Timbertech Impression Rail Express Installation Manual
™
Impression Rail
Express
Open Mid-Rail
Installation Guide
Aluminum Posts ............................ 4
Level Panels ................................... 8
Stair Panels .................................. 11
TimberTech.com
Installing Impression Rail™ Express
Open Mid-Rail Aluminum Railing System
Important Information
• Please read all instructions completely before starting any part of the installation. Always make sure to visit www.TimberTech.com to
ensure you are viewing the most current installation instructions, care and cleaning, technical information and more.
• Impression Rail Express should be installed using the same good building principles used to install wood, composite, or metal railing and
in accordance with the local building codes and the installation guidelines included below.
• The AZEK Co. LLC accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product.
• Impression Rail
Rail is t for the intended use. Since all installations are unique, it is also the installer’s responsibility to determine specic requirements in
regards to each rail application.
• The AZEK Co. LLC recommends that all applications be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building ofcial before
installation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call AZEK Customer Service at 877-ASK-AZEK (877-275-2935),
or visit our website at www.TimberTech.com.
• Impression Rail Express is tested as a whole system and should be used that way. It is not intended to be used in conjunction with other
railing systems or fasteners.
• The following Installation Guidelines are applicable for installation of Impression Rail Express only.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure the DRIVE TOOL/DRILL is congured or set to use the SCREW setting when driving and/or tightening all
FASTENERS.
• SAFETY: Always wear goggles when handling, cutting, drilling and fastening materials.
• Failure to install this product in accordance with applicable building codes and Impression Rail Express’s written Rail Install Guide may
lead to personal injury, affect rail system performance and void the product warranty.
• The buildup or generation of static electricity is a naturally occurring phenomenon in many plastic based products such as carpeting,
upholstery, and clothing, and can occur on alternative decking under certain environmental conditions. This static electricity can discharge
once contact is made with hardware, railing, or other conductors of electricity.
Express
may not be suitable for every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure that Impression
Standard Open Mid-Rail System
Each Panel Requires:
• 36" X 6' Panel Kit
• One additional Bottom Snap
• One unpunched H-Channel
• Rail Attach Kit (one kit for two panels)
• 6 Deck Rail Clips per bay
Continuous Top Rail Open Mid-Rail System
Each Panel Requires:
• 36" X 6' or 8' Continuous Top Rail Panel Kits
• One additional Bottom Snap
• One unpunched H-Channel
• Rail Attach Kit (one kit for two panels)
• Continuous Top Rail (span up to 18')
• 5 Deck Rail Clips per bay
• One Crossover Bracket
Important Note:
Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area.
Common railing height is 36" or 42". Post spans will vary depending on job site conditions. Never span more than 8' on-center between railing
posts. Spans longer than 12' in length will require reduced post spans. When you cut a kit to create two panels, for instance, cutting 8' to two 4',
you will need an additional hardware kit. Read instructions completely to get an understanding of how the product goes together and how each
piece affects the other.
Page 2
Installing Impression Rail™ Express
Open Mid-Rail Aluminum Railing System
**CONCRETE APPLICATIONS**
WHEN POSTS ARE SECURED TO CONCRETE
SUBSTRATES USE CONCRETE ANCHORS
(SOLD SEPARATELY)
2" X 42" CENTER POST
CONTINUOUS TOP RAIL
ENSURE
PROPER
BLOCKING
3" X 42" POST/BASE KIT
ON DECK SURFACE
PANEL ATTACH KIT
REQUIRED WHEN DECK
PANELS ARE CUT & USED
AS 2-PIECES
(4) 3/8” X 6” GRK RSS
STRUCTURAL SCREWS
(SOLD SEPARATELY)
2" X 42" CENTER POST
36" X 6'
PANEL KIT
*CAUTION*
45
CORNERS
POST MUST
BISECT CORNER
& USE 22.5
REF 45
CORNER
KIT
DET. PLAN VIEW
PANEL ATTACH KIT
22.5
(USE FOR 45
Important Note:
42" posts and 36" high railing panels (34" actual size)
are required to build 42" high Open Mid-Rail System
on a level surface. 48" posts are required for stair
applications.
NOTE: IF INSTALLING POST LIGHTING, WIRING MUST BE
INSTALLED PRIOR TO SECURING POSTS TO DECK/STAIR
SURFACE AND INSTALLING TOP RAIL SNAPS.
It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all local code
requirements and obtain all required building permits.
The installer should determine and implement appropriate
installation techniques for each installation situation.
AZEK Co. LLC or its reseller shall not be held responsible
for improper or unsafe installations.
CORNERS)
42" POST/BASE KIT
ON ALL STAIR TREADS
Suggested Tools:
• Appropriate fasteners
for mounting posts to
deck
• Miter saw with carbidetipped non-ferrous
blade
• Cordless drill
• Tape measure
Important Note:
Actual Level Panel Lengths Are As Follows:
• 6' Panels = 69.43"
• 8' Panels = 91.31"
• 3" posts are required to reach 6' & 8' lengths
GATE KIT
STRAIGHT WALL
MOUNT KIT
36" X 6' STAIR
PANEL KIT
STAIR PANEL ATTACH
KIT REQUIRED WHEN
STAIR PANEL IS CUT
& USED AS 2-PIECES
ENSURE
PROPER
BLOCKING
• Level
• Power cords, drop
sheets and safety
glasses
• 3/16" Drill bit
• 6" #2 Square drive bit
• Installation jig (optional)
Page 3
Installing Impression Rail™ Express
Aluminum Posts
1
Determine All Posts Needed and Prepare
(end, center or corner)
Important Note:
3" posts are required to reach 6' and 8' lengths. 2" posts must
be set in-line to panel. Do not install post caps and vinyl
post base covers until railing assembly is completed.
Install Lower Deck Rail Clips – Two Options:
Option A - When No Installation Jig Is Available
• Measure 2 7/8" from top of casting shoulder and place a pencil
mark for location of the top edge of the rail clip. (Dia. #1)
• Center clip on post and secure with (2) - #8x3/4" self-drilling
screws. Clips are included in the Panel Kits.
Option B - Using Installation Jig (Sold separately.
pack includes Installation Jig and Touch-up paint.)
• Place Installation Jig (w/arrow facing base plate) on top of
base plate upper edge. (Dia. #2)
• Place clip in hole and fasten with (2) - #8x3/4" self-drilling
screws. Clips are included in the Panel Kits.
Accessory
Dia. #1
Dia. #2
Rest
Installation Jig
on Base Plate
– Arrow Down
Place Clip in
hole, hold clip
rmly while
installing (2)
Self-Drilling
Screws.
2
How to Secure 3" Posts to Deck
• Install proper post blocking (Dia. #3A & 3B).
Use proper attachment screws or anchors
shown in diagram. (Hardware for post
attachment are not provided with the posts.)
• With 3/16″ drill bit, pre-drill through deck
boards and into blocking.
• Drill a 5/8" hole in center of four deck screw
holes for lighting wires (optional).
• Level and plumb post using shims.
• Secure posts to deck frame with suggested
screws.
(Dia. #3B)
*Verify local code requirements for post
attachment hardware.
• Install post caps (after panels are installed).
(Dia. #4)
Dia. #3C
(TOP VIEW)
(Dia. #3C)
Pre-drill 3/16" holes for
post attachment fasteners
(sold separately).
5/8" hole for lighting wires
(optional)
Dia. #3A
(TOP VIEW)
Dia. #3B
(SIDE VIEW)
Deck Edge
2x6 Blocking
Shims
below
base
4X 3/8"x6" construction lag
screws (sold separately)
*Verify local code
requirements for post
attachment hardware.
2x6 Blocking
2x6 Cross
Block
Joist
Stringer
Dia. #4
Post Base Plate
Vinyl Cover
*Do not install until
railing assembly is
completed.
Cap
Square Post
Page 4
Installing Impression Rail™ Express
Aluminum Posts
3
4
Install Stair End Posts
(if applicable)
• Temporarily install end stair post
so rail centerline aligns with top
stair posts installed in Step 1 (if
applicable). Recommended post
installation locations are shown.
(Dia. #5) Conrm with local code
ofcials before installing stair
rail sections or stair rail posts
to ensure compliance with local
code requirements.
Install End Posts
(if applicable)
Install posts at all end locations with
maximum gap between post and wall
to be less than a 4" opening. (Dia. #6)
3" TOP
STAIR POST
DECK
EDGE
DECK
SURFACE
STAIR DOWN
3"
3" TYPICAL
Dia. #5
BUILDING WALL
3"
3B
TEMPORARILY INSTALL
3" BOTTOM STAIR
END POST ALIGNED
WITH TOP STAIR END
POST (REFER TO STAIR
INSTRUCTIONS)
LESS THAN 4"
OPENING
5
Important Note:
3" posts are required at all transitions.
2" posts may not be used to start/end
a run or to form a corner.
Install 90-degree Corner
Posts
Position post on same 3" centerline
(typical) and temporarily fasten using
a single fastener through base plate
mounting hole. (Dia. #7)
3" CENTERLINE
TYPICAL
TOP VIEW
DECK
EDGE
3" CENTERLINE
TYPICAL
Dia. #6
LOCATE END
POST
3" CENTERLINE
TYPICAL
LOCATE
90° CORNER
POST
Dia. #7
Page 5
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