[TheForge] Re: guardrails and handrails

[Charle B Vincent]

Actually as I recall, there are several.  The ICC is an "international" 
code that is gaining in poularity ( adopted a couple of years ago in 
Dallas) , it was developed by the merged groups responsible for :  The 
Southern Building Code (SBCCI) used in a couple of towns in this area 
and the Universal Building Code(UBC) used on the west coast among other 
places.  The ICC also has the ICBO under its umbrella as well.   The 
issue is that each town adopts its own building code usually based on 
one of these standards and updates it periodically, so even though all 
of these groups have created a common code, it will be years ( if ever)  
until that makes it way to every town.   Dallas used to have its own 
unique code to my understanding.    I bought the Dallas adaptation of 
the ICC the first day it was available and read it cover to cover 
planning for an addition.  I was constantly plagued by the fact that the 
inspectors hadn't ever read it.    There are some really good 
residential inspectors, but if you are expecting them to insure the 
quaility of your home forget it.  If it can't be see from the cab of the 
truck, some of it won't catch a problem at all.     A link that I found 
useful among others is:  http://www.b4ubuild.com/links/codes.shtml    I 
would send a few more links, but my bookmark file is so large these 
days, I need google to find anything in it.

Charles

Roger Olsen wrote:

>Hi Bruce,
>
>Yes, you are right, I am still out in Washington State but I believe the
>UBC is nation wide and I am just looking for some clarification about
>handrail returns and such as stated in the UBC.
>Also would like to hear how other smiths approach the bidding process for
>handrails and guardrails,  specifically horizontal runs when mixed with
>stairs.
>
>Roger
>  
>