TimberTech Impression Rail Express Installation Guide

Overview and Important Notes

Please read all instructions carefully before beginning any part of the installation. Always visit www.TimberTech.com to ensure you are consulting the most recent installation instructions, cleaning and maintenance procedures, and technical information.

Impression Rail Express should be installed using the same sound construction principles as those used for installing wood, composite, or metal railings, in accordance with local building codes and the installation guidelines below.

AZEK Co. LLC assumes no responsibility for improper installation of this product.

Impression Rail Express may not be suitable for all applications, and it is the installer's sole responsibility to ensure Impression Rail is suitable for its intended use. As all installations are unique, it is also the installer's responsibility to determine the specific requirements for each railing application.

AZEK Co. LLC recommends that all applications be reviewed by an architect, engineer, or local building official prior to installation. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact 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 complete system and should be used as such. It is not intended for use in conjunction with other railing systems or attachments.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the DRILL TOOL is set to the SCREW setting when driving/tightening all FASTENERS.

SAFETY: Always wear safety glasses when handling, cutting, drilling, and fastening materials.

Failure to install this product in accordance with building code requirements and the Impression Rail Express installation guide may result in injury, affect the performance of the railing system, and void the product warranty.

The accumulation or production of static electricity is a natural phenomenon in many plastic-based products, such as carpets, upholstery, and clothing, and may occur on other decks under certain environmental conditions. This static electricity may discharge once contact is made with the material, railings, or other electrical conductors.

General Installation Overview and Applications

The system accommodates various installation scenarios including concrete, deck, and stair applications. Different post types (center, corner, gate) and specialized kits are available for specific needs.

Concrete Applications: For posts attached to concrete substrates, use concrete anchors (sold separately).

Deck Installation: Posts are attached to composite or wood decks using blocking and structural screws. Ensure adequate blocking is in place.

Stair Installation: Specific kits are required for stair panels, ensuring proper angles and fit.

Post Types: Includes 2-inch center posts and 3-inch posts required for 6' and 8' lengths.

Panel Kits: Available for level panels, with specific kits for angled cuts (e.g., 22.5° for 45° corners).

Gate Kit: Available for gate installation.

Mural Mount Kit: For mounting directly to a wall.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If post lighting is to be installed, wiring must be installed before attaching the posts to the deck or stair surface and installing the top rail brackets.

Section 1: Installing Upper Brackets and Securing Level Panels to Posts

Slide the pre-cut panel's lower channel onto the lower brackets. For ease of installation and to avoid scratching posts, slide the rail panel in from the side and then down onto the supports.

Insert rail clips into the panel's upper channel at each end.

• Using (4) - #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screws, secure the two upper brackets to the post.
• Tip: Use a #2 square drive bit for easier installation of the upper bracket attachment to the post.
• Using (8) - #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screws, secure the upper and lower brackets to the post.

Diagram #5: Shows the installation of self-tapping screws and rail clips. Illustrates sliding the panel's lower channel onto the lower brackets and inserting clips into the upper channel. Includes a visual of post assembly and a finished panel assembly.

Section 2: Installing the Level Top Rail

Align the top rail cap with the corresponding rail profile. Apply downward pressure to snap the top rail cap into place. Tip: Roll the top rail bracket into place to avoid scratching posts and apply downward weight to achieve the "second" click (engagement).

NOTE: Do not yet install the top rail cap engagement if lighting wires need to pass through the top rails. Install post caps and skirts after the panels are installed.

Diagram #8: Shows a square post and the top rail cap being engaged. It illustrates the clip sliding into the channel and against the post.

Diagram #9: Shows a post cap and vinyl base plate/cover. It notes that the base plate and cover should not be installed until the railing assembly is complete.

Install the panel on the lower part of the clip.

Install the lower rail cap: Take the lower rail engagement cap and align it under the bottom of the panel with the U-shaped channel. Press the cap and the panel rail until the cap snaps into place.

Section 3: Installing Foot Blocks for Level Panels

For openings over 4 feet, install foot blocks under the center of the lower rail (Diagram #6).

• Slide the foot block under the lower rail and mark the perimeter.
• In the marked foot block area, install two flat-head screws diagonally from each other. The screws should be 1¼" to 1½" above the deck board. Install the foot block onto the screws.
• Using (1) - #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screws, secure the foot block to the lower rail from the outside of the panel, so the screw is not visible from the deck surface (Diagram #7).

Diagram #6: Shows marking the perimeter for the foot block. It indicates where to measure and find the foot block.

Diagram #7: Illustrates installing the foot block onto two pre-drilled screws, with a note to use #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screws from the outside of the panel. It shows the foot block positioned on the deck board.

Section 4: Cutting and Installing Stair Rail Caps

Place the stair railing panel along the 3-inch upper post and temporarily install the 3-inch lower post. (Diagram 11)

Position the stair panel approximately 1½ inches above the stair nosing. Tip: Lay a 2x4 board flat on the stair nosing. This will provide sufficient space to install the lower engagement cap. Secure the stair panel against the upper and lower 3-inch posts using clamps. Using a sharp #2 pencil, mark the stair channels at four (4) locations.

If using a continuous top rail, after the panel is secured to the post, mark the cut lines on the H-channel and the 2-inch post using the bottom of the H-channel to determine your post cut angle. (Diagram 10)

Remove the clamps and cut the stair panel at the four marked locations. (Diagram 12) Take care to cut the stair channels at an appropriate angle. A miter saw with a non-ferrous blade is recommended.

Clean the cut areas and apply touch-up paint to all exposed ends. Touch-up paint is sold separately.

Diagram #10: Shows a 2-inch post, a cut line, and an H-channel. It illustrates marking for cuts by temporarily holding the panel against the posts.

Diagram #11: Shows temporarily securing the panel against the posts and marking for cuts. It also shows supporting the panel temporarily during marking.

Diagram #12: Shows cutting a panel 4x to size, indicating it's for a stair railing. It also shows a post at level and a cut line.

Required Materials

• 3/8" Hex screwdriver bit
• #2 Square drive bit
• 3/16" x 6" Drill bit
• Cordless Drill
• Pencil
• Level
• Safety Glasses
• Miter saw with Non-Ferrous blade
• Tape Measure
• Wood screws (2 per foot block)
• Installation Template & Touch-up paint (optional)
• Shims
• 4 screws per post (5/16" x 6" round washer head Star Drive GRK RSS - Structural screws or similar may be used, but check with your local code)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The actual dimensions of level panels are as follows: 6' Panels = 69.43", 8' Panels = 91.31". 3" posts are required for 6' and 8' lengths.

REMARK: IF POST LIGHTING IS TO BE INSTALLED, WIRING MUST BE INSTALLED BEFORE ATTACHING POSTS TO THE DECK OR STAIR SURFACE AND INSTALLING THE TOP RAIL BRACKETS.

It is the installer's responsibility to comply with all local code requirements and obtain all necessary building permits. The installer must determine and implement appropriate installation techniques for each installation situation. AZEK Co. LLC or its dealers cannot be held responsible for improper or unsafe installations.

Visit TimberTech.com

©2020 AZEK Building Products. All Rights Reserved. Version 1.1

Section 5: Determining All Necessary Posts and Preparing Them (End, Center, or Corner)

Use the layout diagram to help plan the size and number of posts and determine post locations.

Installing Lower Rail Brackets for Level Panels - Two Options:

Option A - When No Installation Template is Available

• Measure 2 7/8 inches from the top of the shoulder and make a pencil mark for the upper edge of the rail clip location. (Diagram #1)
• Center the clip on the post and secure with (2) #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screws. Clips are included in the panel kits.

Option B - Using the Installation Template

(Sold separately as a touch-up paint and support template kit)

• Place the installation template (with the arrow facing the base plate) on the upper edge of the base plate. (Diagram #2)
• Place the clip into the hole and secure it with (2) #8 x 3/4" self-tapping screws. Clips are included in the panel kits.

Diagram #1: Shows measuring 2 7/8 inches from the post shoulder to mark the rail clip position.

Diagram #2: Illustrates placing the installation template on the base plate and securing the clip with screws.

Section 6: How to Attach 3-Inch Posts to the Deck

Use appropriate fasteners or anchors based on the deck substrate. (Post fasteners are not supplied with the posts)

Concrete Applications:

When posts are attached to concrete substrates, use concrete anchors (sold separately).

For Composite or Wood Deck Installation:

• Install the correct post blocking (Diagram #3).
• Using a 3/16" drill bit, pre-drill through the deck boards and into the blocking. Use the 4-hole template or the post base as a template to mark holes for pre-drilling. Pre-drilling without post interference will result in a straighter screw drive into the blocking.
• Drill a 5/8" hole in the center of four screw holes for lighting wires (optional).
• Level and plumb the post using shims.
• Secure the posts to the frame using 3/8" x 6" structural screws. Verify local code requirements for fastening hardware.
• DO NOT install post caps and skirts until the panels are installed.

Diagram #3: Shows attaching posts to a deck frame using 3/8" x 6" structural screws and blocking. It illustrates using shims under the post base and securing it to blocking and joists. It also mentions checking local code requirements for fasteners.

Section 7: Cutting Panels and Level Rails

Secure or hold the panel against the post, adjusting for equal end spacing. (Diagram #4)

• Determine the desired rail center; either a baluster hole or between two baluster holes.
• Measuring from the determined center, cut both ends of the rails.
• Mark the upper and lower rails.
• Cut the panel, upper rail, and lower rail 1/16" shorter than the opening size (within the marks).
• Clean cut areas and apply touch-up paint to all exposed ends. Touch-up paint sold separately.

Diagram #4: Shows temporarily securing the panel against the posts and marking for cuts. It also indicates cutting the rail panel 1/16 inch shorter than the opening size.

Additional Information

Required Materials: Includes tools like a 3/8" hex bit, #2 square drive bit, 3/16" x 6" drill bit, cordless drill, pencil, level, safety glasses, miter saw with non-ferrous blade, and tape measure. Fasteners include wood screws, 4 screws per post (5/16" x 6" Star Drive), and optional installation template/touch-up paint.

Panel Dimensions: 6' Panels = 69.43", 8' Panels = 91.31". 3" posts are required for 6' and 8' lengths.

Lighting Note: If post lighting is to be installed, wiring must be completed before post attachment and top rail bracket installation.

Installer Responsibility: Comply with local codes, obtain permits, and determine appropriate installation techniques. AZEK Co. LLC is not liable for improper installations.

Visit TimberTech.com

©2020 AZEK Building Products. All Rights Reserved. Version 1.1