Requirements for Balcony Railings

Most people don’t take into consideration the required specifications for balcony railings, including the height, the space between blusters, and the size of the openings.

Typically, balcony railings for homes must comply with the standards published in the International Residential Code (IRC) to ensure the safety of the home. Here are a few pertinent requirements for balcony railings:

Handrails

• Handrails must be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of threads or flight with four or more risers.

• Handrails must be continuous for the full length of the stairs, from a point directly above the top riser to a point directly below the bottom riser.

• Handrails must be 34 to 38 inches high. However, if planning to use handrail fittings or bendings, exceptions may apply.

• With handrails adjacent to a wall, space should be no less than 11/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.

• All handrails should be easy to grip. Decorative handrails are allowed as long as their design includes a finger recess to allow secure grasping.

Guardrails

• Guardrails on open-sided surfaces must be at least 36 inches in height, from the top of the rail to the walking surface, fixed seating, or the line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

• Open-sided walking surfaces higher than 30 inches must have a guardrail. The height is measured vertically, extending to the floor or the grade below.

• Interior sections of guardrails can’t possess any openings large enough to pass through a 4-inch diameter sphere.

• Guard in-fill components, balusters, and panel filters must withstand a normal load of 50 pounds on an area equal to one square foot.

Although commercial railings are regulated under the International Building Code (IBC), the standards are similar to those proposed for residential railings.

Texas Fence and Iron designs and installs reliable balcony railings that will satisfy desired security needs and meet all regulations and specifications. Learn more about our services.