Tag: Building codes

Do I Need Stairs? Stairs are a major source of injury in the home. The question often arises as to how many steps require a handrail? Where’s the handrail? Stairways have been around for thousands of years. They are the simplest means of dealing with changes in elevation. And most likely, bathmophobia – the fear […]

Cable Railing Offers Superior Site Lines, Plus It’s Easy and Affordable Stainless Steel Cable railing provides great aesthetics, contemporary style, minimal maintenance and design flexibility to any project whether commercial or residential without compromising the most important deliverable, life safety. The flexibility and versatility of the product – whether used either indoors or out – […]

Common areas and pedestrian walkways have specific lighting requirements to ensure safe navigation and access in dark or lowlight conditions. These same walkways also require the use of handrails to protect, guide and assist pedestrians on ramps, landings, stairs, and balconies. Lumenrail combines these lighting and safety requirements into one seamless, illuminated, protective assembly. LED-lit […]

Robert Wagner, chairman, and CEO of The Wagner Companies was recently presented with an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Wagner graduated from MSOE in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering and has been a member of the Board of Regents since 2002. After graduation, Wagner worked as […]

The answer is “yes.” And “no.” First, let me explain what I’m talking about. For example, the I-codes require that if you have a drop of 30 inches a guard is required. That guard is required to be a minimum 42 inches high (36 inches in the International Residential Code) with no opening large enough […]

Prior to using any railing products, it is incumbent on designers, fabricators and installers to make themselves familiar with local building codes that apply to their applications. Most municipalities and local code bodies do not write code — they adopt codes prepared by various code bodies. Historically, model codes were prepared by code bodies such […]

Railing Extensions for Ramp Rails Ramp handrails extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches minimum beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. Railing Extensions on Stairs Top Extension on Stairs – Handrails extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches minimum beginning directly above first riser nosing. Handrails extend horizontally above the […]

In response to your requests, we have added a new AIA CES program covering Contemporary Railing Systems. Here’s a narrative of the program offering. Contemporary Railing Systems Railing design options have expanded over the years. While still popular, ornamental railings (wrought iron) are no longer the only design choice when choosing a metal railing system for your […]

The following references are based on the Guard Definition as set out by the International Code Council (ICC) for the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) Guards are in place to prevent accidental falls. They are generally not required unless there is a 30″ drop – which may vary by local Authority Having […]

The purpose of a handrail is to provide guidance. It is required on stairs with two or more risers and ADA ramps with a rise of 6″. In commercial applications, a handrail is required on both sides of stairs and ramps. They are not required on walking surfaces with running slope less than 1:20. Height: […]