AZEK TimberTech Impression Rail Express 6 User manual

TimberTech.com
INSTALLATION GUIDE
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL ON LEVEL PANELS...............4
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL ON STAIR PANELS................8
DRINK RAIL
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL
EXPRESS®

Page 2
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
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.
• TimberTech Railing should be installed using the same good building principles used to install wood or composite railing and in accordance with the
local building codes and the installation guidelines included below.
• The AZEK Company accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product.
• TimberTech Railing may not be suitable for every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure that the Railing is fit for the intended
use. Since all installations are unique, it is also the installer’s responsibility to determine specific requirements in regards to each Rail application.
• The AZEK Company recommends that all applications be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building ocial 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.
• TimberTech Railing 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 only for installation of TimberTech Impression Rail Express®Railing.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure the DRIVE TOOL/DRILL is configured or set to use the SCREW setting when driving and/or tightening all FASTENERS.
It is very Important not to overdrive fasteners. The use of Impact type drill drivers can increase the risk of overdriving fasteners.
• SAFETY: Always wear goggles when handling, cutting, drilling and fastening materials.
• Failure to install this product in accordance with applicable building codes and TimberTech’s written Impression Rail Express®Install Guide may lead
to personal injury, aect 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.
NOTE: IF INSTALLING POST LIGHTING, WIRING
MUST BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO SECURING
POSTS TO DECK/STAIR SURFACE AND
INSTALLING TOP RAILS.
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. The AZEK Company or its reseller shall not be
held responsible for improper or unsafe installations.
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".
• TimberTech Impression Rail Express®8' and 6' Rails are
designed not to exceed 8' and 6' from center of post to center
of post, using 3" posts, respectively.
• For all other applications, consult a design professional or a
TimberTech Railing representative for more information.
• Posts must be installed plumb and level with each other.
This is specifically critical for Over-the-Post applications.
• Read instructions completely to get an understanding of how
the product goes together and how each piece aects the other.
• Not compatible with Impression Rail Express Glass Infill panels.
IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
DRINK CLIP

Page 3
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
3" Post
Pre-Assembled Panel
Post Skirt
Bottom Rail Cover,
inverted; purchased
separately
#8x3/4" Self-Drilling
Screws
#8x3/4" SS
MOD Truss
K-Lath Screws
(phillips head)
Bottom Rail Cover
(included with panel kit) Foot Block
Attach Clips
Support Rail
Impression Rail Express®
Drink Rail Clip Assembly
Visit www.timbertech.com/installation to view installation
videos.
Consult your local building codes for guard and handrail
requirements.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
• Miter Saw
• Tape Measure
• Cordless Drill
• #2 Square Drive Bit
• #2 Phillips Head Drive Bit
COMPONENTS NEEDED FOR INSTALLING ONE
SECTION OF DRINK RAIL
COMPONENT INCLUDES
Impression Rail
Express®Over the
Post Panel Kit
(1) Pre-Assembled Panel
(8' or 6' length)
Impression Rail
Express®Bottom
Rail Cover
(1) Bottom Rail Cover (8' or 6' length)
to be used as a top rail cover
Impression Rail
Express®Drink
Rail Kit
(for two 8' panels or
three 6' panels)
(12) Drink Rail Clips
(24) #8x3/4" Self-Drilling Screws
(48) #8x3/4" SS MOD Truss K-Lath
Screws (phillips head)
Drink Rail (1) Drink Rail (deck board) not included
– must be purchased separately.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
TimberTech Impression Rail Express panels are available in 8'
and 6' lengths.
For Deck boards, visit:
https://www.timbertech.com/products/decking
The Drink Rail system works with all full profile, square-
shoulder deck boards, but NOT with scalloped boards (i.e.
Terrain, Prime, Prime+ or ReliaBoard).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
It is not recommended to use narrow width (3.5") deck
boards in Over-the-Post applications.
Do not use wide width (7.5") deck boards in Between-the-
Post applications.
FULL PROFILE SCALLOPED
DECK BOARDS
NO
YES

Page 4
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
FOR BEST RESULTS WITH OVERTHEPOST APPLICATIONS :
As is the case when using wood, Over-the-Post applications using TimberTech deck boards in which
boards are mitered in the corners or that use butt joints mid-span are susceptible to those joints
opening up or separating over time with changes in temperature. While it may be impossible to
completely eliminate joints from separating, there are steps you can take to minimize the separation of
the joints. We recommend the following:
A. It is critical that all Post heights are aligned. In some cases, due to deck surface undulation, the
length of posts will vary in order to achieve a level sight line with your top drink rail.
B. Avoid using butt joints whenever possible. Utilization of butt joints may result in gapping of boards.
Good practice is to use a single 16' board rather than using two 8' deck boards
C. Follow all fastener recommendations clearly.
D. Before installing deck boards as drink rails, take all possible measures to keep the temperature
of the boards as low as possible. The cooler the board at installation, the less apt joints will be to
separate or gap. For best results and to minimize gapping, do not store or install deck boards in
direct sunlight.
E. Install all joints tight. Unlike wood boards used in decking applications in which some spacing
between boards may be recommended, there should be NO gap between the ends of TimberTech
composite deck boards when installed as a drink rail.
F. Not recommended to use narrow width (3.5") deck boards in Over-the-Post applications.
Be sure to cut posts such that
finished rail height is at least 36"
high for a 36" rail application and 42"
high for a 42" application. For a 36"
application, posts typically should
not be cut less than 35.25". For a 42"
application posts typically should not
be cut less than 41.25".
For all rail installations, posts must
be plumb and aligned with one
another.
For Over-the-Post applications,
it is also critical that Posts be of a
consistent height (e.g. the tops of all
posts are level and on plane with each
other).
TIP: To ensure that the tops of all
posts are level, you may use a level
panel or a string line to establish a
common level across all posts and
cut at that level. Alternatively, you
may use a laser level to “shoot” a level
mark on each post and then cut at
that mark.
For a proper finished look on Over-
The-Post Drink Rail applications,
make sure Bottom Rail Cover is
even with the top of the posts. Prior
to installing rail assembly to Post,
ensure that rail assembly is positioned
(height wise) to eliminate any gaps
between Deck board and Bottom Rail
Cover (inverted, positioned on top).
(Dia. A).
Bottom Rail Cover
Drink Clip
Support Rail
Bottom Rail Cover
Support Rail
Center and measure
top of Deck Board
a consistent distance
from top of Post. Center and align
bottom of Deck
Board with top
of Post.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Post
Balusters
Dia. A 2. OVERTHEPOST
APPLICATIONS
IMPORTANT NOTES:
These instructions cover installation of the Drink Rail (Deck
board Top Rail) on Impression Rail Express®Level Panels.
These instructions DO NOT cover the entire level rail assembly process. Please
follow through step 3 on pages 4-9 in TimberTech Impression Rail Express®Install
Guide to build stair rail assembly prior to installing Drink Rail.
The full TimberTech Impression Rail Express®Install Guide can be found at
www.TimberTech.com.
This Installation Guide applies to the
use of this product in a Drink Rail
application. If you are completing a
standard TimberTech railing installation,
please refer to the full TimberTech
Impression Rail Express®Installation
Guide found at www.TimberTech.com.
1. BETWEENTHEPOST
APPLICATIONS  OR 

Page 5
1CUT BOTTOM RAIL COVER AND DECK BOARD
Measure, mark and cut the Bottom Rail Cover (inverted, purchased separately) and
deck board to length (Dia. #1A). For Over-the-Post applications, cut deck boards
so that any seams fall at the center of a post (boards up to 16'). Miter the planks at
corner posts.
For Between-the-Post applications if the deck board is wider than posts, if desired,
trim deck board corners for a clean finish (Dia. #1B). If using 3 ½" wide boards, there is
no need to trim corners for composite post applications. Place the Bottom Rail Cover
on the top support rail between the post sleeves.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts Application –
measure between posts.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application –
measure to posts on center
(boards up to 16').
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted; purchased separately) –
measure between posts
Trim deck board corners
for a clean finish.
Dia. #1A
Dia. #1B
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
ATTACH DRINK RAIL CLIPS TO PANEL
Attach drink rail clips every 18" max by running 2 #8 ¾" TEK SS screws (from drink
rail hardware) up through the clip into the rail. (Dia. #2).
• 6' panels require 4 clips, attached within the first baluster on each end and then
spread equally over the length of the panel.
• 8' panels require 6 clips, attached within the first baluster on each end and then
spread equally over the length of the panel.
• For Over-the-Post applications, proceed to Step 3.
• For Between-the-Post applications, skip to Step 4.
2
#8x3/4"
Self-Drilling
Screws
Impression Rail Express®
Drink Rail Clip Assembly
Dia. #2

Page 6
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
3
IMPORTANT NOTES:
PRIOR TO INSTALLING DECK BOARDS:
It is very important to have the Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted) even with the top of the posts to keep from
seeing gaps under the Drink Rail.
The tops of all posts must be within ¼" of the tops of rail
covers for proper fastening of deck boards.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Pre-drilling with a 3/16" drill bit is always required when
installing Cortex or applicable TOPLOC in TimberTech
PRO and EDGE full profile/solid profile decking.
• AZEK
®
Cortex
®
requires the included TORX
®
ttap
®
drive
in order to set the screw to the correct depth for plugs.
• The Cortex fastener must be driven perpendicular to
the deck surface for proper fit and ideal finished look.
• The cored hole must be free of debris or moisture. Use a
smooth hammer head to set the Cortex plug.
For Over-the-Post Applications, cut wood inserts from
4x4” wood boards to fit inside posts. Partially drive a wood
screw into wood insert to hold it in place during post bracket
attachment (remove afterwards). While holding wood insert,
install screws (from Panel Attach Kit) through bracket and
post into wood insert. (Dia. #3A)
For Over-the-Post Applications, fasten deck board to
wood post inserts with (3) 2 1/2" length AZEK®Cortex®
or TOPLoc screws on either side of the butt joint. Fasten
no closer than 3/4" from the outside edge and ends of
each plank (Dia. #3B, 3C). Make sure that boards are tight
together at butt joints and no gap is left. For proper screw
placement, measure 1 ¼" from center of board to ensure
ensure full contact with wood post insert (Dia. #3C).
TIP: Pre-drilling significantly reduces spinouts in end grain.
Pre-drill through deck plank only, not into structural post.
It is also suggested to drill only half way through the plank.
Pre-drilling requirements vary distinctly by collection. See the
Deck Install Guide for details.
5.5" Wide Deck Rail
Screw Placement
¾"
minimum
1¼"
1¼" center
STEP 2
Slide in Wood Insert
(4x4 board, cut
to fit inside post)
STEP 1
Partially drive a
wood screw into
Wood Insert
STEP 3
Install (2) Screws
included in Panel
Attach Kit
STEP 4
Remove temporary
wood screw.
Dia. #3B
Dia. #3A
Dia. #3C
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO POSTS
OVERTHEPOST APPLICATIONS ONLY

Page 7
Post Caps
ATTACH POST CAPS BETWEENTHEPOST APPLICATIONS
5
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
4
Dia. #5
ATTACH DRINK RAIL CLIPS TO DECK BOARD
Place the Deck Board on top and centered over the Bottom Rail Cover. For both Between-the-
Post (Dia #4A) and Over-the-Post and Applications (Dia #4B), secure Drink Rail Clips to Deck
Board using #8x3/4" SS MOD Truss K-Lath Screws (phillips head) included with the Drink Rail
Clip Kits.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Set the Drink Rail in place and use the Drink Clip holes to mark locations. Then drill 1/8"
diameter hole ¾" deep into the bottom of the deck board. Care must be taken not to drill through
the top of the deck plank.
#8x3/4" SS
MOD Truss
K-Lath Screws
(phillips head)
Impression Rail Express®
Drink Rail Clip Assembly
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted; purchased
separately)
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts
Application
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted; purchased
separately)
Dia. #4A - Between-the-Post Applications
Dia. #4B - Over-the-Post Applications
Dia. #4C

Page 8
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Pre-Assembled Panel
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted; purchased separately)
Bottom Rail Cover
(included with panel kit)
Support Rail
Post Skirt
Attach Clips
3" Post
#8x3/4" Self-Drilling Screws
#8x3/4" SS
MOD Truss
K-Lath Screws
(phillips head)
Impression Rail Express®
Drink Rail Clip Assembly
Top Drink Rail Clip
in first full opening
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
IMPORTANT NOTES:
For all rail installations, posts
must be plumb and aligned with
one another.
For a proper finished look on
Over-The-Post Drink Rail
applications, make sure Bottom
Rail Cover is even with the top
of the posts and that posts are a
consistent height. Prior to installing
rail assembly to Post, ensure
that rail assembly is positioned
(height wise) to eliminate any gaps
between Deck board and Bottom
Rail Cover (inverted, positioned
on top). (Dia. A)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The top Drink Rail Clip will likely not
fit in the first opening and should
be placed in the first full opening, as
close to the post as possible.
These instructions cover installation of the Drink Rail (Deck
board Top Rail) on Impression Rail Express®Stair Panels.
These instructions DO NOT cover the entire level rail assembly process. Please
follow through step 3 on pages 10-12 in TimberTech Impression Rail Express®
Install Guide to build stair rail assembly prior to installing Drink Rail.
The full TimberTech Impression Rail Express®Install Guide can be found at
www.TimberTech.com.
Bottom Rail Cover
Drink Clip
Support Rail
Bottom Rail Cover
Support Rail
Center and measure
top of Deck Board
a consistent distance
from top of Post. Center and align
bottom of Deck
Board with top
of Post.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Post
Balusters
Dia. A 2. OVERTHEPOST
APPLICATIONS
This Installation Guide applies to the
use of this product in a Drink Rail
application. If you are completing a
standard TimberTech railing installation,
please refer to the full TimberTech
Impression Rail Express®Installation
Guide found at www.TimberTech.com.
1. BETWEENTHEPOST
APPLICATIONS  OR 

Page 9
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
1CUT BOTTOM RAIL
COVER AND DECK
BOARD
Measure, mark and cut the Bottom
Rail Cover (inverted bottom rail cover,
purchased separately) and deck board to
length (Dia. #1A). For Over-the-Post
applications, cut deck boards so that
any seams fall at the center of a post
(boards up to 16'). Miter the planks at
corner posts.
For Between-the-Post applications if
the deck board is wider than posts, if
desired, trim deck board corners for
a clean finish (Dia. #1B). Place the
Bottom Rail Cover on the top support
rail between the post sleeves.
ATTACH DRINK RAIL
CLIPS TO PANEL
Attach drink rail clips every 18" max by
running 2 #8 ¾" TEK SS screws (from
drink rail hardware) up through the clip
into the rail. (Dia. #2).
• 6' panels require 4 clips, attached
within the first baluster on each end
and then spread equally over the
length of the panel.
• 8' panels require 6 clips, attached
within the first baluster on each end
and then spread equally over the
length of the panel.
• For Over-the-Post applications,
proceed to Step 3.
• For Between-the-Post applications,
skip to Step 4.
2
Dia. #2
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts Application –
measure between posts.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application –
butt up to top post, and hang over
bottom post approximately 1½".
Bottom Rail Cover (inverted) –
measure between posts
For Over-the-Post applications,
cut post sleeve at same angle
and height as universal rail.
Trim deck board corners
for a clean finish.
Dia. #1A Dia. #1B
#8x3/4" Self-Drilling
Screws
Impression Rail Express®
Drink Rail Clip Assembly

Page 10
5.5" Wide Deck Rail
Screw Placement
¾"
minimum
1¼"
1¼" center
STEP 2
Slide in Wood Insert
(4x4 board, cut
to fit inside post)
STEP 1
Partially drive a
wood screw into
Wood Insert
STEP 3
Install (2) Screws
included in Panel
Attach Kit
STEP 4
Remove temporary
wood screw.
Dia. #3A
Dia. #3B
Dia. #3C
Dia. #3D
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO POSTS
3
IMPORTANT NOTES:
PRIOR TO INSTALLING DECK BOARDS:
It is very important to have the Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted, positioned on top) even with the top of the posts
to keep from seeing gaps under the Drink Rail.
The tops of all posts must be within ¼" of the tops of post
covers for proper fastening of deck boards.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Pre-drilling with a 3/16" drill bit is always required when
installing Cortex or applicable TOPLOC in TimberTech
PRO and EDGE decking.
• The Cortex Setting Tool must be used to set the Cortex
screw to the proper depth.
• The Cortex fastener must be driven perpendicular to the
deck surface for proper fit and ideal finished look.
• The cored hole must be free of debris or moisture. Use a
smooth hammer head to set the Cortex plug.
• The interaction between the deck board, screw, and plug is
essential.
For LEVEL Over-the-Post Applications, cut wood inserts
from 4x4” wood boards to fit inside posts. Run one 2-3" screw
into the wood insert to hold it in place during post bracket
attachment (remove afterwards). While holding wood insert,
install screws (from Panel Attach Kit) through bracket and post
into wood insert. (Dia. #3A)
For LEVEL Over-the-Post Applications, fasten deck board
to wood post inserts with (3) 2 ½" SS Cortex or applicable
TOPLOC screws (not included) on either side of a butt joint.
For butt joints, install (3) screws on either side of butt joint
into wood post insert. Fasten no closer than 3/4" from the
outside edge and ends of each plank (Dia. #3B, 3C). Make
sure that boards are tight together at butt joints and no gap
is left. For proper screw placement, start with a screw at the
center, then sink 2 more screws 1 1/4" from center of board to
ensure ensure full contact with wood post insert (Dia. #3C).
For STAIR Over-the-Post Applications (Dia. #3D), fastening
to posts may not be possible.
TIP: Pre-drilling significantly reduces spinouts in end grain. Pre-
drill through deck plank only, not into structural post.
It is also suggested to drill only half way through the plank. Pre-
drilling requirements vary distinctly by collection. See the full
TimberTech Impression Rail Express®Install Guide for details.
TIP: For stairs, it is suggested to install the
Drink Rail butted to the top post and over the
bottom post. This is based on the ability to
anchor the Drink Rail securely at the top and
bottom. (Dia. #4B)

Page 11
#8x3/4" SS
MOD Truss
K-Lath Screws
(phillips head)
Impression Rail Express®
Drink Rail Clip Assembly
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts
Application
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted; purchased
separately)
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted; purchased
separately)
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS®
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, The AZEK
Company does not provide any other warranty, either express or implied, and shall not be liable for any damages, including consequential damages.
ATTACH POST CAPS
BETWEENTHEPOST APPLICATIONS
5
4ATTACH DRINK RAIL CLIPS TO DECK BOARD
Place the Deck Board on top and centered over the Bottom Rail Cover. For both Between-the-
Post (Dia #4A) and Over-the-Post and Applications (Dia #4B), secure Deck Board and Bottom
Rail Cover to Upper Support Rail using #8x3/4" SS MOD Truss K-Lath Screws (phillips head)
included with the Drink Rail Clip Kits.
Dia. #4C
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Set the Drink Rail in place and use the
Drink Clip holes to mark locations.
Then drill 1/8" diameter hole ¾" deep
into the bottom of the deck board.
Care must be taken not to drill through
the top of the deck plank. (Dia. #4C)
Post Caps
Dia. #5
Dia. #4A - Between-the-Post
Applications
Dia. #4B - Over-the-Post
Applications

AZEK Building Products
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Chicago, IL 60607
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