Sonoma county stair rail code code#

Concentrated Load Test: The top rail must be capable of holding a point load of 500 lbs.Uniform Load Test (for IBC applications): The top rail must be able to sustain 125 lbs./foot length of force applied horizontally or vertically.Infill Load Test: The strength of the balusters are tested so that a one-square foot area must resist 125 lbs.If you are using a circular cross section, then the handrail must have an outside diameter of between 1-1/4вЂќ and 2вЂќ.Д®ngineered railing systems must be tested and certified to meet IRC and IBC building codes. Flat 2x4 and 2ењ† handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. A variety of gripping shapes may be acceptable but must meet requirements for the gripping surface. The handgrips must allow a minimum of 1-1/2вЂќ space between the handrail and the guardrail or wall. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34вЂќ and 38вЂќ above the nosing of the stair treads. Your desired design might not always mesh perfectly with the code, but itвЂ™s for the safety of everyone that your stair railing installers and builders get it right.

Sonoma county stair rail code code#

Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311.5.6.3 in the IRC code. ItвЂ™s the professionals job to ensure that their work meets your local Sonoma code requirements, however, you should also read up on building codes to make sure theyвЂ™re not completely off track. The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4'. To achieve this, you should check to make sure you meet the post spacing requirements for the type of posts you are using and how they are attached to the deck. There is also a safety factor required by the code, so testing loads are higher for manufactured railing systems. force anywhere along the top of the rail. The guardrails must be strong enough to withstand a concentrated 200 lb. In the case of guardrails for stairs, there is an exception that allows up to a 6вЂќ diameter sphere through the triangle opening formed by the stair riser, stairtread and bottom rail. A variety of styles are allowed as long as the interior sections of the rail donвЂ™t possess any openings large enough to pass a 4вЂќ diameter sphere through.