Q: How does the cost of vinyl railing systems compare to wood or aluminum railings?
A: Generally speaking, vinyl rail systems are less expensive than its aluminum counter part and require less labor and fabrication at the job site. Since all fabrication of vinyl rails and post are done at the factory, railing systems are easily assembled at the job site.
In comparing vinyl systems to wood, we must keep in mind the species of wood being used and the amount of costly labor and materials required to annually treat, seal or paint the wood railing. Most labor related to wood installations centers around measuring, cutting, and attaching rails to posts, and balusters to rails. It is important to compare not only the original material, but also the costs associated with regular maintenance of wood railings.
Q: Do vinyl systems meet normal residential building codes?
A: Color Guard vinyl railing systems are engineered to meet and exceed most national building code requirements for residential dwellings and have been tested by an independent laboratory. Results are readily available through Color Guard distributors throughout the country.
Q: Will vinyl railings discolor or chalk over time?
A: Color Guard uses only the highest quality materials in its extrusions and manufacturing process. We use 100% virgin PVC powder containing ultra-violet inhibitors to reduce fading and discoloring of the product over time. PVC material will not chalk, rot, chip, peel, or rust under normal residential applications and will therefore exhibit its natural beauty from the day it was installed.
Q: Can a baluster, rail or post be replaced if somehow broken, damaged or defaced?
A: Yes. Color Guard railings are attached to post with screws. If a railing is somehow damaged, simply unscrew the rail from the post and replace it with a factory routed rail in a matter of minutes. If a baluster requires replacement, again, first remove the railing and lift it from one end until you reach the baluster. Remove the baluster, replace it, and re-attach the railing to the post.
Q: To replace a rail or baluster, do I have to purchase an entire new section?
A: No. Your Color Guard distributor will furnish you with a single component part if replacement is necessary, therefore avoiding the cost of an entire new section.
Q: Can a section of railing be cut down to fit a narrower opening?
A: Yes. That's the advantage of vinyl! It can be easily cut down. However, IT IS IMPORTANT to cut the rail equally from both ends. This will ensure that the baluster spacing remains even between the last baluster and the post on each end. NOTE: Do not cut the reinforcement inside the rail near other vinyl railing or decking materials. Hot metal shavings from the saw can imbed in other vinyl products causing damage to occur.
Q: What height of railing should I use?
A: That depends completely on your installation. Most Color Guard distributors stock 36" high railings (the height from the deck or porch surface to the top of the top rail) to meet most installation requirements. However, 42" railing heights are available for you.
Q: What is included in a section of railing?
A: Color Guard takes the guesswork out of ordering. Each section of railing is cartoned, clearly labeled and includes the factory-routed reinforced rails, the specific number of balusters required, a bottom rail support block and the necessary screws and screw caps required to fasten your railing system. Easy to follow assembly instructions are included with every section.
Q: Can I buy direct from Color Guard?
A: Color Guard building products have been strategically designed for sale through wholesale building material distributors throughout the country. A call to our customer service professionals (1-800-832-8914) or contact us here will enable you to locate the outlet nearest you.
