Why You Should Avoid DIY Stair Nosing Installation

The rise of DIY has seen many men turn into temporary carpenters, builders, and even architects. However, when it comes to items that are installed for safety reasons, such as safety stair nosing, it is a job best left to the professionals.

Stair nosing is often designed to be easy to install, and this fact leads many to assume that there is no prior learning or training that need be completed, and just anyone can complete the installation. Easy to install actually means that for those with the understanding and experience, this will be quicker and easier to install compared to other alternatives. Unless specifically stated, stair nosing products are expected to be installed by a professional for a number of reasons. Resist the urge to save a few dollars and tackle the job yourself.

First of all, incorrect installation could create a whole new hazard and actually reduce safety rather than increase it. Stair nosing, depending on the material and surface of the stair, is either screwed, bolted or glued on. Each of these methods, if done hurriedly or otherwise unevenly, can result in one side of the nosing being less secure than the other. Over time with wear this can see one area weaken and even detached from the stair. An obstacle such as this in the middle of a stairway is clearly a tripping hazard, especially if the nosing has only lifted a little. Tripping on the stairs can happen to anyone, and can cause serious arm or even result in a fatality.

To avoid any risk of this, most professional installers provide a safety net by using both adhesive and bolts or screws were applicable. Screws and bolts can’t be placed just anywhere, and there are recommendations about the precise placement for optimum safety that should be adhered to. In short, handymen should look to other hobbies and leave the stair nosing jobs to the experts.

Installing stair nosing involves the operation of some potentially dangerous machinery. Power tools can be a risk at the best of times, but when operating on the uneven surface of a staircase, the risks are multiplied. Professionals will not only wear goggles and have extensive experience in dealing with power tools, but they will also work safely on stairs. Nosing may also need to be cut on site in order to better fit the stairs in question, and needs to be done using correct equipment. Cutting with inadequate equipment could compromise the value of the product.

Because it is expected that professionals complete the installation, DIYers may be unpleasantly surprised to discover that their warranty and insurance is invalid after performing the job themselves. The company you bought the product from can only guarantee safety providing a certain level of care is taken during the installation, and if you did it yourself they have absolutely no control over it. Likewise, insurance companies are not idiots, and recognise that people without experience are likely not going to do as good a job as the experts, and there is a much greater chance of someone getting injured. They are business people, and don’t want to have to pay more, so will likely dismiss any claims you make.

Finally, professionals ensure that the job gets done to the highest standard and in no time at all. Doing it yourself could have you panicking every time someone is running up the stairs in case they fall and you would be to blame. Do what is right for your staff and customers and talk to the professional stair nosing experts at Step Solve at http://stepsolve.com.au/.

How To Find Your Ideal Stair Nosing

There are a number of different stair nosing products out there, and each is suited to a certain environment. It is important to locate a good match for your environment not only so people are best protected, but also to ensure that you are operating well within government building codes. The Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards are now requiring all new public spaces to include appropriate and effective stair nosing to enhance public safety and minimise risk.

 
First of all, you will want to consider the material that your nosing should be made from. Typically nosing can come in a wide range of types, from plastic to aluminium and rubber. There are of course many variations within each of these categories. The material and the exact style of nosing that you choose will be dependent on the traffic that your area receives. While stair nosing is required on all new public stairs, they do not all get used equally so it makes sense to have different levels of grip.

Rubber is perhaps the least durable of the three materials. While it does offer impressive grip initially, under frequent foot traffic the material will disintegrate easily. Rubber might be suitable for less used areas, but not for main entrances or walkways. Metal is a more popular choice, although care should be taken to choose a durable texture and type. Aluminium is a very popular choice, and is surprisingly durable for such a lightweight metal. A ridged metal surface is preferable in high traffic areas, as this will wear more slowly, and is more effective in draining away water, as well as obviously offering more grip.

Unfortunately, metal is susceptible to erosion from small grains or grit. This means that seaside locations are better off seeking out other options. Grains of sand as well as salt in the air will quickly degenerate the surface, making it ineffective and uncomfortable to walk on. Beachside locations are difficult, in that grip should be effective even in wet conditions, but also comfortable to walk on with bare feet. Rubber is a logical choice here. Very high traffic areas can benefit from fibre reinforced plastics, which are resistant to wear, or oxidised aluminium, which gives a gritty texture and is extremely effective.

Once you have determined the material and texture, you will need to consider the colour. On the surface this may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, but in fact government regulations specify a minimum luminance contrast that nosing must comply with. Stair nosing is designed to improve safety for everyone, and in particular improve stair safety for the vision impaired. This means that the nosing should stand out as much as possible, so that it can be easily seen and communicate where the edge of each step is. A concrete stair case for example will likely need a bright yellow or green nosing, rather than a grey one. There is enough of a range available that you can usually choose a colour that isn’t too garish but still offers enough visibility.

Whether you ultimately choose rubber, aluminium or plastic, there are quality suppliers out there of each who should be able to professionally install and, if need be, maintain your nosing products. If you are still unsure, talk to a trusted nosing supplier and request advice on the best solution for your situation. They may even like to conduct a site inspection to recommend the best product. For any further assistance or to enquire about our durable stair nosing, please contact Step Solve at http://stepsolve.com.au/.