FAQ'S

If the concrete thickness is insufficient and no embed is provided, the only option is to bolt through the deck. However, this approach presents challenges, particularly if the concrete is a topping slab or if the slabs are pre-tensioned. Additionally, access to the underside of the deck is necessary, and relieving plates matching the base plates with lock nuts and washers are required.

A minimum 3” surface width is required for mounting the SHOE base. A 2” width is not recommended because engineering often requires additional metal reinforcement, making it more expensive for the customer than using C12x20.7 or a 12”x3” tube.

Yes, it is possible to weld onto galvanized steel, but there are important precautions and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Zinc Coating Hazards:

   • Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent rust.

   • When welded, the zinc coating near the weld area vaporizes, releasing zinc oxide fumes, which are toxic and can cause a condition known as metal fume fever.

      

2. Preparation:

   • Remove the zinc coating in the weld area (typically 1–2 inches around the joint) using a grinder or chemical stripper.

   • This reduces toxic fume production and improves weld quality.

      

3. Ventilation and PPE:

   • Always weld in a well-ventilated area or use fume extraction systems.

   • Wear appropriate respiratory protection and protective clothing.

      

4. Welding Techniques:

   • Common methods include MIG, TIG, and stick welding.

   • Use appropriate filler materials and settings to ensure good penetration and avoid porosity.

      

5. Post-Weld Treatment:

   • After welding, the exposed steel should be re-galvanized or coated with a zinc-rich paint to restore corrosion resistance.

Yes, stainless steel posts can be welded to steel (carbon steel) stringers, but there are important considerations to ensure a strong, corrosion-resistant, and safe weld:

1. Material Compatibility

• Stainless steel and carbon steel have different chemical compositions, which can lead to issues like galvanic corrosion if not properly managed.

• The most common stainless steels used in construction are 304 and 316 grades.

   

2. Welding Process

• Dissimilar metal welding is required. This typically involves:

  • TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) welding.

  • Use of a compatible filler metal, such as 309L stainless steel, which is designed for joining stainless to carbon steel.

     

3. Preparation

• Clean both metals thoroughly to remove any contaminants, oxides, or coatings.

• Tack welds may be used to hold the post in place before final welding.

   

4. Post-Weld Treatment

• Passivation of the stainless steel may be necessary to restore its corrosion resistance.

• Consider applying a protective coating to the carbon steel to prevent rust, especially at the weld joint.

   

5. Structural Considerations

• Ensure the weld design meets load and safety requirements, especially if the posts are part of a railing or guard system.

The minimum recommended radius for bent SHOE and glass is 5'-0". A 3'-0" radius can be achieved; however, it poses a risk of glass breakage and metal distortion.

Yes, however there are certain types of sealants that should be avoided:

1. Acid-Cure (Acetoxy) Silicone Sealants

   1. These release acetic acid during curing, which can corrode aluminum over time.

   2. Often have a vinegar-like smell.

   3. Not compatible with most metals unless specifically formulated.

    

2. Polyurethane Sealants (Unmodified)

   1. Some types can react with aluminum, especially in moist environments, leading to corrosion.

   2. They may also not adhere well to anodized or coated aluminum surfaces.

    

3. Butyl Rubber Sealants

   1. These can stain or degrade aluminum finishes and are not recommended for visible or exposed applications.

    

4. Latex or Acrylic Caulks

   1. These are not durable enough for exterior or structural applications and may fail under UV or moisture exposure.

    

5. DOW 795 Is deemed an Excellent Sealant for use with Aluminum Glass Guardrail Shoe Moldings

    

For SHOE, VIEW, SOLO, and VISIO railing systems, where glass panels act as structural balusters:

• If the glass is ½” tempered laminated (interior or exterior), SGP (SentryGlas Plus) is required.

   

• If the glass is 5/8” or ¾” tempered laminated (interior only), PVB (Poly Vinyl Butyrate) can be used.

   

• For exterior applications, SGP must be used to prevent delamination.

   

• The typical interlayer thickness is .060 inches, but this may vary depending on project specifications, wind loads, and location (e.g., hurricane/wind borne debris regions).

   

• 

The fascia mounting brackets are 5” x 5” square.

½” Aluminum Laser Cut Patterned 

The handrail brackets are attached to the infill panels. The current post height is calculated as panel height minus 18”, which often makes the posts too short for bracket attachment. Older project photos showing brackets attached to posts are exceptions.

Yes, using custom VIEW mounting buttons, it can be reduced to no less than 1”

Yes, ANY of the VIVA Systems can be specified with wood handrails or top rails - Maple, Cherry and Red Oak are standard offerings in 2” Diameter,  or custom shapes as specified; however other species are available if specified. Wood products are typically provided UNFINISHED by VIVA, to be finished BY OTHERS. If the wood products are to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) or other conservation program materials, they need to be clearly specified as such.

Post spacing up to 4’-0” on center can use 1.5” diameter posts, anything exceeding 4’-0” on center up to 5’-0” on center maximum will require 2” diameter posts. A 1.5” Diameter top  rail may be used for all of these conditions. 

Yes, LED lighting can be provided in the SHOE base  Color: 3000K Warm White or 4000K Cool White Output: Medium: 3 Watt/ft – 185 lumens/ft. High: 5 Watt/ft – 250 lumens/ft.

Yes, all VIVA LED Products meet the 1 Foot Candle requirement. 

No, VIVA Railings does not sell any LED lighting components (i.e. PODS, Linear) by themselves, that is, as the LED fixtures only, but only as integrated into complete railing systems, whether they be handrails, top rails, free standing site rails, wall rails or base shoe lighting.

There is no limit to the length of the railing, but the railings are divided in 25’-0” segments between placement of end posts- for example, a 75’-0” railing would be divided into (3) 25’-0” segments with (2) support posts. 

Yes, the SLAT System can be bent to a radius (in the FLAT) minimum inside radius is 24”

No, the FRAME System is generally designed to be used in linear applications (straight lines) however, 90 degree corners can be achieved, and used on stairs with a fair amount of difficulty involved, and not recommended for this application.

Yes, The FOLD Panels can be Pre-Fabricated to a minimum radius (FLAT) of 44”Bending is done prior to Powder Coat Painting

14 gauge in Stainless Steel (.078) 11 gauge in Aluminum (.125) 

The smallest hole size for Laser Cut Panels is 1” Diameter

Yes, 2” wide HSS stringers can be used. However, if an architect specifies C Channels, they must provide the exact flange width for precise compatibility.

Yes, this will be sufficient clearance

Yes, PVB can be used in post-supported interior railing systems, where glass serves as an infill panel rather than a structural baluster.

What are the Levels of Translucency in interlayers?

1. High Translucency (e.g., 85%): Allows most light to pass through while slightly diffusing it. This level is often used in areas where natural light is desired, but some privacy is needed 

    

2. Medium Translucency (e.g., 50-70%): Balances light transmission and privacy. Suitable for spaces like conference rooms or partitions where moderate privacy is required 

    

3.  Low Translucency (e.g., 30-50%): Allows less light to pass through, providing higher privacy. Commonly used in areas like bathrooms or private offices 

    

4.  Opaque (e.g., 0-20%): Blocks most light, offering maximum privacy. Ideal for spaces requiring complete confidentiality 

No, VIVA generally provides a sacrificial weld plate which is drilled and tapped to receive the mounting bolts. The plates are ½”x5”x5” to match the post mounting bracket back plates

Yes, VIVA Railings has a licensed engineer in Ontario, Canada.

Besides a Notice of Acceptance (NOA), there are several other levels and types of product approvals used in the construction and building materials industry, particularly in Florida and other regions with strict code requirements. Here's a breakdown of the main types:

1. Florida Product Approval (FL Number)

• Issued by the Florida Building Commission.

• Required for specific product categories that affect the building envelope and structural integrity, such as:

  • Panel walls

  • Windows

  • Exterior doors

  • Roofing products

  • Skylights

  • Shutters

  • Structural components

• Products must be tested and evaluated to meet Florida Building Code standards

2. Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA)

• Issued by Miami-Dade County.

• Recognized for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ).

• Often accepted statewide and even in other states, but not automatically a Florida Product Approval unless registered with the state system

3. Local Product Approval

• Used when a product does not have a statewide Florida Product Approval.

• Approval is granted by a local building official based on:

  • A valid NOA

  • A Technical Evaluation Report (TER) by a licensed engineer or architect

  • Rational analysis or test reports

• Common for custom or niche products

4. Technical Evaluation Report (TER)

• Prepared by a licensed professional engineer or architect.

• Provides a detailed analysis showing compliance with applicable codes.

• Often used in conjunction with or as an alternative to NOAs or FL numbers

5. ICC-ES Reports

• Issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service.

• Widely accepted across the U.S. and sometimes used in Florida if supplemented with local approval.

• Useful for products not covered by Florida-specific categories.

6. Master Plan Sheets

• Pre-approved engineering documents for standard installations.

• Often used in conjunction with TERs or NOAs for permitting.

• The standard height for a guardrail depends on the regulatory body

   

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

• Top Rail Height: Must be 42 inches (107 cm) ± 3 inches (i.e., between 39 and 45 inches) above the walking-working surface 

• Midrail: Required at 21 inches if there is no wall or parapet at least that high.

• Load Requirement: Must withstand 200 pounds of force applied in any direction on the top rail 

   

IBC (International Building Code)

• Top Rail Height: Must be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) above the walking surface 

• Opening Limitations: Guardrails must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through any opening.

• Load Requirement: Must resist a uniform load of 50 pounds per linear foot and a concentrated load of 200 pounds at any point 

   

   

   

For most Open Shop and Prevailing Wage projects VIVA uses their own factory trained employees. For Union Wage projects VIVA may engage vetted outside subcontractors to perform the required installation. 

Yes, if Base Structure CAD Service is required in absence of stair fabricator drawings in .dwg/.dxf  format a $1500 charge per floor will be incurred.  

Yes, VIVA currently has a minimum project size of 150’-0” of guardrail for a quotation.

• New RFQ (Request for Quote) based on ITB from GC-Minimum 9 Business Days

   

• Rush Bids - Minimum 5-8 Business Days (“Due to short notice, only a preliminary quote can be provided. Final pricing subject to change pending full review.

   

• ASAP Bids (<5 Days)

o Only a budgetary linear footage price via email

o Note: Cannot be converted into Rush; must be re-submitted as Standard

VIVA Standard Warranty is One (1) Year for Materials and Labor

Yes, Under Certain Circumstances, such as for glass and certain finishes which are specified for extended periods far exceeding one year, the warranties can be extended, but may be an additional charge line item on the quotation

Yes, VIVA Railings and Metal Spaces scopes can be combined on quotations and issued contracts

VIVA Railings has over two decades of experience in the industry, and has completed numerous successful large-scale commercial projects.

Yes, we have a portfolio of case studies and references available on our website and upon request

Our railings are pre-engineered to IBC standards. Any Local building codes variations can be accommodated. Our team of engineers and designers will design to match and fabricate accordingly.

Our experienced installation team handles all aspects of the installation process and we work closely with the general contractor to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Lead times vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but we will provide you with an accurate timeline once we have all the details of the project.

We offer an industry standard 1 year material warranty on our products. Exterior laminated glass includes a 5 year warranty for de-lamination. In the unlikely event that an issue does arise, our team will work to quickly resolve it to your satisfaction.

Yes, we would be happy to provide an estimate and budget for the project once we have all the relevant drawings, details and specifications.

We use a variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminum and glass for our railings. We will work with you to determine the best material for your specific project.

We use advanced engineering techniques and high-quality materials to ensure the structural integrity of our railings. All of our designs are tested and verified to meet or exceed local building codes and safety regulations.

We have a team of experienced designers and engineers who are able to handle custom designs and modifications. We will work closely with you to ensure that the final design meets your specific needs and requirements.

Yes, we can provide certificates for recycled materials and FSC wood procurement on a project basis.

We make sure that all of our designs are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We take into account the needs of all users, including those with disabilities, to ensure accessibility and safety for everyone.

Yes, we can comply with the The Buy American Act for local state and federal projects. Upon request, we ensure that all of our products are manufactured and produced in the USA and that they meet the stipulated requirements of the act. This includes using domestic stainless steel and manufactured goods in our railings, so that we can offer compliance to the act. Relevant mill certificates are provided.

Yes, we can provide railings with integrated LED lighting. Our pre-engineered LED iRail Illumination systems are designed to be both functional and visually appealing. We also take into account the energy efficiency and the cost-effectiveness of the lighting solution, and we ensure that the lights are properly installed and integrated into our railing system.