| Here's a short list
of some of the problems you could have an open stairway, depending upon
where it's located and what its primary use is.
1. The biggest problem with an open stairway has to do with any fires
near or underneath the stairs. This is the primary reason why exit
stairs needed to have closed treads. Could you imagine opening the door
to a second or third story building, only to find out that there is fire
coming up in between the stair treads, simply because they're open and
weren't closed.
2. If the space between the stair treads is larger than 4 inches, you
could have a problem with a child's getting their head or body stuck in
this area. You would be surprised at how many people and animals have
got stuck in these areas.
3. If people are walking underneath an open stairway to access a
building, regularly, you could have a problem with objects falling from
above. If someone dropped something and it fell through the open risers,
while someone was walking at just the right time underneath the
stairway, they could become severely injured.
Attention: Don't forget to check with your local
building department to verify any building codes on this website. This
information could be incorrect or outdated. Building codes are updated
regularly and to some building departments have different
interpretations for certain building codes.
Back To
Closed Treads and Open Risers
Maximum Rise
Maximum Total Stairway Rise
Maximum Angle of the Stair Risers
Closed Stairway Riser Options
Maximum Variation in Stair Risers
Stair Tread Minimum
Stair
Tread Nosing Requirements
Floor and
Landing Overhang
What's an Open Riser
Staircase?
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