Tactile Indicators Melbourne
Tactile and Stair Nosing Installation
During a construction project, quality, safety, and compliance are the three most crucial goals. For builders and building owners, paying close attention to details such as tactiles and stair nosings will bring those goals closer. Read on to learn more about these important structural features. What is a Stair Nosing and Why Is It Important? Also referred to as a stair edging, a stair nosing defines and reinforces a step’s edge. Depending on where it’s used, a nosing may offer increased visibility in dim conditions and for the visually impaired. Stair nosings improve the durability of staircase coverings and treads by reducing wear in highly trafficked areas. Stair nosings don’t just solve problems; they prevent them. These parts are highly susceptible to wear simply because they’re so frequently stepped upon. With properly installed nosings, it’s possible to prevent premature wear and failure while minimizing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Commercial buildings, such as stadiums, universities, offices, and schools, see significant pedestrian traffic every day. As a building owner, it’s your responsibility to take the precautions necessary to ensure the safety of your visitors and protect yourself from litigation in the event of an accident. The installation of stair nosings, tactiles, and other visibility-enhancing features will fulfill the need in a functional, yet attractive way. Who Needs Stair Nosings, and Which Type is Best? Whether you’re upgrading an existing building or starting from ground level, stair nosings can make any sports arena, hospital, school, movie theatre, or commercial structure safer. When considering the installation of stair nosings, choose a type that will meet your needs in terms of aesthetics and durability. For instance, bronze nosings offer a refined look to corporate offices, while aluminium nosings are great for primary and secondary schools. The Purpose of Stair Nosings Other than serving as a structural component of a staircase, nosing serves several other purposes, such as those listed below.
Choosing the Right Stair Nosings for Any Building When choosing stair nosings, you’ll find a range of options to suit various applications. Because Australia’s companies focus on different nosing types, the selection process can seem a bit confusing. To find the right fit for your building, you’ll go through a multi-step process:
A stair nosing’s function is narrowly defined. If you’re certain that the staircase will be subjected to temperature fluctuations and high moisture levels, it’s a good idea to ask if the company’s products will endure those tough conditions. There’s a big difference between indoor and outdoor stairs, and you’ll need products that are made to work in such settings. Material Selection As touched upon in the paragraphs above, stair nosings are available in a range of materials and finishes. Some of the most common materials include wood, brass, bronze, rubber, and PVC. The environment in which the nosings are installed will largely determine the type of finish and material that you’ll choose. For example, if you’re upgrading a hotel lobby with a prominent staircase, it may be best to use a bronze or brass nosing that fits with the room’s décor. However, if the stairs are in a less visible area, such as the backstage section of a theatre, it’s appropriate to go with a tougher, more utilitarian nosing made of PVC or aluminium. Finding Stair Nosings That Suit Your Needs and Fit Your Budget Like most parts of a residential or commercial building, stair nosings are available at a variety of price points. While a basic rubber stair edging may start out at a few dollars per linear metre, a brass or bronze lighted nosing may cost much more. Setting a budget and sticking to it will help you determine whether a company can meet your needs. Area Traffic Levels When choosing stair nosings, it’s important to think of how heavily the steps are trafficked. Staircases that are seldom used won’t need the same kind of nosing as those that are more frequently travelled. In most cases, it’s possible to use thinner, less costly nosing when traffic levels are low. Conversely, steps that are used daily will need nosings with a rugged profile. Questions to Ask and Answer When Selecting Stair Nosings As every customer’s needs are different, you’ll have to ask certain questions when choosing a company to install the stair nosings you’ve selected. Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential installers, it’s time to ask some specific questions about your requirements. Below, we’ve listed a few questions to help you determine which nosing will meet the building’s needs.
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