FAQ

WHERE CAN I FIND BUILDING CODE INFORMATION?

Please consult all relevant and up-to-date, national and local building codes according to your city, state and country before planning and constructing any stair or guardrail feature. Componance is not a governing body and has no authority to advise or approve code compliance. The following are some useful links:

The 2010 ADA standards can be viewed and downloaded from their site. “Chapter 5: General Site and Building Elements”, of the 2010 ADA Standards covers Stairway requirements in Section 504 and Section 505 covers Handrails. Please ensure you are consulting the most up-to-date version.

The International Building Code (IBC) can be found on their site. According to the International Code Councils (ICC) website, the IBC is “an essential tool to preserve public health and safety that provides safeguards from hazards associated with the built environment. It addresses design and installation of innovative materials that meet or exceed public health and safety goals.” The codes outlined in the IBC aimed at preserving and protecting public wellbeing while simultaneously avoiding unnecessary expenses and biased specification of materials and construction methods.

The Building Guides website provides Resources for Building Codes by US State.

All stairways and handrail bracket installations must adhere to applicable and up-to-date local and national codes, Componance cannot be held liable for non-compliance, improper interpretation or application of any or all codes.

WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR TERMS, CONDITIONS AND WARRANTY?

Our full terms, conditions, and warranty, can be downloaded, or you can contact us at info@componance.com.

WHAT IS THE COMPONANCE RETURN POLICY?

Product may be returned, at the discretion of Componance, for a refund on the product for a period of 60 days from the date of shipping displayed on the original invoice. No claim by the purchaser or end-user (whether as to goods delivered or from non-delivery) shall be greater than the purchase price of the goods in respect of which such claim is made.

Product returns must be communicated and agreed upon prior to the items being sent back to Componance and must be received in their original and re-sellable condition. When shipping the items back, the client assumes all responsibility in ensuring that the items are received by Componance in their original and re-sellable condition and therefore is responsible to check the package or repackage the items to ensure the items will not be damaged in transit. Componance accepts no liability for returned items damaged in transit.

Returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee, calculated on the gross order total (excluding the original shipping cost) and must be shipped back to Componance at the client’s expense. Returns must follow the returns procedure set forth below. Componance will not accept expenses incurred due to customs or brokerage fees associated with returns that do not comply with the return policy.

All items must be checked or repackaged to avoid damage in return transit. The original packaging may have lost its structural integrity during the original shipment from Componance and therefore should be checked or repackaged prior to returning.

In the “purpose of the shipment” on the shipping forms, check the box or indicate that the items are samples to be returned (as opposed to commercial sale).

All shipping forms must indicate a unit value of no more than $1.00 each to avoid any unwarranted customs or brokerage fees upon return. Any fees associated with returns not following this step will be deducted from the final return.

Returns may be shipped back to Componance on the most economical ground service available. Componance does not cover or refund any return shipment fees.

Returns are to be shipped to:

Componance Design Inc.

#197 - 1917 West 4th Avenue

Vancouver, BC, V6J 1M7

Phone: 1-604-771-5128

Any applicable customs and brokerage fees are the responsibility of the client. Componance does not calculate, apply nor accept any responsibility for fees associated with cross border or international shipments resulting from any customs or duties. Componance will not accept any fees on product returns due to customs, duties or brokerage costs. Componance is not liable for returned items lost or damaged during or due to return shipping.

WHAT DO I DO IF I RECEIVE DAMAGED PRODUCTS OR DISCOVER PARTS ARE MISSING?

Componance takes extensive measures to ensure all items are packed to avoid damage and loss in transit. All damaged or missing items must be reported within 10 business days of receipt of the package. If your package is received damaged, please document the damage with photos prior to opening so that a shipping claim may be generated. Contact componance immediately upon receiving a damaged parcel so that we can assist you to ensure the most favourable outcomes.

For specific terms of service, please refer to our terms and conditions FAQ. Componance reserves the right to reject, replace or refund lost or damaged items on a case by case basis. No refunds shall exceed the original cost of the items being returned or replaced.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN AND CARE FOR THE BRACKETS?

Componance brackets may be cleaned with a moist, non-abrasive cloth and gentle cleaner. Heavy chemical cleaners are not recommended for brass, black or white brackets.

As with any handrail brackets, there is the possibility, with heavy use, that they may loosen over time. Before re-tightening any bolts, do a visual inspection to ensure that all connections are snug and anchors seated into position correctly. Gently retighten fasteners, if there is any resistance, re-check to ensure that there is nothing impeding the fasteners. Do not force bolts with undue pressure as this may cause the brackets or bolts to strip. Mild tension is acceptable but it may be necessary to back fasteners out and tighten gently and incrementally.

The use of loc-tite on the initial or retightening of the fasteners may aid in keeping the bolts secure. Loc-tite can be purchased at any general hardware store.

CAN COMPONANCE HANDRAIL BRACKETS BE DE-MOUNTED, REMOVED OR RELOCATED?

Yes. Not only are componance brackets straightforward to install but they can also be easily de-mounted to allow for the passage of furniture and large objects, completely removed or relocated if desired. Relocating the brackets may have implications for your rail if the layout changes as a result.

CAN COMPONANCE HARDWARE BE USED IN OUTDOOR SETTINGS?

Yes. Other than our brushed brass brackets that have a protective clear coat applied, all of our brackets are a 304 or 316 stainless steel and suitable for both interior and exterior use. The addition of the black or white dry coat paint adds a layer of protection. If the brackets are to be subjected to heavy areas of moisture, please inquire for additional instructions on how to prepare the brackets. Our brushed brass brackets can be used in dry or mild outdoor settings. As with any product, colors and finish may fade and degrade over time when exposed to harsh elements and direct sunlight.

WHAT MATERIALS, COLORS AND FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE?

Componance handrail brackets are available in three standard colors and finishes: flat black, flat white and brushed stainless steel. Some brackets are available in a brushed brass finish. All stainless steel brackets are a high quality 304 or 316 grade and can be used for both interior and exterior applications. Our brushed brass brackets have a clear coat applied to arrest the oxidizing process and can also be used in dry to mild outdoor settings. Componance does not do custom finishing but will consider on a case by case basis, please inquire. Black and white handrail brackets are stainless steel with a dry coat paint applied and are suitable for both interior and exterior applications.

All Glass mounted brackets are shipped with black gaskets but white are available upon request.

WHAT IS THE LOAD CAPABILITY OF COMPONANCE HANDRAIL BRACKETS, AND DO THEY MEET CODE?

Componance handrail brackets have been designed and engineered to meet and exceed national load requirements of 200 lbs pressure in any given direction if anchored correctly and as prescribed in our installation guidelines. Our brackets have been tested in-house to over 500 lbs of pressure! Rail selection and spacing should be considered when determining load; this information is beyond the scope of components’ liability and is determined by rail selection and project specifics. For bracket spacing, refer to our FAQ on spacing suggestions.

DOES COMPONANCE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE MEET BUILDING CODES AND ADA REQUIREMENTS?

Componance handrail brackets are designed to meet general building codes and ADA requirements but we recommend consulting local and national codes for specifics or variations during the project planning phase to ensure compliance. Rail size, shape and placement of the rail on the brackets must be considered in regard to code. Componance can make recommendations and assist with these considerations.

IS THERE ANY SPECIAL PREPARATION REQUIRED FOR COMPONANCE GLASS-MOUNTED BRACKETS?

There is no special preparation required for our glass mounted handrail brackets but do require a ¾” (38 mm) hole in the glass at each bracket location. Hole locations must be carefully planned out in the design phase and prior to any custom glazing being fabricated. For bracket spacing, see our FAQ on spacing.

Please consult all applicable local and national building codes prior to glass fabrication. Glass must be tempered and some projects may require additional laminate due to codes but this is not a requirement for the installation of our brackets. When ordering, glass thickness should be specified so that the correct bolts can be shipped with your order.

Componance brackets can be used with a variety of glazing thicknesses. All glass mounted handrail brackets come with black gaskets but white are available upon request.

IS ADDITIONAL HARDWARE OR SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED TO INSTALL COMPONANCE BRACKETS?

All componance brackets come complete with all necessary mounting hardware as well as the tools to fasten and tighten the brackets. Drill bits are not included but those required are indicated in the installation instructions. We recommend the use of brad point drill bits for precision drilling, these can be purchased at any standard building hardware store.

Optional drill guides are available for purchase from componance but are not required for installation. The use of loc-tite can aid in keeping bolts and fasteners tight and in position but is not required for installation. Loc-tite can be found at all general building hardware stores.

WHAT HANDRAIL PREPARATION IS REQUIRED TO USE COMPONANCE BRACKETS?

Rail anchor hole locations must be carefully and thoughtfully pre-planned and be done subsequently and in accordance with the bracket locations on the wall or glass. For bracket spacing, please refer to the spacing FAQ. Componance handrail brackets come complete with all fastening hardware for both wood and metal rails and minimal preparation is required. Wood rails are fastened and held in place with a 5/16” threaded wood insert on the top of each bracket.

Wood Rails: To prepare a wood rail, once the rail anchor hole locations have been determined, carefully drill a properly aligned 7/16” (11mm) pilot hole to minimum depth of 1/2” (13mm). We recommend using a brad point drill bit for precision when creating the anchor holes in a wood rail. Once the pilot holes have been drilled, fasten into place the 5/16” threaded wood inserts as outlined in the installation instructions using the allen wrench provided. The rail anchors are then screwed into the threaded wood inserts and, once in place, the rail may be positioned onto the brackets and held firmly in place with a set-screw in the neck of the bracket.

Metal Rails: Metal rails must be tapped to accept a 5/16” NC thread to a minimum threaded depth of ½” (13mm); this tap replaces the threaded wood insert intended for wood rails and must be carefully located as indicated in the steps outlined above (detailed instructions are provided with each order). It is important to note, if using a hollow metal rail, that there must be adequate material or wall thickness to create the 5/16” tap to accept the rail anchor, for solid rails this is not an issue. Once the tapped rail anchor holes have been prepared and the rail anchors are firmly screwed into place, the rail may be placed on the brackets and secured into place using the provided set screws.

Full, detailed, step by step illustrated installation instructions are provided with each order. For further clarification, technical questions or advice, please call or email.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SPACING FOR COMPONANCE HANDRAIL BRACKETS?

Componance handrail brackets, due to their innovative anchoring system, offer straightforward installation, unparalleled and superior load capability and a stunning finished result without the distraction of visible fasteners.

When planning your railing project, bracket spacing is determined by specific project requirements and codes. Componance brackets have been engineered to meet and exceed all load requirements and have been tested in-house to well over the 200 lbs load code. An average bracket spacing of 48” (122cm) will generally suffice but the strength, joinery and terminations of the specified rail must all be considered when laying out bracket placement. We recommend consulting all relevant codes prior to purchase and installation.

WHAT TYPE OF RAILS CAN BE USED WITH COMPONANCE BRACKETS AND ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS TO BE AWARE OF?

Componance brackets can be used with both metal and wood rails in a variety of profile shapes but do require there be a flat surface on the underside where it comes in contact with the brackets in order for the rail anchors to seat properly and the rail to sit flush. Each bracket model has its own unique “saddle” dimensions so please consult the line or CAD drawings for the specific product you have selected to ensure accuracy. The flat surface required may run the length of the rail or may simply be cut-outs the width and depth of the specific bracket saddle as indicated drawings.

Componance handrail brackets are designed to meet ADA requirements but rail selection and placement must be considered. For assistance, more technical details or specific advice, please call or email.

HOW DO COMPONANCE BRACKETS ATTACH TO THE WALL AND IS THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR PREPARATION NEEDED?

Componance handrail brackets can be installed on most existing solid or drywall wall surfaces with little to no preparation, plastering or cleanup but each bracket must be anchored into a minimum 1-½” (38mm) solid wall backing (not including the drywall) such as wood blocking, wood stud or concrete.

For best results, pilot holes and anchors must be drilled and installed as straight (90 degrees/perpendicular to the wall) as possible; optional drill guides may be purchased from componance but are not required for installation.

For concrete installations, be sure to read the details instructions included with your brackets. For best results, brackets should be mounted on a flush, flat surface. Textured walls may require some preparation depending on the surface variation, to ensure the brackets sit flush to the wall. This may be achieved by creating a flat plane or surface directly behind the bracket for it to settle on.

Brackets should not be mounted on a mirror or thin glass surface. For details or mounting suggestions for this particular scenario, please contact componance directly for assistance.

Componance brackets are straightforward to install but do require attention to detail and care during the installation process. All componance orders are shipped with detailed, step-by-step, illustrated instructions as well as tool recommendations. For additional assistance please contact componance.

WHERE CAN I GET INSTALLATION INFORMATION?

All orders are shipped with a printed copy of straight-forward, detailed instructions that suggest the process for the perfect installation. The instructions include both text and easy to understand diagrams, but we are always available to answer any questions you may have and are happy to provide phone or email assistance.

Should you require technical assistance, more detailed diagrams or installation advice during the planning phase of your project, we are happy to provide specific project related guidance and invite you to call or email for further details.