FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Process Questions:

No. We only sell through certified dealer networks. We do not sell directly to homeowners or builders. Click here to find a dealer in your area.

Our systems are proudly made in the U.S.A. Our panels are shipped from the Midwestern states of Iowa & Wisconsin. We fabricate the system in Mesa, Arizona.

The process is simple. Just have your dealer email us with the basic configuration and rough opening sizes. We will go over any available options and send out a quote. Most of the time we will email your quote to your dealer within 1-2 business days.

A 50% deposit is required prior to procuring materials. A 40% installment payment is required prior to shipping/pickup of the system. The final 10%+ shipping is due after the shipment arrives at your location.

Lead times vary from our panel manufacturers based on panel sizes, wood species and specialty glass options selected. We typically ship between 4-5 weeks from receipt of panels for single systems. We communicate on every quote what an anticipated lead time would be from receipt of panels.

To keep costs down, Vista Pointe uses multiple competitive LTL (limited truck load) carriers to deliver our systems. Due to volatility in the shipping market, most of our quotes do not include shipping up front. We will provide estimates; however final shipping costs vary depending on many factors out of our control.

Design Questions:

All our systems do well in harsh weather environments as long as the correct sill is used. The best solution for cold weather environments is a bi-folding door system with a Stepped Sill.

Flushtrak is not weatherproof and should only be used in well protected or interior installations. No weather performance is guaranteed or implied.

Bi-folding door and window systems as well as the servery windows are supported from the top. These units will require a structural beam overhead rated to support the weight of the unit. All multi-slide and pivot systems are supported on the bottom.

For a list of structural considerations by type of system, please download the documentation.

The standard method of locking our MS’s is with a flush bolt on the back edge of the lead panel. It is typically located at 72” from the bottom of the door ensuring it is above all jurisdictions pool code height. If a lock near the handle is desired, we can price alternate locking systems including thumb turn locks and integral handle/locks with or without exterior key cylinders.

Yes. Many of our bi-fold units are NFRC rated. However, since we receive ‘blank panel only’ from our manufacturers, there are no rating stickers on the panels (even though they are the same exact panels as our manufacturers use in their sliding or swing door units). The panels are unmodified in any way that would affect energy performance.

There are a few major things that restrict the size of our systems. First is the size of the panels that our manufacturer will make (this varies by manufacturer for the width, but all of our wood clad door systems are currently limited to 10’ tall). Second is the structural integrity of the wall supporting the opening for our systems. Essentially, we can go as wide as you’d like as long as the structure can support it. Lastly, for bi-folds only, we are limited to 42” panel width by our hardware suppliers and can only have 8 panels folding in either direction due to the weight of the system. Note that there are other limiting factors such as panel type and construction when looking for narrow stiles/rails or varying panel thicknesses.

The locks are built into the automation motors so they don’t require a manual lock. The automation system has a magnetic lock that engages every time the doors are in the closed position. There is also battery backup to keep the system secure in the event of a power failure.

Installation & Service Questions:

Every Vista Pointe system is fabricated using a unique set of shop drawings approved by you and your dealer prior to starting fabrication. After fabrication each system is completely assembled and pre-tested in our facility prior to shipment to our customers. This ensures proper operation and greatly eases the burden on the installer.

Yes. However it is best to plan for screens during the shop drawing process to avoid limiting selection of screening options or causing unneeded rework to adjacent walls/floors/etc.

Your first call should be to contact the dealer you purchased your Vista Pointe system from if a job site visit is needed. Typically a job site visit is only needed for installation issues and it is best for the original installer to address those types of issues. We are available to teleconference and help find solutions from our office, but do not have field service technicians to come to you.

Unless automation is added, installation of Vista Pointe systems aren't much different than a typical installation, we do provide very detailed installation instructions in the crates when we ship each system. It is imperative that the installation instructions are read, understood and followed to ensure your system functions properly. A professional window & door installer is highly recommended.

Yes. Depending on configuration and screen type, some screen solutions are designed to be applied on either side of the door. There are some limitations. For instance, aluminum sliding screens on a pocketing multi-slide, as well as some cartridge type screens must be to the interior of the system.

The system moves the panels with a belt and pulley system pre-installed by Vista Pointe in the head track. Special collector plates are installed to each trailing panel so they can be picked up as the lead panel passes by.

No. Installers need to be certified with Summit Automation or the automation warranty is void.

Further Questions?

Please reach out if you have any additional comments, questions or concerns regarding our products & services.