kits are actually 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’x36″ kit is actually 95 3/4″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.
• Endurance Original Railing kits are actually 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’x36″ kit is actually 95 3/4″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.
• Transform railing kits are true to the nominal length. For example, an 8’x36″ kit or top rail is actually 96″ long.
• Finyl Line kits are actually 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’x36″ 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 inches.

• Endurance® level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5° slope, which is the maximum pitch allowed by code.
• Titan level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5° slope, which is the maximum pitch allowed by code. Use level rail sections and stair rail brackets.
• Transform railing kits can accommodate handicap access ramps. This should 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 level rail kits are designed to install up to a 5° 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 a silicone adhesive. Any of these are sold by most hardware stores, lumber yards, or home centers.

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, 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 inches.

Excalibur rail panels are actually 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’x36″ panel is actually 95 3/4″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.

There are four types of posts available: End Post, Mid (Line) Post, Corner Post, and Blank Post. The end, mid, and corner posts are supplied pre-assembled for applications with either a 2 inch or 4 inch bottom space. The end, mid, and corner posts are 2 inch square steel posts that include pre-attached level brackets, pre-attached aluminum post cap, bracket covers, leveling shims, and a two-piece trim ring.

Blank posts are available for both stair and level applications when the pre-assembled post is not ideal, most commonly, angled rail sections and/or stairs. Blank posts are 2 inch or 3″ square steel posts that include pre-attached aluminum post caps, leveling shims, and two-piece trim rings, but do NOT include mounting brackets (brackets must be purchased separately).

If you need to cut down a section, it is recommended that you use our cutting jig accompanied with a jig saw with metal blades or a portable band saw. The cutting jig snaps onto the top and/or bottom rail and provides grip onto the section. The jig is designed such that the shoe of the jig saw can ride up against the guide and assist in accurate and safe cutting without scratching the finish on the rail. ALWAYS wear safety glasses!

Yes. Preassembled 34.5″ wide gates may be purchased for both 34″ and 40″ high panel sizes. We also offer gate end kits for use in creating custom sized gates.

Gate end kits are used in conjunction with a level rail panel to create custom gates up to 48″ in length. Panels are cut down to size and kit ends slide onto the end. Pre-drill holes using 5/32″ inch drill bit and fasten kit ends into place using hardware provided. Gate hardware kits (sold separately) must be used to attach gates to mounting posts and secure into place.

For Excalibur Black, we recommend using Rustoleum Satin Canyon Black, code 249844. For Excalibur Bronze, we recommend using Rustoleum Hammered Finish Brown, code 210880 spray paint. For minor scratches and application, we recommend spraying paint into the cap and applying with a small artist brush or even a q-tip.

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. Rail ends may be painted with any zinc rich primer or paint. For SATIN BLACK touch-ups, we recommend Rust-Oleum®*, Satin Canyon Black, Color Code 249844. For BRONZE touch-ups, we recommend Rust-Oleum®*, Hammered Brown, Color Code 210880.

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 inches.

Avalon rail panels and top rails are actually 1/2″ shorter than the nominal dimension. This is to allow room for the mounting brackets and rail end caps. For example, an 8’x36″ panel is actually 95 1/2″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.

Avalon posts are available in residential grade or commercial grade. Avalon posts are available either where the top rail nests between the posts (2.5″ posts or 4.25″ posts) or where the top rail sits over the top of the posts (2″ posts).

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

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.

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.

Avalon 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.

Yes. Use the 4.25″ x 4.25″ 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 the .5 oz bottle with brush applicator, and larger areas could use our 12 oz aerosol can.

Polyethylene

No; plastic lattice is not meant to be painted and comes in multiple different color options.

Yes. If installing multiple panels, a gap of 1/4″ between panels will be required to accommodate for expansion and contraction.

Most dirt can be washed off with a mild soap and water. Heavier stains can be cleaned with any non-toxic household cleaner. On occasion, lattice may need to be sprayed down with a garden hose.

For removal of major stains, one of the following cleaning agents is recommended: Simple Green, Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser, Mineral Spirits, Trichloroethylene, CLR, or vinegar.

When cutting a Decorative Screen Panel:

• Use a carbide blade with no less than 24, but not more than 60 teeth; thin kerf.
• Scrape away any plastic that built up along the edge with metal edge (e.g. a paint scraper or knife edge).
• Sand away any fibers that are left at edge if cut is still perceived as undesirable (100-200 grit paper recommended).

Note: All 4 corners of the panel must be fastened to the mounting surface.

Decorative Screen Panels can be painted with any spray paint that is meant for plastics.

Plastic lattice is not recommended to be used as an overhead panel. Decorative Screen Panels can be used as an overhead panel as long as all four sides of the panel are supported by a 2″ x 4″ frame and are secured in all four corners.

No. Decorative screen panel frame kits are not structural and are do not comply with safety codes as a guard rail.

At full height, no. Frame kits can be installed in the ground without surface mounting plates by burying 24″ of post in ground.

No. Hideaway privacy railing is not intended to be installed on stairways. For stairs, it is recommended to use the complementary Avalon Aluminum railing stair kits

Hideaway privacy railing infill boards come 66″ wide, and when installed with HideAway posts, will result in a spacing of 64″ between posts.

End, Mid and corner posts are available in heights of 42″ tall (1/2 privacy) and 72″ tall (full privacy).

Yes. Hideaway posts come standard with attached mounting plates. Simply flush mount with a high quality concrete anchoring system.

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. Heights and spans may vary depending on your local requirements. See code document (pages 16-18) for specifics.

HideAway Code PDF