BEST PRACTICES
The minimum handrail height is 34” and the maximum handrail height is 38”. Handrails must be continuous for the full length of each flight of stairs and extend from directly above the top riser to the lowest riser in that particular flight. The ends of handrails shall be returned or die into newel post or safety terminals. The minimum required space between the wall and the handrail is 1 1/2”. This space is maintained so that the human hand has adequate clearance to grasp the handrail. Handrail profiles vary greatly and are generally not a code violation. Due to the intricacies of graspability it is recommended that the code be consulted in this regard.
A landing must have a minimum dimension of 36” which is measured in the direction of travel and may not be less than the width as the stairway it serves.
STAIRWAY SLOPE
The maximum slope permitted in the walking surface of treads and landings is 1 inch of slope for every 48 inches of travel—or two percent.
HANDRAILS Handrails are required on at least one side of each continuous tread run or flight of stairs with four or more risers. The height of a handrail is measured vertically along the plane which connects tread nosings or the top of a ramp slope if a ramp exists in a stairway.
To put these dimensions to good use, try measuring your next framed set of stairs before drywall to see if you encounter any defects. A couple of common areas where we encounter stair related defects are the amount of nosing overhang at the top landing (2nd risers that exceed 7 3/4”.
floor) and
Stairways are often the focal point of a home's interior, yet as with anything we do, we have to get the basics right before we can shine. In other words, our role as those who build or inspect stairways is to get the details right and get out of the way so that “life” can happen in each home . . . . with each family.
Ken has been involved in the homebuilding and remodeling industry since 1978 and joined Burgess Construction Consultant's in 2005. Ken has performed thousands of inspections as an ICC certified Residential Combination Inspector. He is also certified as an Energy Star Field Inspector and a CSI. He may be contacted by emailing:
kharward@burgess-inc.com or visit
www.burgess-inc.com.
Bills passed in the last legislative session will become law Aug. 29. Watch your Email and
BUILDINGSAVVY.COM to register for a seminar by Stephen Polozola about the new laws and what you need to so do prepare.
Vol 3 2011
GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE
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