Wall rails usually run parallel to the stairway slope and
attach to one side or both sides, of the stairwell walls. The picture
below provides you with an excellent example of a gripable handrail that
could be used to hold onto, while walking up or down a stairway.
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Wall Rail Building Codes
Most building codes require a specific size, shape and length for your
staircase wall railing. Make sure that you understand and follow them,
otherwise you could end up, making modifications, until the building
inspector is happy.
It wasn't long ago, that I shared this same advice with a home builder,
who ignored it. It ended up costing him thousands of dollars and I'm
giving you this information at no cost. However, it's up to you, whether
you do anything with it or not.
Problems With Loose Wall Rails
I can't stress this enough, if you have any loose stairway or
handrailing parts, they need to be fixed as soon as possible. A loose
wall rail can create a bigger safety hazard than not having one at all.
For example, someone's walking up and down the stairway, while holding
on to the loose wall railing, when they lose their balance and actually
rip the gripable handrail, off of the wall.
That doesn't sound too bad, unless it broke into a few pieces and they
are now rolling down the stairs with a spear like object, in their
hands. I shouldn't need to go into any additional details about stairway
safety.
If you don't fix your loose wall rails, someone else eventually will.
That probably sounds like great news, but it wouldn't be if someone
fell, became injured and hired an attorney and the courts are now
forcing you to make the necessary repairs.
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