Q:  What is vinyl made of?

A:  The base ingredient is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) modified to provide superior impact strength and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. The formulation is similar to that of vinyl siding, which has a 20-year history of providing long-term durability and structural integrity.

Q:  Is vinyl recycled plastic?

A:  Technically, "recycled" refers to post-consumer or post-industrial materials coming from the waste stream. PVC can, and is, being recycled. CertainTeed's vinyl fence, decking and railing products do not use the waste stream as a source. However, we do reprocess our own PVC where it meets our rigid specifications. The use of this reprocessed material keeps it out of the waste stream, positively affecting our environment.

Q:  How strong is vinyl?

A:  Vinyl is impact-modified for flexibility and overall durability. All CertainTeed vinyl fence, deck and railing meet or exceeds the requirements necessary for excellent performance in the field.

Q:  Will vinyl break in cold/hot weather?

A:  As with most plastics, vinyl will become less flexible in colder weather conditions. However, unless subjected to unusual impact, it will not break. It is normal for materials to expand and contract during temperature changes. CertainTeed vinyl products have been engineered to accommodate normal temperature swings and changing climactic conditions.

Q:  Does it chalk?

A:  Light chalking is a normal occurrence of any pigmented surface. Washed away by rainfall and normal changes in weather, this process helps to keep your fence looking like new. In effect, it could be described as virtually maintenance-free.

Q:  Is vinyl safe for children and animals?

A:  Vinyl products have smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp edges or splinters. You, your children, pets and animals are all safer. Vinyl has a tough surface, retains virtually no moisture, has no taste, and is non-porous.

Q:  Will vinyl turn yellow?

A:  No. Vinyl products contain 10 parts titanium dioxide (TI02), which prevents ultraviolet degradation.

Q:  Will vinyl burn?

A:  PVC has a high flash point of 900°F and does not readily ignite. It is therefore categorized as being "self-extinguishing".

Q:  What is the warranty and what does it cover?

A:  All of CertainTeed's fence, deck, railing and garden products are backed by a lifetime limited warranty (not installation or labor). The warranty covers rotting, peeling, cracking, chipping and discoloration. Refer to the warranty certificates for additional information.

Q:  How do I clean vinyl?

A:  Use of a non-abrasive liquid cleaning agent is normally sufficient. However, for more stubborn stains, a product similar to Soft Scrub may be helpful. Refer to the Care and Maintenance section of the warranty certificate for additional information.

Q:  Can I paint it?

A:  There should be no reason to paint vinyl. If you decide to paint it, an epoxy-based paint needs to be used in order to adhere to the smooth vinyl surfaces. As with any painted product, it would have to be repainted in time. Any painting of your vinyl product voids its lifetime warranty.

Q:  Will my CertainTeed vinyl deck fade? Is one color less likely to fade than the other colors?

A:  As is similar with siding, everything fades some over time. Our PVC products will not fade, over the life of the product, to the point in which there is a visible difference between pieces. Lighter colors do better against fading.

Q:  Can I butt the vinyl deck planks together for a 50' run?

A:  If the temperature at the time of installation is within 30 degrees of maximum temperature seen for the area, the deck planks can be butted. If not, you should allow for an approximate 1/8" gap.

Q:  How do you install CertainTeed's EverNew Vinyl Railing and Decking?

A:  Railing posts are reinforced by galvanized steel post supports available for wood or concrete mounting. Posts can be routed for top and bottom rails. Rails can also be attached to existing posts using wall mount brackets. Deck planks install directly to joists and handle like wood. Refer to installation guides for more step by step instructions for both EverNew Vinyl Railing and Decking products.

Q:  Why is vinyl railing and decking more expensive than a wood railing and decking?

A:  Very simply, it's not! Although your investment is more initially, this is where your expense ends. The cost difference is quickly eliminated once the substantial cost of continuous maintenance of a wood or metal product is considered. Vinyl deck, railing, and garden products are the economical way to go, confidently saving you time and money with a product backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

Q:  What is the best way to install a railing in a wall to wall situation? Is it possible to use the wall mount bracket without plate?

A:  Using the wall mount bracket with plate is the easiest method. However it is possible to do with the brackets without the plate if you slit the end of the rail to slide over the bracket. This cut will be visible from below once the job is complete and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the wall mount bracket with plate method.

Q:  Will uplift be an issue with the Colonial Porch Post?

A:  In high wind areas it could become an issue. We recommend on our structural porch post packaging to take uplift into account when installing the product and to utilize the tie down kit if unsure. We offer an optional tie down kit to provide metal to metal tie down connections.

Q:  How do I install vinyl railing between existing wood posts?

A:  Rails can also be attached to existing posts using wall mount brackets, sold separately.

Q:  Can the vinyl railing be used on a second story?

A:  Yes, it meets all building codes when installed per the instructions.

Q:  What can I use on my CertainTeed deck to melt ice?

A:  Rock salt or Halite will work fine without harming PVC.