How does Aluminum Stair Nosing improve overall safety?

For any new construction or renovation project, safety is of the utmost importance. One overlooked safety aspect, is stair treads. With hundreds, if not thousands, of patrons walking through your facility your stairs are subjected to heavy wear and tear. This can lead to potential safety issues, such as slips, trips, and even falls – as a preventive and protective measure: install aluminum stair nosing or aluminum stair edging.

The level of safety added to your building because of aluminum stair nosing is two-fold. Firstly they improve step edge visibility, the color of the anti-slip grip contrasts the substrate of the stair tread which clearly defines the step edge. Many aluminum stair edging comes with a photoluminescent strip, which further aids in step-edge visibility, especially in low light conditions.

Installing aluminum stair nosing protects steps from wear and tear while enhancing the durability of the stair tread. The durable material of aluminum stair nosing spreads the impact load over the whole stair tread and helps to prevent maintenance and replacement costs in the future. Installing and maintaining aluminum stair nosing is very easy, but proper application and maintenance are important for best results. Here are a few things to consider when installing aluminum nosing thread:

Consider Building Codes: aluminum stair nosing can have a maximum overhang of 1.25 inches, according to the International Building Code. This figure may be different in various locations, but in most cases, the length includes the aluminum stair nose. That means you must compensate for the added length of the stair nosing mold, so you don’t overextend the nose.
Avoid Aluminum Burring: aluminum stair nosing comes in long strips that need to be cut down to fit each step. But cutting can create a sharp edge, so be sure to smooth these edges with a file prior to installation.
Clean Before Application: any irregularities in the step, caused by dirt and grim, or chips and cracks can cause the nosing strip to fit improperly. Before installing aluminum stair edging, you should clean the step thoroughly, as well as repair holes, chips, and cracks.
Use the Right Shape: aluminum stair nosing should match the shape of the step. Generally, L-shaped aluminum nosing fits most standard steps that create a 90-degree angle. For steps with curved nosing, a specially shaped nosing strip might be necessary.
Ensure a Tight Fit: the integrity of an aluminum stair nose requires a proper fit. That means the treading and nosing strip should sit flush on both the tread and the riser of the stair. Plus, gaps or space should not exist between the aluminum stair nose and the stair.

Aluminum stair edging serves an integral purpose to help improve overall safety for stairs in residential and industrial spaces.Alusite has extensive experience in dealing with aluminum stair nosing, feel free to contact us for more information or a quotation for all aluminum-related matters.