Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Why should I consider an aluminum railing product versus Wood, Steel or Iron?
Vista Aluminum Railings are super-low maintenance. Unlike wood railings that need to be protected from insects and decay, or other metal railings prone to rust and peeling paint, Vista Aluminum Railings feature long-life rust-free powder coatings that endure any negligible maintenance requirements.
I have a unique railing project in mind, does Vista Aluminum Railings do custom work?
Yes! Vista Aluminum Railings are fully customizable and are custom-finished for the real dimensions of your deck or landing. Choose any style detailing you want, pick any colour you want, we can match any design scheme you select. We can also accommodate any height or unique angle requirements you have – in short, we can build a railing system to your specifications that will create that custom look you’re after.
I’m looking for an elegant railing solution that is budget friendly. Can Vista Aluminum Railings deliver?
Yes! Do the math –upfront costs for Vista Railings are lifetime costs and a mere fraction of other railing options’ costs! Not only will you save time every year keeping your railing up to form, you don’t have to budget for all the upkeep costs that wood, iron and steel railings require. Little cost, huge returns! Vista Aluminum Railings are the lowest cost finishing touch to your home that will add resale value many times over. Elegant with enduring quality, Vista Railings will make even the oldest properties seem new and well tended.
Are Vista Aluminum Railings environmentally friendly?
Vista Aluminum Railings are 100% recyclable! Rest assured that when you select Vista Aluminum Railings to make your home beautiful, you are also making a choice that’s best for the planet.
Do Vista Aluminum Railings meet all North American building codes?
Yes. The Vista Aluminum Railing System is engineered to meet all major U.S. and Canadian building code requirements. Please refer to Vista’s Design Manual for further details.
What sets Vista Aluminum Railing Systems apart from other aluminum railing systems?
- When you choose the Vista brand aluminum railings you get:
Aluminum railings manufactured to the international standards organization’s top-quality “Q-Base” certification.
- Contemporary-style aluminum railings custom-designed and custom-colored to your home.
- Perfect sized aluminum railings built in component systems that allow for perfect custom-fittings in your home.
- Securely installed aluminum railings made by the company that literally wrote the design manual on safe railing installation widely considered as the industry standard.
- The aluminum railings with the best warranties available in North America.
- The ONLY aluminum railings installed by the elite corps of Vista dealers (only one in five applicants accepted!) who participate in ongoing continuing education to keep at the top of the profession.
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Product Questions
What type of railing systems are available with Vista?
Vista offers a complete line of railing, fencing, gates, and windscreen solutions to suit any project. We offer a variety of picket and glass system styles and various top rail designs which can be top or fascia mounted. Mix and match to create the look you’re after.
Are there any restrictions to the types of surfaces that Vista Railing can be installed on?
Your Dealer can install Vista aluminum railing to wood, composites, waterproof vinyl membranes, or concrete, however special mounting hardware may be required depending on your application. Your Vista Dealer can provide more information on your specific project needs.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is applied electrostatically and is then gelled and cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin." All of the powder that is applied at our locations is “Super Durable Polyester”.
We use only highest quality of exterior grade powder coating formulated to exceed one of the toughest paint standards in the industry for weathering specifications ~ AAMA 2604. Learn more about our Powder Coating Process.
What colours are available?
Vista is available in 7 standard colours or choose from 35 Diamond Series colours or if you still can't find your colour, ask your Vista Dealer about our Custom Colour Program. View complete details on our colour program(s).
What styles of railing are available?
There are several styles of Vista railing available including, Standard Picket, Wide Picket, Glass, WindScreen, Double Top Picket, Double Top Glass, Fencing, and Colonial. Four standard top rail options are available in 1¾” square, 2¼” square (bread loaf), round or colonial. To view Vista's styles and top rail options, visit the Railing photo gallery.
What heights are available?
Vista railing is available in 2 standard heights, 36" and 42".
How do the posts attach to the deck?
Vista utilizes both a surface mount posts with a 4” x 4” base plate as standard, as well as standard fascia brackets or also referred to as side mount posts. Your Vista Dealer can provide more information on your specific project needs.
What type of glass is used?
Vista recommends using 5mm (3/16”) tempered or 6mm (¼”) tempered for use in the United States as per building code. When using the Vista Windscreen system 3/8” tempered glass is the standard but ½” glass can be used as an option.
Do you ever use Plexiglas or Lexan?
No, we never use Plexiglas or Lexan because although it is extremely strong it does not have the rigidity to meet the load bearing criteria set out by North American Building codes and Plexi glass also tends to yellow and scratch easily.
Can I get frosted, tinted, or etched glass?
Yes, frosted, tinted or etched glass can be used in the Vista Railing systems the same way clear, tempered glass is.
What is the spacing between the pickets?
The space between our pickets is 3 7/8” as building codes typically ask for a space in which a 4” sphere cannot fit through.
What type and size of pickets are available?
Vista offers a number of different sized pickets starting with our standard straight 5/8” x 5/8” square; which is the same material we use to make our “Basket” pickets with; a 5/8” x 1½” Wide picket; and also a 1” x 1” square picket are available.
Can a mid-rail or intermediate rail be added?
Yes, Vista has a mid rail for use with both picket and glass styles.
What is the maximum distance I can have between posts?
Distance allowed between posts to meet building codes depend on your deck layout, what your end connections are and the height of railing you choose. Please refer to the Design Manuals found on this site for allowable configurations or contact your Vista Dealer to quote for you.
What height of railing is required on my deck to meet building code?
Depending on your local building code, typically railing needs to be a minimum of 42 inches, finished height for surfaces more than 70.75 inches from ground level, for lower surfaces a 36 inch railing may suffice.
Does Vista have a part that hides the base plate and screws?
As a finishing touch to your railing, Vista has base plate covers that snap around the post, available for 1½”, 2” and 2½" posts. Base plate covers are available in our 5 standard colours only. Not available in Diamond Series colours.
What maintenance is required on the Vista Aluminum Railing System?
Wash Vista product regularly using a good quality automotive car wash, and rinse with water along with an application of quality automotive car wax. Do not use acid solution, steel wool, or harsh abrasives. Clean glass panels by removing dust and grit with generous application of water, and remove grease and film deposits with mild solution of soap and water; and rinse thoroughly. We recommend annual inspection of railing, fencing and/or patio cover, and fasteners to ensure structural integrity. Please check and replace caulking according to manufacturer’s warranty.
It is essential to fully read and follow the maintenance instructions. For complete details and important information about Care & Maintenance, please visit our Care & Maintenance page.
Still have questions? Contact us
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