Multi Family Entry Door Minimum Distance From a Stair

Outside Stair Code Requirements (Residential & Commercial Egress)

Outside stairs have special requirements and considerations for design and construction. The International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC) gear up the standards for exterior stairs. The building codes for exterior stairs establish the criteria for design, utilise, location, and structure of outdoor stairs.  Understanding the exterior stairs lawmaking requirements helps to ensure a rubber and durable stair for outdoor apply.

IRC & IBC Exterior stairs lawmaking requirements

The IRC and IBC establish the outside stair code requirements. The IRC defines residential exterior stairs code for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than than three stories above grade. The IBC addresses exterior egress stair code for commercial, multi-family unit residential not covered by the IRC, and industrial buildings.

The IRC residential exterior stair code requirements are found in Chapter iii Building Planning under Section R311.vii Stairways.

 The International Building Code for stairs is addressed in IBC Affiliate ten Department 1011 Stairways, which defines all the general stair requirements. These requirements likewise pertain to exterior stairs. IBC Department 1027 Exterior Leave Stairways and Ramps defines boosted criteria required for exterior stairs.

The outside stair codes are similar as that for interior stairs, only that exterior stairs take a additional criteria for design, materials, location, and commanded use as a means of egress.

Why are the exterior egress stair requirements in place?

The exterior egress stair requirements are in place to ensure the public health and condom for exterior stairs used as a means of egress from commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.  The requirements set standards for the egress path, location, fire protection, and materials used in the construction of exterior stairs.

2018 IBC exterior stairs building code requirements

The 2018 international building code for exterior stairs is found in two sections of the IBC, Section 1011 Stairways and Section 1027 Exterior Leave Stairways and Ramps.  Since IBC is updated every 3 years, the 2018 IBC was updated from the 2015 IBC Chapter 10.

The IBC edifice code for outdoor stairs includes all the full general requirements for stairways establish in Department 1011 plus additional criteria for outdoor stair pattern, structure, and use.

IBC defines an outside exit stairway as an exit component that serves to meet 1 or more than means of egress design requirements, such as required number of exits or exit access travel distance, and is open to yards, courts or public ways.

An exterior exit stair is an egress stair that is open to the outdoors and  leads directly to the exterior of the building. These tin can be prefabricated exterior metal stairs, concrete stairs, wood stairs, or any other type of construction. IBC Section 1009, accessible ways of egress requirements, allows an exterior exit stairway serving levels other than the level of leave discharge to be part of an accessible means of egress.

IBC Department 1027 addresses the use, location, and separation from the building for exterior exit stairways.

IBC Section 1027.2 states that outside leave stairways shall not exist used as an element of a required means of egress for Group I-ii occupancies (24-hour medical care facilities). For occupancies in other than Group I-2, outside exit stairways and ramps shall be permitted as an element of a required means of egress for buildings not exceeding six stories higher up grade aeroplane or that are not high-ascension buildings.

IBC Section 1027.three states that exterior go out stairways and ramps serving as an element of a required means of egress shall be open up on non less than one side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails, and guards. The opening can be along the length side or the width side of the stairway.

Outside exit stair open up side

An open side shall non accept less than 35 square feet of aggregate open area adjacent to each floor level and the level of each intermediate landing. The required open area shall be located non less than 42 inches above the next floor or landing level.

IBC Section 1027.4 states that open up areas adjoining exterior exit stairways or ramps shall be either yards, courts, or public ways. The remaining sides are permitted to be enclosed by the exterior walls of the edifice.

IBC section 1027.5 states that exterior stairways and ramps shall have a minimum fire separation altitude of 10 anxiety measured at correct angles from the exterior edge of the stairways or ramps including landings to: side by side lot lines, other portions of the edifice, other buildings on the aforementioned lot unless the next building exterior walls and openings are protected in accordance with Section 705 based on fire separation distance.

This measure is in place to protect the outside staircase in example of a burn.

Section 1027.6 states that exterior leave stairways and ramps shall be separated from the interior of the building as required in Section 1023.2. Openings shall exist limited to normally occupied spaces.

There are several exceptions to the condition to be separated from the building. Information technology is not required for buildings not more than ii stories in a higher place grade, and for buildings in Grouping R-iii occupancies (small sleeping / dwelling buildings) non more than than four stories in height if the stairway discharges direct to grade.

Exterior stair tread lawmaking

Exterior stair treads must comply with all the general stair tread requirements establish in IBC section 1011.v Stair treads and risers. The minimum tread depth shall be xi inches.

Additionally, as a part of an outdoor stair walking surface, exterior stair treads must also comply with IBC Section 1011.7.2 for stair walking surface for outdoor use.

IBC Section 1011.vii.2 states that outdoor stairways and outdoor approaches to stairways shall be designed and so that h2o will not accumulate on walking surfaces.

Outdoor stair treads and landings should exist designed to be easily drainable. To ensure drainage, stair designers tin can include bleed holes in the stair treads, use sloped treads up to a 2-per centum slope, use open risers (for IBC residential stairs just), or utilise treads with upwardly to 1/2" openings (up to one-1/8" openings for industrial building occupancy).

Exterior stair handrail code

Outside stair handrails must comply with all the general IBC handrail requirements found in department 1014 Handrails and section 1011.11 Handrails.

IBC department 1027.3 states that exterior get out stairways and ramps shall be open on not less than ane side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails, and guardrails. The open up side tin exist along the length or width of the stairway. This ways that outside stairs will require a guardrail and / or handrail along the open side.

Exterior stair landing lawmaking requirements

The IBC exterior stair landing code requirements are also found in IBC section 1011.7.ii every bit part of the stair walking surface for outdoor use.

IBC Department 1011.7.two requires that exterior stair landings must be designed and then that water will not accumulate on the walking surface.

To ensure adequate drainage, the outdoor stair landing surface should be sloped up to 2%, have bleed holes, or use a decking material such equally bar grating with upward to 1/two" openings (upward to 1-1/viii" openings for industrial building occupancy)

Outside stair railing code

Exterior stair guardrails must comply with all the general IBC guardrail requirements found in section 1015 Guards.

IBC department 1027.iii states that outside exit stairways and ramps shall be open on non less than i side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails, and guardrails. The open up side can be along the length or width of the stairway. This means that exterior stairs will require a guardrail and / or handrail along the open up side.

Exterior stair width code

As a means of egress, exterior get out stairs must run across all the requirements prepare along in IBC section 1011.2 Width and chapters.

The minimum width of the stairway shall be 44", unless the stairway serves an occupancy of less than 50, in which case the minimum width is 36"

Exterior stair riser code

Exterior stair risers must comply with IBC section 1011.v stair treads and risers. Stair risers height shall be 7 inches maximum and 4 inches minimum.

2018 IRC code for outside stairs

The 2018 IRC code for outside stairs is found in Department R311 Means of Egress. This section includes all the requirements for stairways including the specific requirements for outside stairs.

Section R311 also refers to IRC section R507.2.2, which defines the requirements for outdoor plastic blended deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails.

Department R507.2.ii requires that plastic composite exterior deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails comply with the requirements of ASTM D7032.

Department R507.2.2.1 requires that plastic blended deck boards, stair treads, guardrails, handrails or their packaging shall behave a characterization that indicates compliance with ASTM D7032 and includes the allowable load and maximum allowable span adamant in accordance with ASTM D7032.

Section R507.2.2.2 requires that plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails shall exhibit a flame spread alphabetize not exceeding 200 when tested in accordance with ASTM E85 or UL 723 with the test specimen remaining in place during the test; except for plastic composites determined to be noncombustible.

Section R507.2.two.3 requires that plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails containing woods, cellulosic or other biodegradable materials shall exist decay resistant in accordance with ASTM D7032.

Section R507.2.2.4 requires that plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails containing wood, cellulosic or other biodegradable materials shall be termite resistant in accordance with ASTM D7032.

Section R507.two.2.v requires that plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails shall be installed in accord with this lawmaking and the manufacturer'due south instructions.

Outdoor stair anchoring code

Section R311.5 states that outside landings, decks, balconies, stairs, and similar facilities shall be positively anchored to the chief structure to resist both vertical and lateral forces or shall exist designed to be self-supporting. Zipper shall not exist accomplished by utilize of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal.

Outdoor stair tread code

Outdoor stair treads must comply with all the general stair tread requirements found in IRC section R311.7.five.ii Treads. The tread depth shall not be less than x inches.

Additionally, under section R311.seven.five.four plastic composite exterior stair treads shall comply with the provisions of this section and Section R507.two.2, which states that plastic blended exterior deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails shall comply with the requirements of ASTM D7032 and this department.

Outdoor stair nosing code

Outdoor stair nosings must comply with department R311.7.5 Nosings.

Nosings at treads, landings, and floors of stairways shall have a radius of curvature at the nosing not greater than 9/sixteen inch or a bevel greater than one/2 inch. A nosing project non less than 3/iv inch and not more than than i 1/4 inches shall be provided on stairways.

Outdoor stair handrail lawmaking

Outdoor stair handrails must comply with all the general IRC handrail requirements found in section R311.7.8 Handrails. Handrail height shall not be less than 34 inches and not more 38 inches. Handrails must meet the required grip size per section R311.7.8.5. Handrails with circular cross section shall exist betwixt 1 ane/4 and 2 inch diameter.

Department R311.7.viii.6 states that plastic blended handrails shall comply with the requirements of section R507.two.two, which requires that plastic composite handrails comply the requirements of ASTM D7032.

Outdoor stair landing code

Outdoor landings must comply with the requirements of department R311.7.six  Landings for stairways. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and lesser of each stairway and the width perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than the flight served.

Outside composite decking used for stair landings must comply with the provisions of section R507.2.2.

Outdoor stair railing code

Outdoor stair guardrails must comply with all the general requirements of IRC Section R312.1 Guards.

Outside plastic composite guards shall comply with the requirements of Section R317.iv, which refers to section R507.2.2. Per section R507.2.ii outside plastic composite guards must be in accord with ASTM D7032.

Outdoor stair width code

As a means of egress, outdoor stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IRC department R311.7.i Width.

Stairways shall non be less than 36 inches in articulate width at all points above the permitted handrail heights and below the required headroom height.

Outdoor stair riser code

Outdoor stair risers must comply with IRC department R311.7.5 stair treads and risers. The riser height shall not be more than than vii 3/iv inches.

A notation on ADA exterior stair requirements

The ADA accessibility standards and IBC accessible ways of egress requirements use to both exterior and interior stairs that are part of a required means of egress. This includes exterior stairs that are office of get out discharge (i.e., the path from an leave to a public way such as a street or aisle). IBC Section 1009, accessible means of egress requirements, allows an exterior exit stairway serving levels other than the level of exit belch to exist part of an accessible means of egress.

Concluding points

Exterior stairs have special requirements for construction and design. The IBC, IRC and ADA edifice lawmaking requirements help to ensure that outdoor stairs are designed, used and constructed in a safety and proper way.

Ready to take the next step?

milleragescits.blogspot.com

Source: https://blog.lapeyrestair.com/exterior-stairs-code

Share this post