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Explore these frequently asked questions about our products and services. You can filter below by general topics or by product category. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please let us know. We are here to help.
Why build a 25-year deck on a wood frame that rots? Our Evolution steel deck framing and stair system is just as easy to install as wood – even on curves. The interlocking joist and ledger system enables you to build sturdy, safe decks with less effort. Designed by deck builders for deck builders, Evolution framing offers greater spans, and its powder coated finish provides increased resistance against corrosion.
Steel framing offers numerous advantages over wood. It’s just as easy to install, and is compatible with all deck boards, but unlike wood, steel delivers straight, uniform pieces engineered for longer spans, and is naturally fire and insect resistant. Fortress® steel framing is also backed by a 25-year warranty and won’t rot or sustain moisture-damage like wood. Steel is also sustainable, which makes it a great option for environmentally conscious builders and homeowners. To learn more about how steel stacks up against wood, visit our website or watch this video.
No, Fortress® products are not available directly from our website. However, we provide one easy resource to find a dealer or retailer near you! Check out our Where to Buy page to search by your zip code. There, you can also find local contractors or installers.
To find a dealer near you, simply check out our Where to Buy page and search by your zip code. There, you can also find local contractors or installers.
Fortress® Evolution steel deck framing has been designed to prevent corrosion or rust. Our powder-coated sealant locks out moisture to ensure it stays strong and looking like new for years after installation. We also back our framing system with a 25-year warranty.
You can see our Fortress® framing systems in person at your local dealer. Visit our Where to Buy page and search by your zip code to find the one closest to you. You can also get inspired online by visiting our Inspiration page. Our Inspiration page also features our Image Gallery and Blogs to help further get your creative juices flowing.
At Fortress® we stand behind our products, and we back our Evolution steel framing system with a 25-year Limited Warranty. To learn more about our product warranties, please visit the Warranties section of our website.
Fortress® believes your framing should last as long as the deck its supporting. That’s why Evolution steel deck framing carries a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty against defects.
Yes! Evolution steel deck framing is compatible with multiple deck materials, including wood, composite and PVC.
If you can build a wood frame, you can build a steel frame! Our Installation Guide includes all the information you’ll need around tools and provides step-by-step instructions. You can also check out our Installation Video to learn more and see installation footage.
Yes, our Evolution steel stair framing system is compatible with any wood or steel deck framing and works with any type or brand of decking including composite, PVC, aluminum, wood or tile. To learn more, check out this video that explains what makes our stair framing different.
Fortress® Evolution steel stair framing system offers an innovative adjustable tray that allows you to span up to 48” between stringers. We also offer 3 different rise/run bracket options and a fully adjustable stair bracket.
To get inspired for your Fortress® framing project, visit the framing section of our Image Gallery.
Throughout the gallery, you’ll also find images for other Fortress® products like fencing, lighting, decking and cladding.
You can find installation instructions for Fortress® steel framing in the Installation Guides section of our website. You can also check out our Installation Video to learn more and see installation footage.
To find a contractor near you, simply check out our Find A Contractor page and search by your zip code.
To find pricing for any Fortress® product for your project, start by contacting your local dealer. You can find the one closest to you by utilizing our Find a Dealer page and searching by your zip code.
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At Fortress, we deliver an innovative range of fencing solutions. We offer residential, industrial, commercial and even high-security applications. Choose from steel or aluminum fencing products. Need some inspiration? Check out our Gallery to view completed fencing projects from around the country.
Fortress offers a range of fencing options to meet any property needs. We offer residential, industrial, commercial and even high-security products. Choose from steel or aluminum fencing options.
No, Fortress® products are not available directly from our website. However, we provide one easy resource to find a dealer or retailer near you! Check out our Where to Buy page to search by your zip code. There, you can also find local contractors or installers.
To find a dealer near you, simply check out our Where to Buy page and search by your zip code. There, you can also find local contractors or installers.
You can see our Fortress® fencing systems in person at your local dealer. Visit our Where to Buy page and search by your zip code to find the one closest to you. Our Inspiration page also features our Image Gallery, Blog and Case Studies to help further get your creative juices flowing.
Fortress offers many ways to customize your fencing project. First, select the material that makes sense for your space – whether that’s steel or aluminum fencing. You can choose from multiple panel styles and sizes, color options, and also personalize your selection of posts, brackets and finials.
All of our fencing systems are backed by a Fortress warranty. These start at 10 years and span up to a lifetime warranty. To see the specific warranties associated with each of our fencing products, please visit our Warranty page.
To find pricing for Fortress® fencing products for your project, start by contacting your local dealer. You can find the one closest to you by utilizing our Find a Dealer page and searching by your zip code.
To find a contractor near you, simply visit our “Find a Fortress® Contractor” page. There, you’ll search by your zip code to find options in your region.
Installation guides for all of our products are located here.
Fortress fencing is available for commercial, industrial and even high-security uses. Each of these products are specially designed to provide protection and superior aesthetics for any business or institution.
To get inspired for your next Fortress fencing project, visit the fencing section of our Image Gallery. Throughout the gallery, you’ll also find images for other Fortress products like fencing, framing, lighting and cladding.
Yes! Athens Aluminum Fencing is the perfect product for saltwater applications. Available in multiple heights and styles, Athens’ material composition and architectural-grade powder coating offer protection from the elements, like salt and moisture.
Fortress® works with dealers and online retailers throughout the US & Canada, and our products are available through their stores. To find the dealer closest to you, use our “Find a Dealer” tool and enter your zip code. You can also search for online retailers by using our “Find a Retailer” tool.
You can find the dealer closest to you by using our simple “Find a Dealer” tool and entering your zip code.
To find pricing for Fortress® products for your project, start by contacting your local dealer. You can find the one closest to you by utilizing our Find a Dealer page and searching by your zip code.
Contact Fortress directly by visiting the Contact Us section of our website. You can also give us a call at 866-323-4766.
Our industry-leading warranties are specific to each product line. Please visit our Warranties page to learn more about our long-lasting products.
Start with dealer first to get your issue resolved. If it is a warranty issue, please fill out our Warranty Claim form.
If you are unable to get the issue resolved, please reach out to us by phone at (866) 323-4766 or send us a note online through our website.
To submit a warranty claim, please visit the Warranty Claim page on our website. Fill out your information, attach images to showcase any damage, and submit. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing. For any processing questions, give us a call at 844-909-1999.
To learn more about how to install any of our products, please visit our Installation Guides page. There, you’ll find specific instructions for decking, framing, fencing, cladding and more.
Contact Fortress directly by visiting the Contact Us section of our website. You can also give us a call at 866-323-4766.
Fortress products are made with durable materials that stand up to the elements better than wood. This includes our pre-galvanized, e-coated steel fencing, architectural-grade powder coated aluminum fencing and our corrosion-resistant steel deck framing and pergolas.
It’s Outdoor Living... but more. All our products are extremely durable and proven to stand up to anything Mother Nature throws at them. Fortress fencing, framing, pergolas and lighting deliver a complete collection of products that all work together or stand alone.
There is no required spacing for rafters or purlins. The most common spacing is going to be 12” On Center and 16” On Center but it is required. This can be changed based on customer’s desired aesthetics.
Our pergolas are not tested for moving force, so we do not recommend it. You can have your own engineer certify the swing. Your engineer will need to consult local codes and might recommend burying posts in this application.
Evolution Steel is currently only available in Black Sand. The Black Sand powder coat makes it low maintenance and resistant to the elements, so we do not recommend painting it.
Yes! Our bracketry is compatible with wood and composites. The designs are limitless! We recommend using a 1” Panhead Wood Screw when connecting with wood which will need to be purchased separately.
The installer must consult local building codes to determine the footing or foundation specification, as it varies so much by jurisdiction such as location, frost line, type of soil, etc. and there are just so many variables.
The installation time will vary depending on your pergola size and design. We recommend at least 3 people for building and to review the connection-based installation instructions on the website. Regarding level of difficulty, our evolution steel pergola would be no different than a traditional wood pergola.
When adding any third-party attachments, you will need to work with your own engineer for approval. A solid roof can add additional weight load due to rain/snow or possible wind uplift to the pergola. We are not liable for any third-party attachments and voids the product warranty.
As big as you want! Just remember that our joists span 20’ and when connecting two joists there needs to be a post for support.
Yes! With 16” OC rafter, the 20’ joist has a deflection at the center of 1/16” at 20ft that would not be noticeable to the eye.
Check your local building codes. Some localities may require them. It is more common to require a permit for commercial applications, but size and location of the pergola will determine if one is needed.
We do not have a wind rating on our pergolas. Our pergolas are made from the same material as Evolution Steel Frame meaning they are much stronger than they need to be as decks are walked on. However, we cannot guarantee that there will not be damage from high winds, hurricanes, and storms.
The Fortress Preferred Program provides reimbursements back on co-marketing projects through co-op funds.
We no longer require members to submit every invoice. You can submit one letter annually for proof of prior year purchases over the minimum purchase amount of $50,000. Submit this letter using the Purchase Documentation Submission Form (link) via the "Upload Documentation" page.
To qualify, meet the prior-year Fortress product purchase minimum of $50,000 and submit your documentation from your Dealer through the Purchase Documentation Submission Form (link) via the "Upload Documentation" page.
Your funds are available on the ProZone Store. You can use your funds to purchase anything on the ProZone Store or you can submit a claim via the ProZone Claims site for reimbursement on co-marketing projects. Once approved, you will receive a check for the claim amount.
Submit co-marketing claims for reimbursement of co-marketing projects by submitting the claims form on the ProZone Claims site
You can use your funds to purchase anything on the ProZone Store or you can submit a claim via the ProZone Claims site for reimbursement on co-marketing projects. Once approved, you will receive a check for the claim amount.
Email pro@fortressbp.com with questions regarding claims
Reach the Gold or Platinum tier by meeting the minimum prior-year purchase requirement of $50,000 on Fortress products and submitting your documentation through the Purchase Documentation Submission Form (link) via the "Upload Documentation" page.
All Fortress Building Products product purchases qualify
Email us at pro@fortressbp.com
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