What is code for balcony railings?

What is code for balcony railings?

Building codes require guards and railings for decks, balconies, and other surfaces that are more than 30 inches above the ground. The required height for railings is between 34 inches and 38 inches, measured above the finished stair tread nosings.

Do you need building regulations for a balcony?

Balconies are now regarded as part of the external façade, and the regulations regarding use of non-combustible materials should be applied. This means that any balconies located within 1m of a relevant boundary, or buildings with balconies that are above 18m, must be entirely formed from non-combustible materials.

What documents cover stairs?

Approved Document K
Approved Document K Protection from falling involves the fitting of safety measures on staircases, ramps and ladders, as well as advice about the positioning of balusters, vehicle barriers and windows to avoid injury.

What is approved document K?

Approved Document K: protection from falling, collision and impact, was last published in 2013. It sets standards for the design of stairways, ramps and ladders, together with requirements for balustrading, windows, and vehicle barriers to prevent falling.

What is code for railing?

(a) A standard guardrail shall consist of top rail, midrail or equivalent protection, and posts, and shall have a vertical height within the range of 42 inches to 45 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level.

What is code height for a railing?

As with barriers the top surface of the handrail must be at least 865mm vertically above the nosings of the stair tread or floor surface of a ramp.

What classifies as a balcony?

: a raised platform that is connected to the side of a building and surrounded by a low wall or railing. : a floor or seating area above the main floor of a theater. See the full definition for balcony in the English Language Learners Dictionary. balcony. noun.

Do balconies need drainage?

Note: Drainage is required on balconies where areas are 6m2 or over. If decking or paving to a balcony is to be installed above the waterproofing (but less than 150mm below the sill) it should be a type and design that prevents standing water build-up.

Is it a legal requirement to have a handrail on stairs?

Handrails. One of the main concerns of building regulations on stairs is the health and safety of those dwelling in a property. Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this.

How many stairs can you have without a railing?

A stairway of three steps may or may not need a handrail. This depends on how much the stairway rises (1 metre or higher), whether there is considered to be a risk of falling (such as strong winds) and whether the stairway will be used by people who need mobility assistance.

What is Part K of the building Regulations?

Part K contains guidance on the safety of stairs, guarding, and glazing within and around buildings.

What is bs6180?

This standard, issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI), regulates the indoor and outdoor use of balustrades and barriers. Balustrades must comply with minimum height specifications and withstand different loads as set down in building regulations and the BS 6180 standard.

Do you need railing on balconies in New York City?

YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO NOTES In New York City, roofs, balconies, or terraces with slope of 2.4:12 or less and height of 22 feet or greater require railings per 2014 NYC Building Code, Section 1509.8. Often, older buildings may comply with the code under which they were constructed.

What are building regulations does a balcony need to comply with?

NHBC states door sills must project a minimum of 45mm along with a maximum upstand of 15mm at the door threshold. b. Drainage. See NHBC Standards, chapters 7.1 & 7.2. Balconies over 6m2 must be drained. Water management should be considered for all balconies.

Who is the AIA for balcony and roof railings?

Balcony and Roof Railings and the Code John P. Graz, AIA, Senior Architect, has extensive experience in building enclosure code compliance, including the design, maintenance, and rehabilitation of railing systems. Rachel C. Palisin, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Project

Do you need a handrail for a glass balustrade?

A common misconception with glass balustrades is that a metal handrail is a requirement under balustrade building regulations; however, this is not the case. Frameless glass balustrades are a popular choice, as they minimise the obstruction of the view in spaces such as balconies.