Engineered for Performance. Designed for Lasting Durability.
Every RailPro railing system is manufactured using premium aluminum components, stainless steel fasteners, and code-compliant installation methods to provide long-term safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
This guide provides general technical information regarding RailPro railing systems for residential applications governed by the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC). Commercial and multifamily projects governed by the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) may require project-specific engineering and design review.
Post Attachment Methods
RailPro railing systems can be installed using either surface-mounted or fascia-mounted attachment methods. Selecting the appropriate mounting option depends on the deck construction, waterproofing requirements, and project conditions.
Surface Mount
Surface mounting is the most common and cost-effective installation method for wood and composite deck applications.
Installation Requirements
- Minimum 3″ structural blocking beneath each post location
- Blocking must be securely integrated into the deck framing system
- Composite decking installations require structural blocking below the decking material
- Deck structure must be capable of supporting applicable IRC or IBC load requirements
Benefits
- Economical installation
- Clean appearance
- Ideal for wood and composite deck systems
- Simplified maintenance and future serviceability
Waterproof Deck Applications
When installing railings on waterproof deck assemblies, RailPro generally recommends fascia mounting whenever possible to avoid penetrating the waterproof membrane. If surface mounting is required, additional waterproofing protection methods may be necessary to maintain the integrity of the deck system. Project-specific installation details should be reviewed prior to fabrication and installation.
Please refer to the section on waterproof deck mounting below for more details.
Tile Deck Installations
RailPro can install railing systems through tile surfaces; however, this method is generally not recommended.
Tile surfaces can crack during installation or as a result of structural movement over time.
Preferred Alternatives
- Install railing posts before tile installation and finish tile around base plates.
- Construct raised mounting pedestals or footings designed specifically for railing attachment.
- Utilize fascia-mounted systems when conditions allow.
Because tile is a brittle finish material, RailPro may require a signed waiver acknowledging the potential for tile damage.
Fascia Mount
Fascia mounting is commonly used when preserving the waterproof integrity of a deck surface is a priority.
Installation Requirements
- Minimum 6″ flat fascia surface below flashing
- Minimum 3″ structural blocking at attachment locations
- No obstructions such as gutters, downspouts, trim projections, or utilities
- Adequate structural framing capable of supporting code-required loads
Benefits
- Preserves waterproof membranes
- Maximizes usable deck space
- Provides a clean architectural appearance
- Popular for contemporary residential and multifamily projects
Note: Certain decorative newel post styles may not be compatible with fascia-mounted applications.
Rail Termination Options
When a railing section terminates at a wall or structure, there are two common methods of completion.
Wall Termination
Wall termination attaches the railing directly to the adjacent structure using engineered wall-mount hardware.
Advantages
- Most economical solution
- Provides additional rigidity to the railing system
- Clean appearance
- Reduces overall material requirements
Whenever conditions allow, RailPro recommends attaching the top rail to the structure to minimize movement and maximize system performance.
Post Termination
When wall attachment is not possible or desired, the railing system may terminate with a freestanding post.
Code Considerations
To maintain code-compliant opening limitations, termination posts are typically required to be installed within 4″ of the adjacent wall or structure.
Benefits
- Greater design flexibility
- Independent railing system
- Ideal for stone, masonry, or architectural wall conditions
Because posts are among the most substantial railing components, post terminations generally increase project cost.
Premium Fastener Systems
RailPro utilizes only high-grade stainless steel fasteners throughout our railing systems.
Unlike painted or coated fasteners that may deteriorate over time, stainless steel provides exceptional corrosion resistance and long-term performance.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Fasteners
- Rust resistant
- Corrosion resistant
- Long service life
- Superior structural performance
- Minimal maintenance
Our fasteners are supplied in a mill finish for a consistent appearance and to eliminate concerns associated with chipped coatings or painted finishes.
Some of the standard screws we use are listed below.
Pan head square drive screws
#14 x 3″- Used for mounting surface posts to the deck into blocking
#14 x 2″ – Used for attaching top rail wall mounts to the house
#12 x 1 1/2″ – Used for attaching the top rail to the post, also for attaching the bottom rail wall mount to the post or house
#12 tek – Self driving screw for attaching bottom rail to wall mount, also for attaching the post mount to the post
Hex head lag bolt
- 1/4″ x 4″ – Used for mounting fascia post into blocking, also for surface mounting through composite decking into blocking
Glass Railing Systems
RailPro glass railing systems provide unobstructed views while maintaining structural integrity and code compliance.
All glass railing systems are designed and fabricated in accordance with applicable building code requirements and industry standards.
Residential Glass Guard Requirements (IRC 2024)
Current residential code requirements generally include:
- Safety glazing meeting CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 Category II requirements
- Compliance with ANSI Z97.1 Class A standards
- Tempered or laminated safety glass
- Code-compliant guard heights and opening limitations
- Structural performance requirements for guard systems
Code interpretations may vary by jurisdiction. Final approval rests with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Tempered Glass
Tempered safety glass is the industry standard for most residential railing applications.
Benefits
- Exceptional impact resistance
- Increased structural strength
- Safe breakage characteristics
- Low maintenance
- Crystal-clear visibility
When broken, tempered glass fractures into small granular pieces rather than dangerous sharp shards.
Glass Thickness Options
Framed Glass Rail Systems
- Standard thickness: 1/4″ tempered safety glass
Frameless / Topless Glass Rail Systems
- Standard thickness: 1/2″ tempered or tempered laminated safety glass
Glass thickness may vary based on engineering requirements, panel size, and local code requirements.
Premium Edge Finishes
All RailPro glass panels feature polished exposed edges for superior aesthetics and safety.
Available Edge Finishes
- Pencil Polish (standard on 1/4″ glass)
- Furniture-Grade Flat Polish (standard on 1/2″ glass)
These premium finishes provide a clean architectural appearance while improving edge durability.
Glass Color Options
Standard glass is supplied clear; however, several decorative options are available.
Popular Selections
- Clear
- Bronze Tint
- Gray Tint
- Green Tint
- Blue Tint
- Specialty Reflective Glass
Availability may vary by region and project requirements.
Privacy Glass Options
For applications requiring visual screening while maintaining natural light transmission, RailPro offers Satin Etch glass.
Benefits
- Allows light transmission
- Provides privacy
- Modern appearance
- Easy maintenance
Unlike traditional sandblasted glass, Satin Etch surfaces resist staining and are easier to clean over time.
Glass Selection Considerations
Not all glazing products perform equally in railing applications.
Plastic Panels
While sometimes considered as an alternative, plastic infill panels:
- Scratch easily
- Lack the rigidity of glass
- Can experience discoloration over time
- Often provide less value than expected
Sandblasted Glass
Although visually appealing initially, sandblasted glass surfaces can:
- Trap dirt and contaminants
- Be difficult to clean
- Develop permanent staining over time
Spandrel Glass
Spandrel glass provides privacy but may experience:
- Inconsistent appearance
- Surface maintenance concerns
- Increased visibility of manufacturing variations
Tempered Laminated Glass
Tempered laminated glass is often utilized in higher-performance applications requiring enhanced safety and retention characteristics.
Benefits include:
- Improved post-breakage performance
- Enhanced safety protection
- Compliance with many elevated and commercial applications
Because of its enhanced construction, tempered laminated glass generally carries a higher cost than standard tempered glass.
Waterproof Deck Mounting Guide
Protecting Your Investment. Preserving Your Waterproofing System.
Installing a railing system on a waterproof deck requires more than simply attaching posts to the surface. Proper structural support, waterproofing protection, and installation techniques are critical to ensuring long-term performance and preventing moisture intrusion.
At RailPro, we have developed installation methods and best practices designed to maximize both structural integrity and waterproofing protection while maintaining the clean architectural appearance our customers expect.
The Foundation of a Successful Installation
The most important factor in any railing installation is not the railing itself—it’s the structure beneath it.
A railing system is only as strong as the surface it is attached to. When properly installed into adequate structural blocking, the railing system transfers loads directly into the deck framing with minimal movement.
When blocking is insufficient, excessive movement can occur at the connection point. Even small amounts of movement can compromise waterproof seals over time and increase the risk of moisture intrusion.
RailPro Installation Standard
For surface-mounted railing systems, RailPro recommends:
- Minimum 3″ structural blocking beneath all post locations
- Secure integration into the deck framing system
- Structural support capable of meeting applicable IRC or IBC load requirements
- Proper waterproofing measures at every penetration point
A secure structural connection is the foundation of any successful waterproof deck installation.
Stainless Steel Fastener System
RailPro utilizes premium stainless steel fasteners designed for long-term durability and corrosion resistance.
Standard Fastener Features
- High-grade stainless steel construction
- Corrosion-resistant performance
- Long service life
- Compatible with aluminum railing systems
- Suitable for exterior environments
Our standard mounting configuration utilizes structural stainless steel fasteners designed to securely anchor railing posts into structural blocking while minimizing movement at the connection.
Multi-Layer Waterproofing Protection
RailPro employs multiple layers of protection at each attachment point to help safeguard the waterproof deck assembly.
Rather than relying on a single waterproofing component, our installation process utilizes several complementary sealing methods working together.
Polyurethane-Sealed Fasteners
Each fastener penetration is pre-drilled and sealed using high-performance polyurethane sealant.
Benefits
- Seals screw threads
- Reduces moisture migration
- Improves penetration protection
- Enhances long-term waterproof performance
By filling the threads and surrounding penetration area, the sealant creates an additional layer of protection between the fastener and deck assembly.
Compression-Seal Washers
RailPro utilizes specialized stainless steel sealing washers incorporating an integrated neoprene gasket.
How It Works
As the fastener is tightened:
- The washer compresses against the mounting surface
- The neoprene gasket forms a watertight seal
- Moisture pathways around the fastener are minimized
This creates an additional protective barrier at every attachment point.
EPDM Base Plate Gaskets
Each RailPro post base includes a premium EPDM gasket installed beneath the base plate.
Benefits
- Additional moisture protection
- Improved sealing around fasteners
- UV-resistant performance
- Long-term weather resistance
- Compatible with exterior waterproofing systems
The gasket is intentionally sized slightly smaller than the base plate to allow optional perimeter detailing if desired.
Sloped Waterproof Deck Solutions
Most waterproof deck systems include positive drainage slopes designed to move water away from the structure.
To accommodate these slopes, RailPro offers specially designed tapered gasket systems.
Features
- Accommodates common deck drainage slopes
- Maintains plumb post alignment
- Eliminates the need for stacked shims
- Provides consistent compression across the gasket surface
This solution allows the railing system to remain structurally sound while maintaining a clean finished appearance.
Surface Compatibility
The effectiveness of any waterproofing seal is influenced by the substrate beneath it.
Ideal Surfaces
- Sheet metal flashing
- Smooth waterproof membranes
- Non-textured waterproof coatings
- Engineered waterproof deck systems
These surfaces allow gaskets and sealants to compress evenly and provide maximum sealing performance.
Base Plate Sealant Considerations
Many contractors assume that sealing around the perimeter of a post base plate is always the best solution.
In practice, that is not always the case.
RailPro Approach
In most applications, RailPro relies on the layered waterproofing methods described above rather than creating a complete perimeter seal around the base plate.
Why?
If moisture were ever to migrate beneath a fully sealed base plate, the trapped water may have difficulty escaping. Moisture retention can potentially create greater long-term concerns than allowing incidental moisture to drain naturally.
Each project should be evaluated individually based on the waterproofing system, climate conditions, and design requirements.
Elevated Pedestal Mounting Option
For projects requiring an additional level of waterproofing protection, RailPro offers an optional pedestal mounting method.
How It Works
A composite pedestal is installed beneath the railing post base and integrated into the waterproof deck assembly.
The system creates a layered installation consisting of:
- Rail post base plate
- EPDM gasket
- Composite pedestal
- Polyurethane bonding layer
- Waterproof deck surface
Benefits
- Raises the post above the primary water flow path
- Improves drainage around the base plate
- Reduces standing water accumulation
- Adds an additional level of waterproofing protection
- Ideal for premium deck applications
This approach is particularly beneficial for high-end residential decks, rooftop decks, waterproof balconies, and projects with demanding performance requirements.
Best Practice Recommendation
Whenever possible, RailPro recommends fascia-mounted railing systems for waterproof deck applications.
Advantages of Fascia Mounting
- Eliminates deck surface penetrations
- Preserves waterproof membranes
- Maximizes usable deck space
- Simplifies waterproofing concerns
- Provides a clean architectural appearance
When fascia mounting is not feasible, RailPro’s layered waterproofing approach provides a proven solution for surface-mounted installations.
Rail System Exploded Drawings
The drawings below provide a visual overview of how the railing system components are assembled.