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Fortress Technologies INSPIRE Installation Instructions Manual

Aluminum railing
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
INSPIRE ALUMINUM RAILING
1
INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION

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Summary of Contents for Fortress Technologies INSPIRE

  • Page 1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS INSPIRE ALUMINUM RAILING INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS English Introduction.................3 Level Bracket................4 Angle Bracket..............16 Stair Bracket...............21 Care & Maintenance/ Warranty.........33 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...

  • Page 3: Introduction

    • Apply two coats of Fortress zinc based touch-up paint to the cut area. If touch up is at rail ends, allow paint to dry before connecting bracket to post. • Be sure to remove any metal shavings from the surface of deck, patio or balcony to prevent stains on the deck surface. Torx Safety Tips • Always use the lowest speed setting on drill. • To reduce chance of bit breakage, start tightening with drill on low torque setting and work up until screw is secured. Tip: Pre-drill holes with 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...

  • Page 4: Level Bracket

    [2mm, 5mm, 10mm] Crescent Socket Socket 3/32”, 1/4” [2.38mm, 6.35mm] Wrench Extender Wrench Hex Wrench Drill Miter Rubber Spring Mallet Punch Inspire Railing: Level Bracket Installation option Post Cap 2-1/2” [64mm] Post Inspire Level Bracket I-Support Inspire Railing Panels 69” [1753mm] or 93” [2362mm] Post Base Cover INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 5 Inspire Railing Post Configuration Inspire Railing Inspire Railing Panel Panel Height Installed Panel Height* Required Post 32-1/2” [826mm] 39-1/2” [1003mm] 36” [914mm] *Installed heights include a 3-1/2” [89mm] space between deck surface and bottom edge of bottom rail. BRACKET INSTALLATION Step 1: Install Brackets 1. Locate dimples on post. As shown in Fig. 1. Each post has three faces with dimples for the bracket holes of the top and bottom brackets, fourth face is blank.
  • Page 6 • Wood Block must be constructed with treated dimensional lumber with a minimum thickness of 1-1/2” [38mm]. Joist Fig. 3 Blocking Wood Wood Block Block #10 x 3-1/3” [85mm] Step 2: Position Base Plate 1. Position the edge of the base plate a minimum of 1/2” [13mm] from the inside edge of rim joist. As shown in Fig. 1 below. Fig. 4 1/2” [13mm] 1/2” [13mm] Step 3: Max Post Spacing • 6’ panel maximum post spacing is 69-1/4” [1759mm]. • 8’ panel maximum post spacing is 93-1/4” [2369mm]. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 7 Mount Posts 1. Mark mounting hole locations and pre-drill a 3/8” [10mm] hole. 2. Insert 3/8” [10mm] x 3-1/2” [89mm] Hex Head galvanized bolts through 3/8” [10mm] galvanized washer and post base plate. Note: • Post Base Plate holes MUST be positioned a minimum 1/2” [13mm] from edge of deck board. • Use only 3/8” [10mm] Hex Head Galvanized Bolts. Lag Screws should NOT be used. Secure each post with four bolts. Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Step 5: Check Mounted Posts 1. Shim post as needed to ensure post is level. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 8 Measure the panel opening Measure from back of bracket Check measurement with top Step 2: Mark Rails Where Cuts Will Be Made 1. Take the measurement found in step 1 above and divide it in half. 2. Find the center of the rails and measure out half of the length each direction. As shown in Fig. 12. 3. Mark the locations with a pencil on the top & bottom rail. Tip: • Before cutting rails, confirm spacing between cut mark and outside face of end picket will be less than 4” [102mm]. As shown in Fig. 13. Adjust cut marks as needed. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 9 4. Use file to smooth cut edges. As shown in Fig. 17. 5. Remove any metal shavings and dust with a brush or rag. As shown in Fig. 18. 6. Make sure surfaces to be painted are clean. Note: • Top Cap should be cut to the length of the panel opening found on page 8, step 1. • DO NOT cut on deck surface. Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Top View Picket Plug Rail Indication marks must be in this position for Picket Plug removal INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 10 1. Using a piece of cardboard as a mask, apply the 1 coat of Fortress zinc based touch-up paint. 2. Allow to dry before applying second coat. 3. Apply the 2 coat of Fortress zinc based touch-up paint. 4. Allow to dry and install. Fig. 19 PANEL INSTALLATION Step 1: Inspect Top and Bottom Rails 1. Confirm that the indication marks on the top of the picket plugs are parallel to the rail. As shown in Fig. 20. 2. If plugs are not parallel, use a 1/4” [6.35mm] Hex Wrench to twist and lock plug into place. As shown in Fig. 21. Tip: • Top and bottom rails can be identified by the picket plug. Plugs with “B” stamp are used for bottom rails, plain plugs are used for top rails. As shown in Fig. 22. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 11 Step 2: Assemble Panel 1. Level panels have 3 Support Pickets with threaded ends. As shown in Fig. 23. 2. Lay all panel components on a flat surface. Support Pickets are labeled with removable stickers. 3. Place a Support Picket at both ends of the panel and one in the center of panel. 4. Fasten Support Pickets to the bottom rail using included T-25 M6 Flat Head Bolt. As shown in Fig. 24. 5. Insert standard pickets into bottom rail. As shown in Fig. 25. 6. Install top rail by starting at one end of the rail with a Support Picket. Loosely fasten one end Support Picket with included T-25 M6 Flat Head Bolt. As shown in Fig. 26. 7. Work your way down the top rail carefully inserting all all remaining pickets into the top rail. 8. While keeping pickets engaged into the top & bottom rails, finish tightening bolts into top rail support pickets. 9. Confirm all 6 support screws are fully fastened. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 12 Fig. 23 Support Picket (Section View) T-25 M6 Flat Head Bolt Thread Fig. 25 Fig. 24 Fig. 26 Step 3: Install Top Rail Cap onto Top Rail 1. Slide the top rail cap on to the top rail. As shown in Fig. 27. Fig. 27 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 13 1. Install panel into brackets to confirm proper fit. Confirm that pickets are parallel to posts. As shown in Fig. 30. 2. Pre-drill top and bottom bracket holes for screws using a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. 3. Install T-25 Thread Cutting screws into brackets. As shown in Fig. 31. Note: • Only one screw per bracket is needed to secure the panel to the bracket. • Screws should be installed on the same side of all brackets. Fig. 30 Fig. 31 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 14 Fig. 32 POST BASE COVER & BRACKET CAP INSTALLATION Step 1: Install Post Base Cover 1. Separate the two-piece base plate cover. Hold one side parallel to the post base plate. As shown in Fig. 33. 2. Place 2nd half of the post base cover on the opposite side of the post. Hold 2nd piece slightly under the 1st piece. As shown in Fig. 34. 3. Twist the 2nd cover ¼ turn and move piece until both halves touch. As shown in Fig. 35. 4. Make sure one of the locking pins on the 2nd cover engage with the proper slot on the 1st cover piece. As shown in Fig. 36. 5. Once the first locking pin is started, turn the 2nd cover piece back parallel to the post base plate. One you have confirmed both locking pins have engaged with the opposing slots lower both half’s over the post base plate. As shown in Fig. 37. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 15 Fig. 33 Fig. 34 Fig. 35 Fig. 36 Fig. 37 Step 2: Install Bracket Caps 1. Bracket Caps snap over Bracket Cups. Fig. 38 Fig. 39 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...

  • Page 16: Angle Bracket

    ANGLE BRACKET Inspire Railing: Angle Bracket Installation option Post Cap 2-1/2” [64mm] Inspire Angle Bracket Post I-Support Inspire Railing Panels 69” [1753mm] or 93” [2362mm] Post Base Cover Inspire Railing Post Configuration Inspire Railing Inspire Railing Panel Panel Height Installed Panel Height* Required Post 32-1/2” [826mm] 36” [914mm] 39-1/2” [1003mm] *Installed heights include a 3-1/2” [89mm] space between deck surface...
  • Page 17 Pre-drill Angle Bracket Holes Tip: • It’s important to double check dimensions to confirm accuracy of bracket hole locations before drilling. 1. Use Spring Punch to mark the holes. As shown in Fig. 42. 2. Pre-drill bracket holes with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. As shown in Fig. 43. 3. Remove the bolt from the Angle Bracket Assembly. Fig. 42 Fig. 43 Pre-Drill with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit 3/4” [19mm] INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 18 Use low speed setting on drill. The side of the base with two holes should be facing downwards. As shown in Fig. 44. 2. Reassemble the Angle Brackets, but DO NOT install the Angle Bracket Cap at this time. As shown in Fig. 45. 3. Remove all metal shavings from deck, post base cover, post, and panel before bracket is screwed to post. Tip: • Use a Bit Extender. Fig. 44 Fig. 45 Assembled Angle Bracket Without Cap Angle Bracket Cap (To be installed in a later step) ANGLE BRACKET: POST MOUNTING • Reference Post Mounting instructions on page 6. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 19 Step 1: Determine Panel Length 1. Use 3/32” [2mm] Hex Wrench to tighten Set Screw & lock Bracket at required angle position. As shown in Fig. 46. 2. Check to ensure that all posts are square and straight. Shim posts as required. 3. Ensure that the Angle Bracket Cups are approximately aligned. 4. With another person’s help, measure the distance from the inside back of one cup to the inside back of the other cup. This will be the panel length. As shown in Fig. 47 & 48. Fig. 46 Bottom of Bracket Fig. 47 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 20 DO NOT measure from post Measure from back of bracket Step 2: Panel Cutting Steps • Reference pages 8 - 10 for panel cutting steps. ANGLE BRACKET: PANEL INSTALLATION • Reference pages 10 - 14 for Panel Installation steps. ANGLE BRACKET: POST BASE COVER & BRACKET CAP • Reference Post Base Cover & Bracket Cap installation instructions on pages 14 & 15. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...

  • Page 21: Stair Bracket

    STAIR BRACKET Inspire Railing: Stair Bracket Installation option Inspire Stair Bracket Cap Inspire Stair Bracket 2-1/2” x 51” Post Cap [64mm x 1295mm] Post Post Base Cover I-Support Stair Angle 31° to 38° Inspire Railing Post Configuration Inspire Railing Inspire Railing Panel Panel Height Installed Panel Height* Required Post 32-1/2” [826mm]...
  • Page 22 • Only mount the top post in this step, DO NOT mount the bottom post. As shown in Fig. 49. Fig. 49 Mount Post DO NOT Mount Post TOP POST BRACKETS INSTALLATION Step 1: Confirm Needed Bracket 1. Each Inspire Stair panel comes with two top post brackets and two bottom post brackets. Be sure to reference the sticker on the inside face of the bracket cups to confirm the bracket set being used. As shown in Fig. 50. Fig. 50 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 23 Note: • For best results, be sure bracket bases are centered on posts when making marks. • DO NOT mount brackets into bottom post in this step. Fig. 51 Fig. 52 Fig. 53 Fig. 54 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 24 Step 3: Bottom Bracket Installation Continued 1. Use Spring Punch to mark the holes. As shown in Fig. 55. 2. Drill out bracket holes with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. As shown in Fig. 56. 3. Use T-25 Thread-Cutting Screws to attach the bracket base. Begin with top hole then bottom. As shown in Fig. 57. 4. Keep bracket base centered as you install second screw. As shown in Fig. 58. 5. Insert & tighten barrel & screw to re-assemble bracket. As shown in Fig. 59. Fig. 55 Fig. 56 Fig. 58 Fig. 57 Fig. 59 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 25 Center the base on the post and use pencil to add marks for two screw hole locations. As shown in Fig. 63. Tip: • Be sure bases are centered on posts when making marks. • DO NOT mount brackets into bottom post in this step. Fig. 60 Fig. 61 Inside bottom face of Bracket and Bottom of rail are flush Wood 2” x 4” (actual 1-1/2” x 3-1/2” [38mm x 89mm]) Fig. 62 Fig. 63 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 26 4. Insert barrel & screw to re-assemble bracket. 5. Tighten barrel & screw. As shown in Fig. 66. Fig. 64 Fig. 65 Fig. 66 BOTTOM POST MOUNTING Step 1: Mark Bottom Post Mounting Location 1. Position wood 2” x 4” (actual 1-1/2” [38mm] x 3-1/2” [89mm]) between the mounted top post and the unmounted bottom post. As shown in Fig. 67. 2. Fully rake and place panel next to posts on top of wood 2” x 4” (actual 1-1/2” [38mm] x 3-1/2” [89mm]). INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 27 5. Adjust the unmounted bottom post’s position to allow for correction to end picket position. As shown in Fig. 71. The post to picket spacing CANNOT exceed 4” [102mm]. 6. Once bottom bracket spacing is confirmed, clamp the panel onto bottom of both posts. As shown in Fig. 72. 7. Level the panel and clamp onto top of both posts. 8. Position top bracket onto bottom post and confirm picket spacing on both top brackets. Be sure to have bottom face of panel flush with inside bottom face of brackets. As shown i n Fig. 73. 9. Once spacing is confirmed, mark bottom post hole locations. As shown in Fig. 74. Fig. 67 Fig. 68 Wood 2” x 4” (actual 1-1/2” x 3-1/2” [38mm x 89mm]) Fig. 70 Fig. 69 INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 28 Step 2: Mount Bottom Post • Reference Post Mounting instructions on page 6. BOTTOM POST BRACKETS INSTALLATION • Reference top post bracket installation instructions on pages 22 - 26. CUTTING DOWN PANEL Step 1: Measure & Mark Panels Where Cuts Will Be Made 1. Position wood 2” x 4” (actual 1-1/2” [38mm] x 3-1/2” [89mm]) under bottom brackets. 2. Rake and place panel next to posts on top of wood 2” x 4” (actual 1-1/2” [38mm] x 3-1/2” [89mm]). INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 29 8. Mark cut points on panels in line with the back of bracket opening. Be sure bottom of bracket is flush with the bottom of the rail. As shown in Fig. 78. 9. Use speed square to ensure markings are perpendicular to panel. Fig. 75 Fig. 76 Fig. 77 Fig. 78 Post To Baluster Space Must Be Less Than 4” [102mm] Step 2: Cut & Clean Panel • Reference panel cut & clean instructions on pages 9 & 10. Step 3: Apply Spray Paint To Cut Areas • Reference spray painting instructions on page 10. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 30 Step 1: Mount I-Support To Bottom Rail 1. Locate the center of the bottom rail. The I-support should be centered and positioned between two pickets. As shown in Fig. 79. 2. Using the I-Support as a guide, mark the center of the 2 screw holes. As shown in Fig. 80. 3. Using a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit, drill though the outside wall. 4. Install the I-Support with the provided Phillips Head Thread Cutting Screws. As shown in Fig. 81. Fig. 79 Fig. 80 Fig. 81 Step 2: Install Panel 1. Rake the panel near to the angle needed to install. 2. Drop the panel down into the brackets. Confirm that the panel is level. 3. Remove any metal shavings after attaching the panel. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 31 Step 3: Attach Panel To Brackets 1. Pre-drill holes for screws using a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. 2. Push the bracket up so that the bottom face is parallel with the bottom face of rail. As shown in Fig. 83. 3. Attach the panel to brackets using the T-25 thread-cutting screws that came with the brackets. Two screws are required in each bracket. As shown in Fig. 84. 4. Remove any metal shavings after attaching the panel. Fig. 83 Fig. 84 Step 4: Mount I-Support To Deck Surface 1. Unscrew the base until it reaches the stair surface. As shown in Fig. 85. 2. Install the I-Support using the provided wood screw. As shown in Fig. 86. Pre-drill screw hole with a 1/16” [2mm] drill bit. Note: • The I-Support can rotate to any angle 0° to 38°. The height of the I-Support can change from 3.3” [84mm] up to 5.7” [145mm]. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 32 Fig. 85 Fig. 86 STAIR BRACKET: POST BASE COVER & BRACKET CAP INSTALLATION • Reference Post Base Cover & Bracket Cap installation instructions on pages 14 & 15. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...

  • Page 33: Care & Maintenance/ Warranty

    • WARNING: DO NOT use strong solvents such as thinners, or solutions containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones. Abrasive cleaners or cutting compounds should not be used. WARRANTY To obtain and review a copy of the warranty, please go to: https://Fortressbp.com/warranties. You can also contact: (844) 909-1999 or write to: Fortress Building Products Warranty, 1720 N 1st St, Garland, TX 75040 to obtain a copy of the warranty. INSPIRE RAILING INSTALLATION...
  • Page 34 JOIN THE REVOLUTION. FortressBP.com | 866.323.4766 © 2021 Fortress Building Products. Unless otherwise noted, all proprietary names are trademarks of Fortress Iron, LP. All rights reserved. 06/2022...