AZEK Timbertech Impression Rail Express User manual

TimberTech.com.au
Installation Guide
Aluminium Posts ...........................4
Level Balustrades..........................8
Stair Balustrades ......................... 10
Gate Kits....................................... 13
Aluminium Balustrade
Impression Rail™
Express

Page 2
Installing Impression Rail™Express
Aluminium Balustrade System
Important Information
• Please read all instructions completely before starting any part of the installation. Always make sure to visit www.TimberTech.com.au 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 balustrade
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 Express may not be suitable for every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure that Impression
Rail is t for the intended use. Since all installations are unique, it is also the installer’s responsibility to determine specic requirements in
regards to each balustrade application.
• The AZEK Co. LLC recommends that all applications be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building ofcial before
installation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call TimberTech Customer Service at 1-800-726-300, or visit our
website at www.TimberTech.com.au.
• 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
balustrade systems or fasteners.
• The following Installation Guidelines are applicable for installation of Impression Rail Express only.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure the DRIVE TOOL/DRILL is congured 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 Balustrade Install Guide
may lead to personal injury, affect balustrade 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, balustrade, or other conductors of electricity.
NOTE: IF INSTALLING POST LIGHTING,
WIRING MUST BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO
SECURING POSTS TO DECK/STAIR SURFACE
AND INSTALLING HAND 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.

Page 3
Installing Impression Rail™Express
Aluminium Balustrade System
Important Note:
Actual Level Balustrade Lengths Are As Follows:
• 1830mm Balustrades = 1765mm
• 2440mm Balustrades = 2320mm
• 75mm x 75mm posts are required to reach
1830mm & 2440mm lengths
Visit www.timbertech.com.au/installation to view
installation videos.
Consult your local building codes for guard and handrail
requirements.
Important Note: Suggested Tools:
•Appropriate fasteners
for mounting posts to
deck
•Miter saw with carbide-
tipped non-ferrous
blade
•Cordless drill
• Tape measure
Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory
agency for special code requirements in your area.
Common balustrade height is 1100mm. Post spans will vary
depending on job site conditions. Never span more than 2440mm
on-center between balustrade posts. Spans longer than 3660mm
in length will require reduced post spans. For all other applications,
consult a design professional or an AZEK balustrade representative
for more information. Read instructions completely to get an
understanding of how the product goes together and how each piece
affects the other.
•Level
• Power cords, drop
sheets and safety
glasses
•5mm Drill bit
•150mm #2 Square drive
bit
• Installation jig (optional)

Page 4
Installing Aluminium Posts
Determine All Posts Needed and Prepare (end,
center or corner)
Important Note:
75mm x 75mm posts are required to reach 1830mm and
2440mm lengths. 50mm x 50mm posts must be set in-line to
balustrade. Do not install post caps and vinyl post base
covers until balustrade assembly is completed.
Install Lower Deck Rail Clips – Two Options:
Option A - When No Installation Jig Is Available
•Measure 73mm from top of casting shoulder and place a pencil
mark for location of the top edge of the Balustrade clip. (Dia. #1)
•Center clip on post and secure with (2) - #8x20mm self-drilling
screws. Clips are included in the Balustrade Kits.
Option B - Using Installation Jig (Sold separately. Accessory
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) - #8x20mm self-drilling
screws. Clips are included in the Balustrade Kits.
1
Dia. #1
Dia. #4
2
Cap
Square Post
Post Base Plate
Vinyl Cover
*Do not install
until balustrade
assembly is
completed.
Deck Edge
Joist
Stringer
45mm x 140mm
Blocking
45mm x 140mm
Cross Block
Rest
Installation Jig
on Base Plate
– Arrow Down
Place Clip in
hole, hold clip
rmly while
installing (2)
Self-Drilling
Screws.
Dia. #2
Shims
below
base
45mm x 140mm
Blocking
4X 10mm x 150mm
construction lag screws (sold
separately)
*Verify local code
requirements for post
attachment hardware.
Dia. #3B
(SIDE VIEW)
Dia. #3A
(TOP VIEW)
How to Secure 75mm x 75mm 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 5mm drill bit, pre-drill through deck
boards and into blocking. (Dia. #3C)
•Drill a 15mm 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 Balustrades are
installed). (Dia. #4)
Pre-drill 5mm holes for post
attachment fasteners (sold
separately).
15mm hole for lighting
wires (optional)
Dia. #3C
(TOP VIEW)

Page 5
Installing Aluminium Posts
Install Stair End Posts
(if applicable)
• Temporarily install end stair
post so balustrade centerline
aligns with top stair posts
installed in Step 1 (if applicable).
Recommended post installation
locations are shown. (Dia. #5)
Conrm with local code ofcials
before installing stair balustrade
sections or stair balustrade 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 100mm opening
(Dia. #6)
Install 90-degree Corner
Posts
Position post on same 75mm
centerline (typical) and temporarily
fasten using a single fastener through
base plate mounting hole. (Dia. #7)
3
4
5
Dia. #5
Dia. #6
DECK
EDGE
TOP VIEW
LOCATE
90° CORNER
POST
DECK
EDGE
Dia. #7
Important Note:
75mm x 75mm posts are required at all
transitions. 50mm x 50mm posts may
not be used to start/end a run or to
form a corner.
3B
DECK
SURFACE
STAIR DOWN
75mm TOP
STAIR POST
TEMPORARILY INSTALL
75mm BOTTOM STAIR
END POST ALIGNED
WITH TOP STAIR END
POST (REFER TO STAIR
INSTRUCTIONS)
75mm
TYPICAL
75mm
CENTERLINE
TYPICAL LOCATE END
POST
LESS THAN 100mm
OPENING
BUILDING WALL
75mm
CENTERLINE
TYPICAL
75mm
CENTERLINE
TYPICAL

Page 6
Install 45° Corner Posts
(Post to be installed at 22.5°
to accommodate a 45°
angle.)
Position post on same 75mm
centerline (typical) and temporarily
fasten to deck surface. Use one 22.5°
Balustrade Attach Kit (purchased
separately) to install 45° corner posts.
(Dia. #8)
Determine Center Post Locations
Loosely lay center post over deck edge and
adjust as required to determine nal center post
mounting locations. (Dia. #9 & #10)
6
7
Dia. #8
Dia. #9
Dia. #10
PLAN VIEW
CLOSE UP
VIEW
CENTER LINE
Installing Aluminium Posts
Dia. #8
POST DISSECTS
DECK ANGLE
TYPICAL
DECK
EDGE
75mm
CENTERLINE
TYPICAL
TOP VIEW
LOCATE 45°
ANGLEDPOST
75MM
CENTERLINE
TYPICAL

Page 7
STAIR CROSSOVER
BRACKET
POST BASE PLATE
VINYL COVER
POST
EXTRUSION
CLIP
Dia. #12B
Dia. #12D
Install Crossover Brackets on 50mm x 50mm Posts
•With 150mm #2 square drive bit, fasten straight crossover bracket (included) into post
with
(2) - #8x40mm Self-Drilling Screws. (Dia. #12A & #12B)
NOTE: Self-Drilling Screws must be installed in screw chases in-line with
balustrades.
•With 150mm #2 square drive bit, fasten H-channel to straight and stair crossover
brackets with (4) - #8x20mm Self-Drilling Screws. (Dia. #12C & #12D) Repeat for lower
8
9
Installing Aluminium Posts
Dia. #11
DECK EDGE
Secure 50mm x 50mm Posts to Deck (center only)
•For continuous hand rail systems, install 50mm x 50mm posts
centered between 75mm x 75mm end and corner posts.
NOTE: 50mm x 50mm Posts must be installed with center
screw chases in-line with balustrade (Dia. #11).
•Follow instructions in step 2 (Dia. #3A to Dia. #4).
Important Note:
75mm x 75mm posts are required at all transitions. 50mm x
50mm posts may not be used to start/end a run or to form a
corner.
STRAIGHT CROSSOVER
BRACKET
POST BASE PLATE VINYL COVER
*DO NOT INSTALL UNTIL
BALUSTRADE ASSEMBLY IS
COMPLETED.
POST
EXTRUSION
CLIP
Dia. #12A
Dia. #12C
LEVEL BALUSTRADES
STAIR BALUSTRADES
75mm CENTERLINE TYPICAL

Page 8
Dia. #1
Dia. #2
Dia. #2
Secure Level Balustrades to Posts
Slide bottom channel of pre-cut balustrade on
to lower clip. (Dia. #2) Tip: to avoid scratching
the posts, slide balustrade in from the side, then
downward onto the brackets.
• Insert clips into top channel of balustrade on
each end.
•Using (4) - #8x20mm self-drilling screws, attach
the upper two clips to the post.
•Using (8) - #8x20mm self-drilling screws,
secure the upper and lower clips to the
balustrade.
• Tip: Use a 150mm drill bit for easier installation
of top attachment clip to post.
Cut Level Balustrades
Clamp or hold balustrade against post,
adjust for equal end spacing. (Dia. #1)
• Determine the desired center of the
balustrade; either a baluster hole or
between two baluster holes. (Dia. #2)
• Measuring from the determined
center, cut both ends of the
balustrades.
• Mark the hand and base rails
•Cut balustrade 2mm less than
opening size.
•Clean cut areas and apply touch-up
paint on exposed ends. Touch-up
paint sold separately.
2
1
Installing Level Balustrades
Centerline
Even number of balusters
Install Self-drilling Screws,
2x #8 x 20mm Outside,
2x #8 x 20mm Inside
Temporarily clamp balustrade against posts,
mark for cutting.
Cut balustrade 2mm less than opening size
Post
Assembly
Assembled
Balustrade
Balustrade
Clip
Install
balustrade
on lower clip
Slide hand rail clip
into channel & slide
against post
Balustrade
Clip

Page 9
#8 x 20mm Self-
Drilling Screws
Dia. #3
Install Base Rail supports
For openings greater than 1220mm, install
base rail support under center of base rail. (Dia.
#3)
•Slide base rail support under base rail and
mark.
• Install two deck screws into deck surface at
location of base rail support, install base rail
support over screws.
•Using (1) - #8x20mm self-drilling screw,
secure the base rail support to base rail, from
the outside of the balustrade so the screw will
not be visible from the deck surface. (Dia. #4)
3
Dia. #4
Dia. #5 Dia. #6
Cut and Install Hand and Base Rail Snaps
• Measure between posts at the hand and base
rails. (Dia.#5)
•For Continuous Level Balustrade, measure
opening from 75x75mm post to 75x75mm post.
•Cut hand & base snap covers 2mm less than
opening.
•Clean cut areas and apply touch-up paint on all
exposed metal.
•Snap each balustrade snap over the
corresponding balustrade channel until properly
seated. (Dia. #6)
TIP: Roll the Hand Rail Snap in place to avoid
scratching the posts and put weight down to get
to the “second” snap.
NOTE: Do not install hand snaps yet if lighting
wires will be run through hand rails.
4
Important Note:
The hand rail snap covers should snap rmly onto the aluminium balustrade channels. Do not use a hammer. The
hand rails will snap by applying pressure from one end to the other. If you’re having issues snapping on the covers,
check the clips to ensure that they are bottomed out into the aluminium balustrade channels. Base rail supports
must be installed BEFORE installing Hand Rail Snaps.
Installing Level Balustrades
Locate
Base rail
support
Base
Rail
Support
Install Base Rail
Support over 2x
deck screws
Measure
Balustrade
Assembly
Board Deck

Page 10
Dia. #1A
Dia. #2
1Fit Stair Balustrades
• Position stair balustrade alongside 75mm
top stair post and temporarily installed 75mm
bottom post. (Dia. 1A)
• Determine the desired center of the
balustrade: either a baluster hole or between
two baluster holes. (Dia. 1C)
• Measuring from the determined center, cut
both ends of the balustrades.
• Position stair balustrade approximately
35mm above stair nosing. Tip: lay a 35mm
x 70mm Timber at on nose of stair
treads. This will allow enough room for
installation of bottom snap. Clamp stair
balustrade against top and bottom 75 mm x
75 mm posts. Using a sharp #2 pencil, mark
the stair channels at four (4) locations.
• If using a continuous hand rail, after
balustrade has been clamped to post, mark
cut lines on the H-channel and the 50 mm x
50 post using the bottom of the H-channel to
nd your angle for post cut. (Dia. 1B)
• Remove clamps and cut stair balustrade at
all four (4) locations. (Dia. 2) Take care to cut
stair channels at appropriate stair angle. Use
of Miter saw with a sharp non-ferrous blade
is recommended.
• Clean cut areas and apply touch-up
paint on all exposed ends.
Important Notes:
• Actual Stair Balustrade Lengths: 1830mm
Balustrades = 1765mm and 2440mm Balustrades
= 2320mm. 75x75mm posts are required to reach
1830mm and 2440mm lengths.
• Stair balustrades are shipped at a 37 degree angle.
Balustrades are adjustable +/- 3 degrees.
• Maximum post spans on stair balustrade application
is 2440mm on center. Additional posts are required
on any stair application more than 2440mm in
length.
Installing Stair Balustrades
Dia. #1C
Centerline
Even number of balusters
Dia. #1B
Temporary clamp
balustrade against
posts and mark for
miter cuts.
Level post
Temporarily
installed Post
Tip: Lay a 35mm x
70mm Timber on
nose of stair treads
4x cut panel to t
Stair Balustrade
4x cut
balustrade
to t
4x cut
balustrade
to t

Page 11
Dia. #4
Dia. #5
Dia. #3
Dia. #6
2
3
Install Stair Clips On Posts
• After stair balustrade has been cut to proper
size and angle, place the balustrade on the
35mm x 70mm (or hold 35mm above stair
nosing) board, between the 75mm x 75mm
posts. Use a #2 sharp pencil to draw a line
across the top of the lower baluster channel
in two places (Dia. 3).
• Remove balustrade and bottom post. Attach
stair balustrade attach clips at marked
location as per (Dia. 4) and fasten with
#8x20mm self-drilling screws. Note the
direction of the angled stair balustrade attach
clips; they should be parallel to the angle of
the stairs.
• NOTE: Installation Jigs are not used for
stair balustrade installation.
Secure Stair Balustrade To 75mm x 75mm
Posts
• Once the stair balustrade attach clips have been
installed, re-attach the lower 75 mm x 75mm post to the
bottom step or landing. Place the stair balustrade onto
the lower stair balustrade attach clips (Dia. 5).
Tip: to avoid scratching the posts, slide stair balustrade
in from the side, then downward onto the brackets.
• When lower extrusion is fully seated on lower clips,
insert stair balustrade attach clips into upper extrusion.
Secure attach clips to post with 2-#8x20mm self-drilling
screws, then secure upper extrusion to stair balustrade
attach clip with 2-#8x20mm self-drilling screws. Repeat
this same procedure for bottom post, upper extrusion
(Dia. 6).
• When upper extrusion is secured to attach clips, return
to lower extrusion and secure lower extrusion to lower
stair clips with 2-#8x3/4″ 20mm self-drilling screws at
upper post and 2-#8x3/4″ 20mm self-drilling screws at
lower post.
PENCIL
MARK LINE
CLIP
TOP EDGE
Installing Stair Balustrades
INSTALL
2X #8 X
20mm SELF-
DRILLING
SCREWS
OUTSIDE
INSTALL
2X #8 X
20MM SELF-
DRILLING
SCREWS
4x #8 x 20mm
Self-drilling
Screws –
two inside and
two outside
BALUSTRADE
CLIP
Temporary
35mm x 70mm Timber
With #2 pencil place
mark on post at top of
lower stair extrusion
Balustrade
Clip

Page 12
Dia. #7
4Install Hand and Base Snap Covers
• Following the same angle as the secured stair
balustrade, clamp or hold hand/base rail snaps against
75mm x 75mm posts (Dia. 7). Using a sharp #2 pencil,
mark the hand/base rail snaps at all four (4) locations.
• Remove clamps and cut hand/base rail snaps at all four
(4) locations. Take care to cut snaps at appropriate stair
angle. Use of Miter saw with a sharp non-ferrous blade
is recommended. Cut 2mm less than opening size.
• Clean cut areas and apply touch-up paint on exposed
ends.
• Snap each balustrade snap over the corresponding
balustrade channel until properly seated (Dia. 8).
• Tip: Support balustrade with a block of wood when
installing hand rail snap.
l
Dia. #8
Installing Stair Balustrades
Temporarily clamp top
and bottom balustrade
snaps against posts and
mark for miter cuts. Cut
2mm less than opening
size
863mm to 965mm
from stair nosing to
top of baslustrade

Page 13
Remove all Items From Package
Gate Kit Includes:
Measure Opening Between Posts (Dia. #1)
Measure, Mark and Cut Picket Gate Balustrade
(without Gate End Posts)
Measurement must be exactly 115mm less than gate opening.
Deduct 115mm from opening measurement and cut both
balustrade ends, leaving equal picket spacing. (Dia. #2)
Insert Gate End Posts Into Balustrade Upper and
Lower Horizontal Channels. (Dia. #3)
1
2
3
4
Dia. #1
Dia. #2
Dia. #3
Suggested Tools:
• Cordless Drill
• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Safety Glasses
• #2 Sq. Drive Bit
• 3.2mm Drill Bit
• Miter Saw w/ Non-
Ferrous Blade
• One (1) - Picket Balustrade
• Two (2) - Snap Covers
• Two (2) - Gate End Posts w/ Welded Rods
• Sixteen (16) - 3/4" Self-Drilling Screws
• Two (2) - Self-Closing Hinges
• One (1) - Locking Latch Kit w/ Key
• Four (4) - Gate Support Brackets
• Sixteen (16) - Color Matched Self-Drilling Screws
• Measure opening between posts. (Dia. #1)
Installing Gate Kits

Page 14
Dia. #4
Dia. #5
Dia. #6
Drill 16 - 3.2mm Holes (Dia. #4) and Install
20mm Self-Drilling Screws to Secure Gate
Ends to Balustrade
Measure Between Gate End Posts
Measure between Gate End Posts, deduct 2mm and cut hand &
base snap covers. Once cut, position snap covers over hand &
base horizontal channels and press in place. (Dia. #5)
Install Support Bracket
To install Support Bracket, rst attach Support
Bracket to Post using 2x #8 x 20mm self-drilling
screws as shown, then press Support Bracket
against Horizontal Balustrade, drill 2x 3.2mm pilot
holes and secure using remaining 2x #8 x 20mm
self-drilling screws. Repeat for remaining brackets.
(Dia. #6)
Install Gate Hinges Per Instructions Provided In Hinge Package
Install Gate Latch As Per Instructions Provided In Latch Package.
5
6
7
8
9
Installing Gate Kits
4x Support
Bracket
Post
4x #8 x 20mm Color
Matched Self-Drilling
Screws per support
Horizontal Balustrade
2 HOLES PER BALUSTRADE
PER POST PER SIDE (16)

Page 15
Installing Impression Rail™Express
Aluminium Balustrade System
Important Note:
The diagrams and instructions in this brochure are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to replace a licensed
professional. Any construction or use of the product must be in accordance with all local zoning and/or building codes. The
consumer assumes all risks and liability associated with the construction or use of this product. The consumer or contractor
should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project, including, but not limited to, wearing the
appropriate safety equipment. Except as contained in the written limited warranty, AZEK does not provide any other warranty,
either express or implied, and shall not be liable for any damages, including consequential damages.
Plan Drawings / Notes

AZEK Building Products
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Chicago, IL 60607
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