Trying to decide between vinyl or aluminum railings for a screened porch. Interested in your opinions. Our contractor initially suggested aluminum, but has found the vinyl seems to clean up easier. I like the thinner look of the aluminum balusters, but easy cleaning is a priority. I might add this porch backs to woods, gnats are a problem in the humid summer and the porch will get filtered morning sun. Thanks!

No need to add anything on top of a corectley installed torch down modified roof with all needed flashing those things are a done deal for 20/30 years or so. We lay 2x acq stringers 16'' on center in the direction of the flow with a strip of modified under them,screw decking to the stringers,not past them into the roof. Dap out the rail posts 1 1/2 x however wide the rim joists is,bolt the posts to the rim joists.The Dap out lets the post sit on top of the decking. Its a good idea to figure out what kind of surface you want to walk on a little bit ahead of time, for sure dont plan on walking on the roof. Not really sure about the siding thing, flashing needs to be behind it and over the top of the roof or melted to the flashing by another strip of modified. J.

Patio--assume not too high of ground. If high, then rules requiring strong railings apply. In any case, Aluminum railings will have narrower posts than Vinyl as well as narrower railings. This could be extremely sturdy if extended railings could be inserted as the cement is poured, but can be done by using cement anchor bolts on a flange plated posts if being done after the fact. Some of the railing types have very thin posts. These are acceptable for a patio within a few feet of the ground, but I would use 2"+ posts on a tall raised deck. I would want at least either a thin post every six feet with a "leg" extender railing between each post or a post every five feet. (definitions: extender post two screws, real flanged post, 4 corner bolts into base) No form of railing is strong enough for that long a span without serious anchor points in between. Gates require anchors at both sides so this and end posts is enough for short direction if gates not too close to corner, but long direction needs some support.

I'm sorry, I mentioned I am not buying a system and don't want one. Today I have been looking at copper pipe for the top rail. It oxidizes off to a handsome dark brown that I like as well as some galvanized pipe. If anyone has used pipe this way let me know how it worked out. As for saving a FEW bucks, I'm talking about a several thousand dollars on my 100 feet of deck railing compared to my friend's final price.