Summarizing the Building Code Regarding the Stair Handrails in Sydney

Author: Jacob Kieran

When you remodel your home, you will need to know and follow the building code of your area to avoid legal hassles and obligations. This is primarily required whether you do it yourself or hire a professional for that matter. This building code applies in all aspects of the building and the project, whether it is painting the exterior or interior walls, floorcovering installation, or tiling. It also applies to your handrails. When you follow the logic and rules regarding stair handrails in Sydney during your home improvement projects, it will take you a long way. These codes ensure safety and security by-the-book.

The Logic Behind it:

When you consider the building code, especially the stair handrails in Sydney, you must first look into the reasoning behind it. These codes, even if it seems like it apparently, is not at all an arbitrary or random thing. You must consider the height of the staircase railing as well as the widths of it so that it works in the best way possible.

These are logical, and all these codes follow the building code requirements that are carefully established. The most important thing is that handrails need to be incessant all the way. This will prevent switching from one to another rail that may cause loss of concentration and fall.

Stair Railing Code:

The staircase code follows the International Residential Code or IRC standards that are specially formulated for one-and two-family dwellings. It also supports the requirements of the International Building Code or IBC. There are two basic model codes for staircase railings. These models are the guidelines that are suggested so that the local code authorities may follow it according to their discretion.

Therefore, you will need to check it out with your local building code authority or the city building department. This is important because all communities adopt and adapt these model codes, whether it is for the aluminium fencing in Sydney or the handrails.

The Permit Requirements:

According to the model code that relates to the community for both new and old homes, there are several permit requirements that you should focus on. There are a few specific sections of the stair railing code that is designed based on the other sections of the stair code. These include minimum hand clearance between the wall it is mounted on and the railing, which should be at least one-and-a-half inch. If you push it too far, then also you will violate another section of the rule that states there must be at least 27 inches of walking breadth.

Stair Railing versus Guards:

Both stair railing and stair guards may seem the same thing but are different. The stair railing should run up and down on the stair incline. On the other hand, the stair guards typically run horizontally along the flat area.

It may have a drop on the other side but will not protect the stairs even though it is used in combination with the stairs. Of course, there are a few exceptions in height, transitions, and flight that you should also consider.