# Base Rail Installation

### Tool Needed for This Installation

{% columns %}
{% column %}

* Pencil
* Tape Measure
* Chalk Line
* Level
* Rubber Mallet
* Knife/Scissors
* Miter Saw
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

* Drill
* 3/8" Wood Drill Bit
* 3/4" Socket Wrench/Bit
* Silicon/Epoxy
* Base Rail Wrench (Provided)
* Glass Suction Cup Handles (Provided)
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

Additional Tools for Concrete Installation

* Hammer Drill
* Impact Driver
* ¾" Socket Impact Driver Bit
* ﻿7/16" Masonry Drill Bit
* ﻿﻿Torque Wrench
* ﻿﻿¾" Socket
* ﻿﻿Wire Brush
* ﻿﻿Vacuum
* ﻿﻿Portable Air Compressor (Optional)

### How to Install Baserail

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/K8EraiIBDIdeS6nVnaWC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Refer to your detailed project drawing and quote list to identify the parts needed
* Prepare the parts for each run you will be working on
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/kS4AemeAzg7kNsSPTCfP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Measure the distance from the edge of the mounting surface where you will mount the base rail
* Mark accordingly across the surface
* Use a chalk line to mark your full run location

*Note: For installations on to concrete, the center line of the Base Rail, where the fasteners get installed, can be no closer*\
\&#xNAN;*than 3" from the edge.*
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/t6ItICZZEGxEvGxG00dF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Measure the distance from the edge of the mounting surface where you will mount the base rail
* Mark accordingly across the surface
* Use a chalk line to mark your full run location

*Note: For installations on to concrete, the center line of the Base Rail, where the fasteners get installed, can be no closer*\
\&#xNAN;*than 3" from the edge.*
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/GZVD0cRuSfetCPsAeTZe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Standard Flooring**

* Remove the base rail and use a 3/8" drill bit to drill 3 1/2" down in each marked location

\
**Concrete Flooring**

* Remove the base rail and use a 7/16" masonry bit to drill 4 1/2" down in each marked location
* Use a wire brush and a vacuum to clean concrete dust out of the newly made hole - Insure all debris is removed\
  from the cavity

*Helpful Tip: Slightly bevel the entry to the hole with the bit*
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/EfuTNXBxqzH1a5B2KnxM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* For exterior decking that does not adequate drainage, Base Rail Drain Blocks may be placed under the Base\
  Rail to allow water to seep
* To install, place each shim over the previously drilled holes and continue with your installation
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/m4HEXNwRySopAqjupjiX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* It may be necessary to cut the base rail to length
* It is important to leave at least 2 mounting holes on the part of the base rail you intend to use
* The minimum length that can be used 18 1/2"
* If you need a smaller section then, you would need to cut the preceding base rail down as well to allow for the\
  next piece to be able to be mounted securely
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/gWdC8ZrICBNoyITvlxWG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Place your base rail where it will be mounted down
* Set the mounting washer into the mounting hole Standard Flooring
* Using a 3/4" socket wrench fasten the 1/2" x 4" lag down into your surface, repeat this for each mounting location\
  on this base rail

\
**Concrete Flooring**

* Using an impact driver to drive the concrete screws down until snug, over tightening can lead to spin out
* Once mounted, check for plumb lengthwise & widthwise
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/EOqY6WdKPX8Y7Sr76Cay" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Where two base rail lengths butt up against each other, you will need to use the joining pins to connect them
* Using a mallet or dead blow hammer, gently tap the threaded end of each pin into place until the threads are completely inserted
* Connect the two base rail lengths by sliding the second on over the pins together
* Connect the two base rails together and repeat STEPS 2-7 for the new base rail length
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/JoIeFchVpf0BCr3PKXqZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Prepare the glass clamp assemblies by screwing the nuts up the metal plate they are mounted on
* This will allow the clamp to fit in the base rail, and the glass to fit in the clamp
* Slide the acrylic Base Rail Clamp over the metal plate
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/SaamH1ZKxVeun9C4EH0x" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* When all your base rails are mounted down, place all the glass clamp assemblies into the channel Residential Installations
* You will use 4 glass clamp assemblies for every 4'6" base rail section

**Commercial Installations**

* You will use 7 glass clamp assemblies for every 4'6" base rail section
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/wib2XwPS9Kc3dZNTwBCY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* For the residential installations, make sure to follow the glass clamp assembly spacing outlined above
* For sections that have to be cut down to fit the run, ensure you have a glass clamp 2" from each edge of the\
  glass panel and space the remaining clamps no further than 12" apart

*Note: You may not need to use all 4 glass clamps on smaller custom cut sections of base rail*
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/0VFp3T7Qp9ZYtH3sZamH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* For the commercial installations, make sure to follow the glass clamp assembly spacing outlined above
* For sections that have to be cut down to fit the run, ensure you have a glass clamp 2" from each edge of the\
  glass panel and space the remaining clamps no further than 4 3/4" apart

*Note: You may not need to use all 7 glass clamps on smaller custom cut sections of base rail*
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/6CFQijB9GLcH1iCfkfDt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* With the grips in place, refer to your drawings and panel labels
* Use the suction cups to move each panel into place on the base rail

*Note: To adjust for a sloped mounting surface, Glass Shims can be added to the glass clamps, as shown above, to line up the tops of each panel. These are able to be stacked to achieve the desired results.*
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/H8SesUx7iPePUqkcacUn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Slide one shim in between the glass panel and the acrylic isolator
* To do this you may need to tilt the glass towards the opposite side from the base rail that you are placing the shims
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/9TISZWeKGJgWOAoVRzT9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Adjust the nuts as needed to level the glass
* Adjust the nuts on the opposite side of the plastic shim first (you may need to use the long wrench)
* Tighten these counter clockwise until the panel is level
* Then adjust the inside nuts to start putting pressure on the glass
* Check the level once everything is snug
* Go back to the outside & make sure the nuts are tight
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/STg2R7SnAONWW6he612C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Using the table below, stick the provided 2" adhesive pads to each base rail section using the table below

| Base rail cover length | # of Adhesive sleeves per side |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| 4' 6"                  | 2                              |
| 8'                     | 3                              |
| 12'                    | 4                              |
| {% endcolumn %}        |                                |
| {% endcolumns %}       |                                |

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/DJ4HTHvAkWC3wioNEJct" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Take each cover and clip them into place
* The lip of the cover should lock in place on the inside of the channel
* Tap them down to ensure they are seated properly
* It may be necessary to use a rubber mallet to properly seat the covers
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/mpgJlkaQpDZLl32lkgPa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Once the covers are fully seated, locate the Gap filler pieces
* Begin installing your gap filler pieces in between each pair of glass panels by cutting each piece to size and placing the pointed edge down into the channel
* The flexible barbs will hold each piece in place
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/DINJ160VjCN5XfeZKstw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Measure the run & cut the gasket to length using scissors or a knife
* Make sure to not stretch the gasket when measuring it for cutting as it will shrink back to its original size and end up leaving a portion of the inner base rail exposed
* Using glass cleaner as a lubricant, begin pushing the gasket down inside the channel working from left to right
  {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/ktVKCYzweiAbJ5ka6Tl5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* For any exposed end of base rail, attach the Base Rail End Cap
* You can use silicone or epoxy to hold it into place
* Make sure to have the “weep hole” positioned at the bottom of the end cap and no silicone covering it up
  {% endcolumn %}
  {% endcolumns %}

***

### Get Help from Us

Is this not the product you're looking for? Troubleshoot your issue by contacting our customer service team. [866-432-0541](tel:8664320541) or <customerservice@viewrail.com>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://resources.viewrail.com/install/glass-railing/base-rail-installation.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
