Installation issues: The main reason that my friend avoided the railing was because the deck was oddly shaped, and he didn’t want to mess with installing a railing along its contours.
VIRGINIA STAIR RAIL CODE INSTALL
It will probably cost more than it would to install a railing so you can build higher. Eventually, your choice to build low could cost you. Or, if you avoid that, consider the cost to get rid of the critters that decide to move into the dark, enclosed space under your low-to-the-ground deck.
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The first time someone missteps and breaks an ankle is going to cost you. But here’s the deal: going without a railing could eventually cost you money, too. Expense: Some people skip the railing just to save money.Most often, I hear someone choosing not to add a railing for one of the following reasons: Adding a railing to your deck can not only improve its safety but also your home’s curb appeal. That’s a big lesson most new DIYers learn just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. While most codes allow you to leave off the railings on decks lower than 30 inches, there are lots of reasons why you should still consider one.Īs my friend scooped up his dog, he mused on the fact that even though he’d built the deck to code, it still wasn’t as safe as it could be. I’ve found that railings give an outside structure a more finished look with better curb appeal. A well-made railing is always the safer option, even if it’s not a long fall. Gravity doesn’t stop working just because your deck is lower than 30 inches. But there may be other concerns as well, like pets, children, and even furniture. Maybe you have plenty of lighting around your deck and you and your friends aren’t planning on falling off it anytime soon. The dog was perfectly fine, but after we had stopped laughing-with relief-about it, I had to respond, “That wouldn’t have happened with a railing.” As we relaxed on the new deck with a couple of beers, my friend’s Shih Tzu dog came racing out of the house barking at a squirrel and skidded off the deck into the flower bed below. He’d made a point of building his deck so as to stay under the 30-inch requirement-which is the maximum deck height you can have without a railing. This friend was very excited, especially by how much time he saved by not adding a railing. Often we can suggest minor adjustments that retain the appearance and satisfy code.I went to a friend’s house a while back to admire his new deck.
VIRGINIA STAIR RAIL CODE CODE
At Mind's Eye Fabrication, we have the experience and skill to determine if your selected design will satisfy code requirements. The last thing you want is to pay your railing contractor then be denied the Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) because they didn't account for large openings. Some ornamental elements, especially certain scrolls, will not meet code requirement unless additional parts are added to satisfy the 4" rule or a split rail is added to meet the 36" rule. Some Wrought Iron Designs don't meet code requirements
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But if the potential fall presents possibly catastrophic injury, it's a good idea to have them (whether you choose wrought iron or wood). These homes are not required to add railing unless other permitted and inspected work, like a remodel,is taking place. Some exceed limits by more than 10 feet a serious risk of major injury. Many homes built prior to 2006 included porches, patios, and retaining walls that had no railing or barrier even though they exceeded the 30" rule. The current code was adopted by most counties in the last 5-6 years. Furthermore, the railing must be constructed as to prevent a 4" sphere from passing through any portion including between the bottom rail and walking surface. This applies to any potential fall whether from a porch, patio, deck, walkway, or retaining wall. IRC codes require a railing no less than 36" tall for any potential fall greater than 30". new deck, retaining wall etc.) will not receive final approval until fall protection is in place. Granted a certificate of occupancy without them. Railings are now required, by most counties, for any Most Georgia counties (at least Atlanta suburbs) currently follow the International Residential Codes (IRC). Residential Building Codes for hand Rails