Question about door at top of stairs

[Gerald C. Wilcox]

An entry-way into the house also provides the access to stairs to the basement. A bifold door was installed, but in reverse so that it hinges over the top step. This allowed for more room in the small entry-way. I had not seen this before and am mainly concerned for anyone who leaning on the door might cause it to open and possible injury occur. It would also open over a step.......What do you think?

[Bob Elliott]

Does not seem like a concern to me ,but picture please.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by gwilcox

An entry-way into the house also provides the access to stairs to the basement. A bifold door was installed, but in reverse so that it hinges over the top step. This allowed for more room in the small entry-way. I had not seen this before and am mainly concerned for anyone who leaning on the door might cause it to open and possible injury occur. It would also open over a step.......What do you think?

It sounds like a fall hazard to me...

2006 IRC.

R311.4.3 Landings at doors.
There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door. The floor or landing at the exterior door shall not be more than 1.5 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. The landing shall be permitted to have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent).

Exceptions:
1. Where a stairway of two or fewer risers is located on the exterior side of a door, other than the required exit door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door provided the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the stairway.
2. The exterior landing at an exterior doorway shall not be more than 73/4 inches (196 mm) below the top of the threshold, provided the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the landing.
3. The height of floors at exterior doors other than the exit door required by Section R311.4.1 shall not be more than 73/4 inches (186 mm) lower than the top of the threshold.
The width of each landing shall not be less than the door served. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel.



R311.5.4 Landings for stairways.
There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway.
Exception: A floor or landing is not required at the top of an interior flight of stairs,
including stairs in an enclosed garage, provided a door does not swing over the
stairs.


http://www.staircraft.com/R311&R312%20of%20the%2006%20IRC.pdf

[Gerald C. Wilcox]

That's my thought as well Larry. Thanks

[Darin Redding]

And just to add a little note to Larry's post, the 36" is clear space when the door is in the open position. A picture would help. Please send if you got one.

[Bob Elliott]

I did not get the impression this was a exterior stairway.
Am I wrong or is this a stairway that is leading off a vestibule or foyer type area.?

[David A. Andersen]

if this is a bifold door, why is 36 inches required? The door is less than one quarter the size of a normal door when open?

I have one like that in my house. It extends 11 inches maximum over the first 10 inch tread when opened.

[Gerald C. Wilcox]

Interior stairway to basement from main floor. Reverse mounted bifold at top of stairs. Located within small entry-way with exterior side door. No pic. Door does not prevent someone from accidently putting weight against and the door would open. It wouldn't matter where in the house this was found..........

[Gerald C. Wilcox]

David, what type if any latching devise do you have installed to prevent the door from opening accidently? It would seen if a door is installed it should be secure....

[Marcel Gratton]

A proper landing is required if door opens into the stairs which you say if does.

[Darin Redding]

Thanks for the graphic Marcel. Care if I add it to my library? Looks like a NACHI graphic but not sure.

[David A. Andersen]

Originally Posted by mgratton

A proper landing is required if door opens into the stairs which you say if does.

is that a bifold door?

[Marcel Gratton]

Originally Posted by dandersen

is that a bifold door?

The full arc of its swing shall be over a landing where a door swings towards a stair; in that case Gerald mentioned that the bifold doors hinges are over the stairs when opened.

Pic is from *The Illustrated Home*.

[Bob Elliott]

IMO you guys are off base.
The purpose or intent of needing one should be examined if no example really exists for a bi-fold door.

Reading the link from Inspect NY the purpose of a landing is to make sure you do not over step the top stair tread.

This could occur with a swing out door but not a side shoving bi-fold.
(conclusion) Landing is not needed.

http://www.inspectapedia.com/interio...r_Landings.htm

[David A. Andersen]

If you have to open a "normal" door over stairs you have to take two steps backwards. Not so with a bi-fold.

Are you all assuming that the code also requires bi-fold and required egress doors to adhear to the same code?

Show me where they say that.

If not, quit making stuff up.

Hay Kelly, more conjecture on my part ??!!

Ya'll quit bull ****ting me and show me the written facts.

Where is it required that a door must withstand an certain point impact load (like a staircase rail) for safety?

More conjecture here?

I'll shut up when you come up with the facts....