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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.
Fortress Building Products delivers solutions for all types of railing applications. Check out the railing section of our website to compare different materials: steel, cable, aluminum, glass; as well as residential vs. commercial applications. With so many options, there’s bound to be the right fit for your project.
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.
Check out our Where to Buy page to search by your zip code. There, you can also find local contractors or installers.
You can see our Fortress® railing 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, where you can use the new FortressView™ Visualizer, our interactive 3D platform that allows you to build a virtual scene with decking and railings. Our Inspiration page also features our Image Gallery, Blog and Case Studies to help further get your creative juices flowing.
Fortress® railing systems are made specifically to withstand the elements. Our steel railings use pre-galvanized steel and a zinc phosphate, e-coat and premium powder coating to resist rust and corrosion. And our aluminum railings use a premium powder coating that stands up against humidity, cold and moisture. Unlike wood, these materials will last for years without any additional maintenance.
All of our residential railing systems have at least a 15-year warranty. Our aluminum and glass railing systems go above and beyond, offering a limited lifetime warranty. On the commercial side, our Fe26 PLUS product offers a 10-year warranty. You can learn more about the warranty policies on all of our products here.
To find pricing for Fortress® railing 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.
Installation guides for all of our products are located here.
Our railing systems offer multiple infill options, including metal baluster (Al13, Al13 HOME™, Fe26, Fe26 PLUS), glass balusters (Al13, Al13 HOME, Fe26), full glass panels (Al13), vertical cable (FortressCable and Al13 HOME) and horizontal cable (FortressCable). Having so many options ensures your project will match any aesthetic and need.
All of our Fortress railing systems come with pre-assembled panels for easy installation. You’ll choose your panels, and then select your posts and brackets. Then select personalized elements like top rails or lighting accessories.
With Fortress, there are many ways to customize your railing system. We offer the material for any project or aesthetic – whether that’s cable, aluminum, steel or glass. Our pre-assembled panels are available in multiple sizes to help meet the needs of any project, and we offer multiple post and bracket options that will work for your space. Add some personality to your design by choosing from a variety of color & finish options, unique top rails including drink rails, or mix and match stylish baluster designs.
Fortress offers a total solution of commercial railing systems in a variety of colors, styles and design options. You can choose from cable, steel, or aluminum offerings.
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.
To get inspired for your next Fortress railing project, visit the railing section of our Image Gallery. Throughout the gallery, you’ll also find images for other Fortress products like decking, fencing, framing, lighting and cladding. For another perspective, and to take some of the guesswork out of exterior home design, try our FortressView™ Visualizer. This interactive 3D platform allows you to build a virtual scene with railing or other Fortress products.
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, where you can use the new FortressView™ Visualizer, our interactive 3D platform that allows you to build a virtual scene with fencing and other Fortress products like decking or railings. 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 railing, fencing, lighting, decking and cladding. For another perspective, and to take some of the guesswork out of exterior home design, try our FortressView™ Visualizer. This interactive 3D platform allows you to build a virtual scene with fencing or other Fortress products.
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 railing, 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.
At Fortress®, we offer a brilliant collection of LED lighting accessories, post caps and post base covers. FortressAccent™’s post caps and lighting are available in five premium finishes, and can be used with a variety of wood, composite or vinyl decking and railing materials. Need some inspiration? Check out our Lighting Gallery to see images from other lighting projects.
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.
To learn more about wattage for your Fortress® lighting system, visit our easy-to-use online Wattage Calculator. Simply enter in the quantity of the lights you’d like to select, and the tool will calculate your total.
Yes, you will need a transformer for installation of FortressAccents™ LED lighting. Our transformers are suitable for wet locations, and you can choose to include a dimmer, timer and photocell to add extra ambiance and convenience to your lighting project. FortressAccents transformers are in fact required for your lighting warranty.
Yes! Our premium transformers come with a timer and dimmer to help provide additional ambiance and convenience to your lighting project.
To access Installation instructions for FortressAccents™ lighting, visit the Installation Guide section of our website, and click on Lighting. Installation instructions are also included in every lighting component package.
FortressAccents™ LED lights have a 10-Year Warranty. Transformers come with a 2-Year Warranty. To learn more about the warranty policies on all Fortress products, please visit our Warranties page.
To get inspired for your next Fortress® lighting project, visit the lighting section of our Image Gallery.
Throughout the gallery, you’ll also find images for other Fortress products like railing, fencing, framing, decking and cladding. For another perspective, and to take some of the guesswork out of exterior home design, try our FortressView™ Visualizer. This interactive 3D platform allows you to build a virtual scene with fencing or other Fortress products.
To find pricing for Fortress® lighting 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.
Yes, Fortress offers two handrail systems: square and round. Both systems integrate with our Fortress railing lines or can be used with any other railing system, and is compatible with wood, composite, vinyl or metal posts. Our handrail system is quick and easy to install, including brackets and adapters that allow for installation at virtually any angle. Available in five premium finishes, the Fortress handrail system provides a solution that’s beautiful, safe, long-lasting and virtually maintenance free.
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 railing, 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 pre-welded, corrosion-resistant steel, cable & aluminum railing.
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 railing, 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 via the Documentation Portal (link) or by emailing the letter to pro@fortressbp.com
Meet the prior year product purchase minimum of $50,000 and submit your letter of documentation from your dealer through the portal or by emailing pro@fortressbp.com
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
Meet the minimum prior year purchase amount of $50,000 on Fortress products and submit your documentation via the Documentation Portal or by emailing it to pro@fortressbp.com
All Fortress Building Products product purchases qualify
Email us at pro@fortressbp.com
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