Non-continuous stair rail?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

How many of you write up a stair rail like the one in the photo? I see it in about 50% of all interior stair rails.

“…handrails for stairways shall be continuous for the full length of the flight, from a point directly above the top riser of the flight to a point directly above the lowest riser of the flight.” Reference: 2003 International Residential Code R311.5.6 and R311.5.6.2

[Anthony Jewell]

I didn't know that. Wouldn't that be enforcing a code rather than a recommended repair needed on an inspection? I don't know.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I put myself in the shoes of my 74 year old mother coming down that stair, groggy at 3:00 a.m., for a cookie. Maybe she didn't turn the light on. At one point, she has to move her hand while descending (or ascending) and whoops!!!

[Anthony Jewell]

I agree with you.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

I would Joe, and you are right about the 50%. Even the new ones.

This link is actually to the point.

http://www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/brochures/67.pdf

Was that hand rail within that 2 1/4" parameter?

Marcel

[Robert Francis]

Excellent posts.....good points....I am going to look it up and I will definitely be paying closer attention to it from a safety point....Thanks

[David P. Valley]

I see nothing wrong with the handrail in the picture. It may be offset a bit (at the wall attachment) but it is continuous.

I would rather see an offset handrail instead of no handrail.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by dvalley

I see nothing wrong with the handrail in the picture. It may be offset a bit (at the wall attachment) but it is continuous.

I would rather see an offset handrail instead of no handrail.

David, how could you call that wall rail continuous??
I tend to agree with Joe, that when I am older and coming down the stairs, if I have to remove my hand from the rail, that is when my bad knee will let go.

Curious on your thoughts.

CONTINUOUS usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension
continuing indefinitely in time without interruption

Marcel

[Peter C. Russell]

When was the house built? We don't quote codes but I understand the point.
I try not to be to picky. Make a suggestion that's all.
I inspect houses that have no handrails at all.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by prussell

When was the house built? We don't quote codes but I understand the point.

I inspect brand new houses like that every week.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

The AHJ in my county says "as long as they break over the tread and not the riser" that's OK. Absurd. It's either OK or it's not.

[Michael D. Thomas]

Joe,

Send them here, photo 23 on page 9:

http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20...C%20SCREEN.pdf

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

I inspect brand new houses like that every week.

Same here, but I do not call out handrails that are not continuous. How many Buyers do you think are going to upgrade the non-continuous handrail?

None.

I'm done.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by dvalley

How many Buyers do you think are going to upgrade the non-continuous handrail?

Perhaps the builders or sellers should do it.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by mthomas2

Joe,

Send them here, photo 23 on page 9:

http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20...C%20SCREEN.pdf

Great illustrations. That settles any argument IMO.