Bob White
08-04-2007, 04:12 PM
The house was built under the 2000 IRC with Georgia amendments.
The code (my bold) reads:
"R315.1 Handrails. Handrails having minimum and maximum heights of 30 inches and 38 inches, respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways of 30 inches or more in height. Spiral stairways and winders shall have the required handrail located on the outside radius. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs excluding the landings. Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space not less than 1 1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.
Exception:
1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn.
2. The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.
3. Handrails may be interrupted within the width of a tread where the wall configuration changes."
Does the change in direction of the wall constitute a "wall configuration change?"
The code (my bold) reads:
"R315.1 Handrails. Handrails having minimum and maximum heights of 30 inches and 38 inches, respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways of 30 inches or more in height. Spiral stairways and winders shall have the required handrail located on the outside radius. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs excluding the landings. Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space not less than 1 1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.
Exception:
1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn.
2. The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.
3. Handrails may be interrupted within the width of a tread where the wall configuration changes."
Does the change in direction of the wall constitute a "wall configuration change?"