[TheForge] Re: guardrails and handrails

Tue Sep 14 11:47:14 EDT 2004

My experience on code requirements has varied wildly. Come inspectors have allowed breaks in the rail at transitions, most require continuous rail. 

Grab rails have all required returns to the wall without exception lately, eliminating the option of cool lambs tongues or other decorative end treatments.

Pitched rail on open end tread has also varied. Some builders have had me install balusters to each tread to meet code, others have had me install with a pitched bottom rail leaving an opening at each tread over the 4" rule.

Custom rails that have been fabricated from non-traditional materials for cap rail have also been viewed unfavorably some times by inspectors.

They like to see the "good ol' molded cap" rail, but if you use pipe, or flat stock they get very particular about complying with code requirements on width and thickness.

Some have used a 4" ball and checked every possible opening on the rail some have allowed gaping holes to pass.

Around here it seems to be related to the interaction between the builders and the inspectors. I always start of each railing job defining the code requirements and basing the job on complying. If the builder or client wants it done differently I have them sign a release and take full liability and cost responsibility if changes are required.

>From my experience I know why many people have gotten OUT of doing stair railings. Between the code limits, clients who do not fully understand what it takes to do iron right and the sticker shock of doing it right, I would rather build table and sculpture.

Ray Miller
Cincinnati
> 
> From: Roger Olsen <erik at methow.com>
> Date: 2004/09/14 Tue AM 11:03:04 EDT
> To: Sponsored by ABANA <theforge at mailman.qth.net>, 
> 	Art Metal <ArtMetal at wugate.wustl.edu>
> Subject: [TheForge] Re: guardrails and handrails
> 
> 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
> ___________________
> 
> Bruce Freeman wrote:
> 
> > I suspect  you got no responses because you know more about the subject
> > than anyone else currently monitoring this group.  I have attended
> > demonstrations in which professional architectural smiths have discussed
> > building codes and bidding, but I have no first hand knowledge.
> >
> > You might do better to ask this group for names and phone numbers of
> > blacksmiths doing this sort of work.  I could probably come up with some
> > myself (if you got a little more specific about the sort of work you're
> > talking about).  Unfortunately, those I would know of would be on the
> > east coast, and I believe you're in Washington state.
> >
> > Bruce
> > NJ
> >
> > >>> erik at methow.com 9/14/2004 10:03:21 AM >>>
> > I sent this in about a month or so ago.  There were no responses which
> > surprised me cuz there is often a few dozen responses with threads
> > that
> > have absolutely nothing to do with metal work.  I thought maybe it
> > never
> > got through cyberspace so I am trying again.
> > ____________________
> >
> >            I have done maybe 8 guardrails,  some on stairs, some on
> > only
> >
> >            horizontal, and some with both.  Building railings on
> > stairs
> > has always
> >            been harder and involved a lot more time than on the
> > horizontal but I
> >            never gave much thought to a percentage difference in cost
> > from
> >            horizontal to angled.  I had lunch with a smithing friend
> > yesterday who
> >            does quite a few railings and he asked if I had heard of
> > and
> > do I bid my
> >            railing jobs by the method of figuring your bid on the
> > horizontal and
> >            then double it for the angled.  Have any of you heard of
> > this?  Do any
> >            of you have thoughts on time differences from building
> > horizontal and
> >            angled and if you figure it into your bidding process
> > somehow.  I
> >            realize that different styles of joinery or design can have
> > a
> > difference
> >            but just generally speaking.
> >
> >            Also do any of you have the UBC book?  If so and you also
> > have a scanner
> >            would you be willing to cut and paste them to me or maybe
> > to
> > the group?
> >            There seems to be some gray areas and although I have
> > spoken
> > with the
> >            inspector I would very much like a copy of the code.  My
> > county does
> >            follow the UBC and has no deviation from it when it comes
> > to
> > handrails
> >            and guardrails.
> >
> >            Thanks,
> >
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