When people think of metal buildings, they often envision sleek, durable structures designed for a variety of purposes—warehouses, gyms, schools, and more. Many don't realize that creating these structures involves more than erecting walls and a roof. One of the most complex and challenging aspects of these projects can be the design and implementation of stairs. At Red Dot Buildings, we've honed our expertise in providing stairs to our customers, a service that many metal building companies shy away from due to the complexity involved.
The Complexity Behind Stairs
Building stairs might seem straightforward; however, in the world of metal building construction, they are anything but simple. Designing and installing stairs requires following a list of strict regulations, including those from the International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These codes govern every aspect of stair design, from the spacing of guardrails to the precise height and extension of handrails. For instance, a stair's guardrail must not allow the passage of a sphere larger than four inches in diameter, a regulation that exists to protect young children. Similarly, handrails must meet specific height requirements and extend a certain distance beyond the top and bottom stairs.
These details might seem small, but they are critical for safety and compliance. And, as anyone in the construction industry knows, meeting these standards requires a high level of precision and expertise.
Why Some Companies Steer Clear of Stairs
Given the complexity and the strict requirements, many pre-engineered metal building companies choose not to provide stairs. They're expensive, challenging to design and fabricate, and mistakes can be costly. The precision required goes beyond the typical scope of metal building construction, often involving specialized skills and equipment that many companies do not possess.
In the past, we at Red Dot Buildings also faced challenges with stairs. When we relied on external vendors for stair fabrication, we encountered issues like misaligned parts that didn't fit properly or stairs that didn’t connect seamlessly with the rest of the building. These issues were frustrating for us, but more importantly, they were unacceptable for our customers, who expected a complete, cohesive steel package from a single source.
Taking the Challenge Head-On
Recognizing the need for greater control and accuracy, we decided to take the matter into our own hands. We started detailing our own stairs in-house, leveraging advanced tools like Tekla Structures, which allows us to design with the precision required to meet all codes and regulations. This shift enabled us to ensure that the stairs we provide not only meet all safety standards but also integrate perfectly with the rest of the structure.
This dedicated focus on stairs has made a significant difference. We've had our fair share of challenges, but rather than shy away from these challenges, we tackled them head-on, ensuring that our clients received the dependable and secure stairs they needed.
What Makes Red Dot Different
Our commitment to providing stairs, despite the difficulties involved, is a testament to Red Dot Buildings' willingness to take on the challenging, detail-oriented work that other companies might avoid. We understand that our clients expect a seamless experience, and we believe that includes stairs that are safe, compliant, and perfectly integrated with their metal building.
While providing stairs might be a service that other companies deem too complex, we see it as an opportunity to differentiate ourselves and demonstrate our expertise. Our clients deserve nothing less than excellence, and at Red Dot Buildings, we're committed to delivering just that—even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as a staircase.
If you're looking for a metal building partner who goes above and beyond to meet your needs, even in the most challenging aspects of construction, Red Dot Buildings is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can bring our expertise and commitment to excellence to your next project.