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Vinyl Handrail System

Mac

Mac

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2009
Messages
716
Location
Hamilton, NY
We have been seeing them for a few years now and people seem to like them. I like them better than the old "flat board" pretending to be a handrail.

Today I measured some handrail dimensions and learned a couple of things...

ResCode of NYS R311.5.6.3 - "The finger recess shall begin within a distance of 3/4 inch from the tallest portion..." -- measured distance is one and one eighth inch

The maximum width shall be two and three quarters inches. -- measured width is three inches.

So I went to the local supplier and measured the samples on display and found the same dimensions. The catalog for one supplier refers to ICC AC-174 testing criteria next to a large "Code Approved".

I am unable to find an ICC approval or ES report - but can't imagine that two and three quarters is now three. Any help?
 
Assuming this is the T-rail or top of a guardrail intended to serve as a handrail but the dimension is not compliant. Some manufacturers sell separate vinyl handrail systems that meet code.

Big box stores also sell pre-cut wood deck top rail as handrails having the same issues.

Francis
 
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