1

Designing & BuildingCode Compliant StairwaysThe Stairway Manufacturers’ Association

IBS 2007February 9, 2007 9:00a – 10:00a Room 331 AB&C

Introductions

• Dave Cooper – SMA Code Representative, Stairway Consultant

• Jed Dixon – SMA Education Committee, North Road Woodshop

• Tom Stilp – SMA Education Committee, Arcways

• Jim Trice – SMA Code Committee,Crown Heritage

Top Ten Reasons for Code Compliance

10.Wider Loads

9. Less Headaches

8. More Foot Room

7. No Pointing

6. Reduced Hangovers

Top Ten Reasons for Code Compliance

5. Safer Landings

4. Better Grip

3. A Tighter Squeeze

2. B.O.B - Building Official Bliss

The Number One Reason for Code Compliance

1. On Time Payment

What We Will Cover

• Today’s Building Code

• Four steps to Code Compliant Stairways

• International Residential Code for Stairways

• Stairway Design Basics

• Some Staircase Construction Guidelines

• SMA Visual Interpretations

• Questions & Answers

2

History of the Building Code

• The first building codes were developed by the Insurance Industry to reduce risks

• This lead to the formation of three significant Model codes authorities with US geographic orientations. BOCA – North and Central, SBCCI – South, and ICBO – West

• International Code Council– Formed by Merger of ICBO, SBCCI, BOCA– Good Thing! – One Code for the US

Today’s Code • The Building Code is a Dynamic Document

– Always changing– 18 month Development Cycle – Published in full

every 3 years. A supplement is printed in between. – Time Lag for Local Adoption can be several years

• The International Code Council allows anyone to present a proposal to change the code

• Among interest groups included in developing Today’s Code – Builder, Consumer, Industry, Design Community, Public Safety

Today’s Code • The International Code Council publishes many

codes including the:

• IBC – International Building Code; usually adopted for Commercial and Institutional applications.

• IRC – International Residential Code; the most widely accepted code utilized for home construction throughout the United States.

Consumer and Builder Expectations

• Safe and Comfortable Use

• Economy of Space

• Aesthetics

• Quality

• Cost

Where Does Code Compliance Fit?

Can’t be an After Thought!

Using the Code as a Guide;Stairway Challenges are Covered

•Safety and Comfort

•Economy of Space

•Aesthetics

•Quality

•Cost

The First Step • Know the Code

– Get a Copy of the Code!– Subscribe to any local updates – web postings – Know what code will be enforced at the time* of

construction and in the jobsite jurisdiction.*Many areas are NOW in the process of change!

– Read, Use, and Share the appropriate version of the SMA Visual Interpretations. www.stairways.org

– Train all staff to the necessary level, even Sales should have basic knowledge

– Rely only on “expert” finish SCs or stairbuilders

3

Step Two - Review

• Develop or Review the Stair Design– Understand your customers stair design preferences

or any options you will offer. These often affect stair or rail layouts and resulting code compliance. Get your stair professional involved early.

– Plan & Elevation matter, use a code checklist and keep it current. Always define WRRHHGG

– Plan ahead, err on the safe side and avoid marginal situations requiring special interpretation.

– Meet your Building Official(s) and present a copy of the SMA VI. (It may already be in use in your area, will add credibility, and show your expert interest)

Step Three – Design Specs

• Finalize Design– Discuss specific WRRHHGG with Building Official;

• Ask for their particular code concerns related to stairways i.e. “I require a minimum of three stringers”

• Do not expect to hold building officials liable for plan review errors. Don’t rely on embarrassing guilt “Gimmies”

– Point out gray areas and get interpretations before you start. Don’t be afraid to ask why if you are prepared to “listen”, “understand”, and “discuss respectfully”. Now is the time to seek outside interpretation if necessary. Often the BO will initiate a solution.

Step Four – Design Specs

• Communicate & Construct– Review any changes necessary with the customer to

assure agreement, checking compatibility of customers selections to code compliant project dimensions.

– Review final design with staff and sub-contractors, assigning specific areas of responsibility; order, schedule, installation etc.

IMPORTANT!

• Building Codes protect everyone and establish a “minimum standard” that you may find necessary to exceed and establish a competitive level of quality.

• Just like an architect, or a valued vendor your Building Official should be considered a respected and critical partner in the success of your business - not an adversary.

IRC Stair Code PrimerWRRHHGG??

• Stairway Width Minimums

36” above the handrail up to the 6’-8” Headroom height

31-1/2” at and below the handrail if one handrail used

27” at and below the handrail if two handrails used

WRRHHGG??• Riser Height Maximum of

7-3/4”

• Max 3/8” variance within a flight

• (Run or) Tread Depth Minimum of 10”

• Max 3/8” variance within a flight – run and projection

• Nosing projection 3/4” to 1-1/4”

4

WRRHHGG??

• Headroom = 6-8”

WRRHHGG??

• Handrails– Must be continuous for

full length of flight

– Handrail ends shall be returned

– min 1-1/2” clearance

WRRHHGG??

• Handrails– May be interrupted

by a newel at a turn

– Starting fittings or starting newel over the lowest tread is allowed

WRRHHGG??• Grip Size

– Profiles other than Type I and II may be determined equivalent

– Type I rails are greater than 4” but less than 6-1/4” in perimeter

– Type II rail profiles are greater than 6-1/4” in perimeter with defined finger recesses

WRRHHGG??

• Guards– Minimum Balcony Guard

Height of 36”– Minimum Stair Guard

Height of 34”– 4” sphere rule at balcony– 4-3/8” sphere rule on

stair– 6” sphere rule between

bottom rail and step

WRRHHGG??

Warnings!• Shortcut Guides are great but no substitute

for the full language of the code.

• The code does not include graphic explanation and in many cases is open to wide interpretation.

• “Look before you leap”. Always consult with the local jurisdictional authority in advance!

5

Stairway Design Basics

• From the prints establish the vertical distance or total rise from Finish Floor to Finish Floor. – The number one reason Building Officials cite for

failing stairs at finish inspection is variations in the top and bottom riser due to not knowing or changing the finish floor thickness specification.

Recommendation: Add these dimensions to your customer’s need to know “before you begin list”. A thorough sales process can cinch this upfront.

Stairway Design Basics

• Determine the Riser Height– Divide the total rise from finish floor to finish floor by

the number of risers shown on the plan and confirm the riser height to be less than the maximum allowed by the code.

– Confirm that the number of risers you will use in the stair multiplied by the riser height is equal to the total rise from finish floor to finish floor.

Stairway Design Basics• Determine the Length of the Stairway

– Subtract 1 from the confirmed number of risers. This is the total number of treads and intermediate platforms required in the stairway.

– Determine the total run or length of each flight by multiplying the number of treads shown times the code compliant tread depth desired (IRC 10”).

– Add the thickness of one riser and nosing projection to the run of each flight.

– Confirm that this dimension plus the required landing area at the top and bottom of each flight will fit in the space allowed for the stairway.

Stairway Design Basics• Incorporate the Rails & Finalize Layout

– Add in customer’s selected rail system to assure complete compliance of the finished product

– If a winding or curved stair plan is chosen confirm the walk line location/tread depth with Building Officials

– Be sure to double check for interfering door swings at both the top and bottom of stairways.

Recommendation: Stairs that turn with landings often require additional space for posts and handrail or guard system transitions. To be safe always add at least the width of the post needed to the length of each flight or have a professional provide a shop drawing or layout before you start construction.

Stairway Construction-Code Compliance Guidelines

• Layout Issues – Winders and Curves

• Rail System Tips– Over the Post and Post to Post differences– Balustrade – to tread, buttress, face applied– Knee Wall applications- post locations

• Quality of Lumber and Materials– Consider stringers of engineered LVLs, glue-lams, or

KD Material for a solid “foundation”.

Stairway Construction Guidelines

• Guard and Handrail Installation– Structural requirements are related to method of

attachment. The code regulates the “strength” of the installed handrail and guard system; i.e. Distance between posts? Depends on...

– Can’t be any stronger than the component it is attached to. Blocking and headers must be securely attached.

– Nailing no-no’s

6

Stairway Manufacturers’ AssociationVisual Interpretations

• All are available at no charge if downloaded from www.stairways.org Printed copies can be obtained at cost plus shipping by contacting the SMA office.– IRC 2000 - New York State– IRC 2003 - Rhode Island– IRC 2006 - Connecticut**IBC 2006 to be released this year as well as

Florida and other states to be announced.

Summing Up!

– The Code Changes so Keep Your Entire Team Practiced, Informed and Trained!

– Make Code Compliance a Prerequisite to Building Remember WRRHHGG!

– Make the Building Official a Member of Your Team!– Involve Experienced Professional Stairbuilders and

Finish Subs Before You Start!– Don’t forget the Rail System, Choose Materials and

Installation Methods Wisely!– Add the SMA Visual Interpretation to Your Toolbox!

The SMA Thanks You For Your Interest and Attention

Questions & Answers

We would like to learn more and improve the quality of our presentations. Thank you for completing the Seminar Evaluation and hand it to the Monitor upon leaving.