What is a Flight of Stairs in According to the Building Codes?
According to the 2021 International Residential Code, a flight of stairs is defined as:
"A continuous run of rectangular treads or winders or combination thereof from one landing to another."
Let's break this down
Continuous run: This means the steps go in a sequence without any interruptions or changes in direction. Think of a straight staircase going up to a landing.
Rectangular treads: These are the standard, flat surfaces you step on.
Winders: These are wedge-shaped treads used to turn a corner in a staircase.
Landing: A flat platform in a stairway where the stairs change direction or where you can rest.
Essentially, a flight is a single, uninterrupted section of stairs between two landings or floors. If you have a staircase with a landing in the middle, you have two flights of stairs within one stairway.
The video uses visual examples to illustrate this
One flight: A simple, straight staircase with no landings.
Two flights: A staircase with a landing in the middle, dividing it into two separate sections of continuous steps.
Understanding the difference between a "stair," "stairway," and "flight" is crucial for interpreting building codes correctly, as different regulations may apply to each.
Additional considerations
In addition to the above, there are a number of other factors that building codes may take into account when regulating flights of stairs, such as:
The number of flights of stairs in a building: If a building has more than one flight of stairs, there may be additional requirements, such as a fire escape or a sprinkler system.
The type of building: The building codes for stairs will vary depending on the type of building, such as a single-family home, a multi-family dwelling, or a commercial building.
The location of the stairs: The building codes for stairs will also vary depending on the location of the stairs, such as inside or outside the building. How to comply with building codes
If you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home, it is important to make sure that your stairs comply with all applicable building codes. You can do this by hiring a qualified contractor or architect to design and build your stairs. You can also consult with your local building department to get specific information about the building codes that apply to your project.
