Railing is a barrier that prevents sudden falling of a material or other things and thus prevents from accidents. Most importantly, it is one of the most disregarded part of regular structure. For example, people often do not think of the codal requirements for the residential buildings and as a result, it become unsafe and sometimes authority can also take legal action for not following the code requirements.
As I am guessing, you are general reader, having no idea of the code requirements. You are reading this article to push your designer or architect to follow the rules.
However, following the rules may sometime may hamper the design a bit. But with careful designing this obstacles can be tackled out.
However, as a proud owner of a residential house or owner of any other house type structure, you should know the detail of railing code requirements in California. Let’s dive in.
Size and Spacing
The size of the cable for cable railing should be ⅛ inch in diameter at least. The spacing should be such that, it ensures a passage of less than 4 inches. So, practically, the spacing should eb such that, a 4 inch dia or 4 inch long stick can not pass through the space.
For cable railing, maintaining the proper tension is important and a turnbuckle device should be set.
Loading Requirements
Generally a railing does not carry any load except its self load. However, a railing should be able to carry some load. This load is such that it can withstand with the sudden loads from leaning etc.
For cabling, the cable ghave to be able to carry 50 pounds of suspended load during which the 4 inch spacing bar will be measured.
For wooden, steel, metal or other kind of rigid railing system it should be able to carry at least 200 pounds of load placed at the top rail.
Adjusting for Errors
Erroneous railing are not difficult to find. As many people often tend to ignore to the smaller detail often code enforcement authority may provide suggestions to rectify the errored railing. For example, if they mark the spacing is not enough, then you can place an extra cable at each gap to fulfill the code requirements. Sometimes, code enforcement authorities will suggest you the solution and that can be followed.
Working with the code requirements need the head of an engineer or architect. It would be great, if you can ensure that your project engineer or architect is following what should be followed. Or sometimes you can hire a consultant company to fully check the drawings and details to meet the code requirements.