What is the issue?

Certain of the ProBuilt aluminum posts manufactured between January 2017 and March 2018 have an issue with the screws that affix the base plate to the post. As a result, the affected posts do not fully comply with local building codes and therefore may pose a fall hazard.

Details of the issue

Canadian National building codes asks for the individual posts in guardrail systems to be able to withstand a concentrated side load pressure of 224.806 lbs (1 KN). On top of this base load is an added safety factor of 1.5 times (337.21 lbs) and then an additional resistance factor, dividing by 0.90, totalling 374.68 lbs with both safety factors included. The affected posts in question tested to 335 lbs in an independent laboratory testing which is equivalent to the base load of 224.806 lbs plus a further safety factory of 1.49 times.

As noted, this concentrated load is applied to a single post. Typical deck railing applications have corners and runs of railing which significantly strengthen to the overall installation railing installation. However, out of an abundance of caution we have provided notice of this issue and are offering potential fixes for those that choose to fix their installed posts.

Please note that corner posts (90 degree corners on decks as well as 90 degree corners at the top or bottom of stairs) do not require a fix, even if they fall within the affected identifiers.

How do I know if I have Affected Posts?

Check the list of affected posts below and search by item codes.
ProBuilt™ aluminum railing posts with the following item codes, all of which end in a "Y", are included in the voluntary recall.
Post Type White Gloss Black Textured Black Textured Bronze Sandalwood
42” End Post PB7468WT0Y PB7468BK0Y PB7468XB0Y PB7468YB0Y PB7468SW0Y
42″ 90 Deg Corner Post PB7469WT0Y PB7469BK0Y PB7469XB0Y PB7469YB0Y PB7469SW0Y
42” 45 Deg Corner Post PB7494WT0Y PB7494BK0Y PB7494XB0Y PB7494YB0Y PB7494SW0Y
42” Mid Post PB7470WT0Y PB7470BK0Y PB7470XB0Y PB7470YB0Y PB7470SW0Y
42” 2.5” Blank Post PB7759WT0Y PB7759BK0Y PB7759XB0Y PB7759YB0Y PB7759SW0Y
36” End Post PB6804WT0Y PB6804BK0Y PB6804XB0Y PB6804YB0Y PB6804SW0Y
36” 90 Deg Corner Post PB6805WT0Y PB6805BK0Y PB6805XB0Y PB6805YB0Y PB6805SW0Y
36″ 45 Deg Corner Post PB6809WT0Y PB6809BK0Y PB6809XB0Y PB6809YB0Y PB6809SW0Y
36″ Mid Post PB6806WT0Y PB6806BK0Y PB6806XB0Y PB6806YB0Y PB6806SW0Y
36″ 2.5″ Blank Post PB7758WT0Y PB7758BK0Y PB7758XB0Y PB7758YB0Y PB7758SW0Y
42″ Top Stair Post PB7733WT0Y PB7733BK0Y PB7733XB0Y PB7733YB0Y PB7733SW0Y
Bottom Stair Post PB7735WT0Y PB7735BK0Y PB7735XB0Y PB7735YB0Y PB7735SW0Y
36″ Top Stair Post PB7737WT0Y PB7737BK0Y PB7737XB0Y PB7737YB0Y PB7737SW0Y

How to identify Affected Posts

Only posts purchased between January 2017 and March 2018 with the specific identifying stamp, as shown in the diagram below, are impacted.

Options for fixing the affected posts

If you have identified your posts as affected posts, you may choose between one of two Professionally Engineered fix options to consider. Both of these potential fixes are professionally engineered to meet National Building Code. In either option, a kit with instructions and the outlined materials would be sent to you.

Option #1 - Replacement Screw Fix

The Replacement Screw Fix kit will contain 4 replacement screws per post. These new screws would replace the existing screws that affix the base plate to the post.

Option #2 - Gusset Fix

The Gusset Fix kit will contain 2 gusset packages along with tech screws and base plate cover per post.

If you choose to proceed with a post fix, please follow this link to fill out the required information. Post Fix cannot be ordered via phone.

For any other questions, please call 800-667-8247

FAQs

Common questions and answers to affected posts and post fixes.
Do I need to change my posts?
First, you need to identify whether or not your posts are affected. The two primary identifiers for affected posts are: a) Did you purchase your posts between January 2017 and June 2018? If no, they are not affected. If yes, check the posts to see if they have a PB outlined with a square stamped into the post base plate (see photo example under the Affected Products section of this website). If your posts contain no PB, or no square around the PB, they are not affected. If identified as affected posts then continue to read through the available information provide here. Note, even affected posts have tested well in excess of the service load factor of 224.806 lbs plus an additional safety factor of 1.49 times on top of the service load.
If I choose a post fix what will this do for my post or railing system strength?
The post fix would incrementally raise the side holding strength of the post from a service load of 224.806 lbs with an additional 1.49X safety factor to a service load of 224.806 lbs, plus a 1.5X safety factor and a 0.90 resistance factor, bringing it well within the requirements of Canadian National Building Code
If I choose the Replacement Screw Fix, what will I receive?
You will receive 4 base plate replacement screws for each non-corner post (not required for 90-degree corner posts).
If I choose the Gusset Fix, what will I receive?
You will receive a gusset fix kit for each non-corner post (not required for 90-degree corner posts). Each gusset fix kit includes 2 colour-matched aluminum gussets (~7”), 4 self-tapping screws and a base plate cover.
Why do 90-degree corner posts (deck or stair) not require any potential fix?
Professional engineering analysis shows that the adjacent posts and rails provide significant additional strength to the overall railing systems and in particular the 90-degree corner posts. Therefore, 90-degree corner posts do not require any potential fix or action per the Engineering report. A copy of the Engineering Report is available here Replacement Screw Canadian Engineering Report, Gusset Fix Canadian Engineering Report.