New Inspection Article: "Inspecting Stair Stringers"

Understanding the components of a stairway, including the stringers, may help a home inspector do a better job.
inspecting stair stringers

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I like how you sign all your “artwork” :grinning: Good stuff in there!

Thanks, @bcawhern1. My drawings are currently being replaced slowly one-by-one by the Member Marketing Team. It needs to look pro. :grin:

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Thank you for sharing.

You got it, @tpeters6.

Welcome to ur forum, Tina!..Enjoy! :smile:

Good information! Some images of the various ways to properly attach a stair case at the top and bottom would be a great addition in future articles or videos.
Thank you!

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Welcome back to our forum, Joey!..Enjoy! :smile:

In the video, you go over the “Nosing.”

I’ve been looking around. Other than being a trip hazard making me FaceTime the stairs when I try to run up them too fast, I can’t seem to find anything on why they exist.
What is the point of the Nose on stairs?

Follow this link, scroll down to #16

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Thank you!

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The ICC provides a commentary about nosing at the 2018 IRC R311.7.5.3: “The sectional parameters of the components of a step or stair contribute to stairway safety. The radius or bevel of the nosing eases the otherwise square edge of the tread and prevents irregular chipping that can become a maintenance issue seriously affecting the safe use of the stair, and eliminates a sharp square edge that will cause greater injury in falls. A radius or bevel allows light modeling, reflecting light at various angles, providing a certain contrast from the other surfaces of the stair, allowing easier visual location of the start of the tread surface. The maximum radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread is intended to allow descending foot placement on a surface that does not pitch the foot forward or allow the ball of the foot to slide off the treads and ascending foot placement to slide on to the tread without catching on a square edge. If a stairway design uses a beveled nosing configuration, the bevel is limited to a depth of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). A nosing projection allows the descending foot to be placed further forward on the tread and the heel to then clear the nosing of the tread above as it swings down in an arc landing further away from the riser on the tread that is effectively deeper than if no nosing projection is used. Nosing projections are so common in stair design that they are noticed by users when absent as affecting their gait and anticipated clearance for their heels from the riser in descent.”

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The reason for the radius or bevel is interesting. The bevel is often not provided at exterior stairs such as decks or masonry stair construction.

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Good refresher. Mahalo!

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Good Job on the tutorial Ben!! :+1: :+1:

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Thank you.

I have a question that came up today in an inspection on stairs. Is there a minimum or maximum for the angle of the stringer/stairs? The stairs in the home were very steep. I could not find the answer.
Thank you.

The maximum height for a riser and the minimum depth of a tread will determine if your stairs are too steep.

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Can stairs be like this?

Those are not stairs. IMO, that is a ship ladder. It has special requirements and exceptions.