Exterior Door Steps Code

Building codes keep stairways safe with rules that apply to the height and depth of each step support and handrails.

Exterior door steps code.

The height of your front entry step called risers according to code can be no higher than 7 3 4 inches. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements. Step down on the interior and up to two steps down to the landing on the exterior regardless of which way the door swings it can only swing over one step. Exterior or outdoor stair railing guardrail landing tread and step specifications codes construction requirements for safe outdoor steps stairs railings newel posts outdoor stair railing safety hazards photos of defects.

The minimum width for porch steps is 36 inches but 48 to 60 inches provides more comfortable access. Building code for steps. Summary of code requirements for residential stairs. While the finer details will ultimately be influenced by your local government s building regulations the international building code the international residential code and the standards set by the americans with disabilities act of 1990 maintain that exterior stairs that are a required point of egress in other words stairs that must be crossed on your way in and out of the building.

Building code enforcement personnel take stairway. This chapter provides guidelines on door height and width based on the function of the structure. Doors shall be maintained self closing or shall be automatic closing by actuation of a smoke detector as provided for in section 4306 b. For all non egress exterior doors the 2003 code update allows a 7 3 4 in.

Any of you that have tried to open your door with a bag of groceries and have had to back down a step or two to get the door open can appreciate the wisdom in that one. Wider porch steps allow two or more people to comfortably navigate the staircase. Maximum 4 1 2 inch handrail projection into stairway width on either side. This allowance provides some design flexibility.

So this basically sums up the basic code requirements for residential stairs and their dimensions. The maximum transmitted temperature end point shall not exceed 450 degrees f above ambient at the end of 30 minutes of the fire exposure specified in u b c. Entry step risers treads. For example by allowing two steps up to a total of 15 1 2 in.

Porch steps 48 inches wide accommodate one person easily and safely. Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway.