Your 3 Guide to selecting the correct stair nosing Choose the right stair nosing & fixing method 2 Select the correct slip-resistance 3 Choose colours that visually contrast
Choose the right stair nosing & fixing method Shape of It s important to select the correct type of stair nosing for the shape of the step. Stair nosings should be a tight fit to ensure that the profile does not lift or rock during use. There are 4 main stair nosing shapes available: Square Rake Back Kinked Face Bullnose
Choose the right stair nosing and fixing method Tread (Going) The depth of the tread (going) will influence the stair nosing selected. Single channel Ideal for use on treads up to 300mm deep Wide, double and multiple channels Suitable for stairs with large going or heavy volumes of foot traffic Ideal for use on treads up to 300mm deep
Choose the right stair nosing and fixing method Gauge (thickness) The gauge (thickness) of the stair nosing should be a flush finish to the floor-covering to avoid a trip hazard being created. When used with soft floor-coverings such as carpet and carpet tiles, the gauge should achieve a flush finish with the compressed thickness of the floor covering. Gradus offers a range of gauges to suit the majority of commercial floor-coverings (see below). Gauge Ramp back 2mm-3mm 4mm-5mm 6mm 7mm-0mm 0mm-5mm Typically used with No floorcoverings / resilient floorcoverings* Resilient floorcoverings Carpet / Carpet Tile / Resilient floorcoverings with a bevelled underlay Carpet / Carpet Tile Carpet / Wood / Ceramics / Other heavy duty floorcoverings Ceramic / Stone / Marble Fixing method *Install profile on top of floorcovering to ensure a safe fit. A secure fixing between the stair edging and the step is essential to ensuring a safe installation. Mechanical and adhesive fixing: Combination of screw fixings, adhesive and screw head cover plugs. Adhesive only fixing Gradus Grip: A specialist adhesive securely bonds stair edgings, eliminating the need for screws and screw head cover plugs.
2 Select the correct slip-resistance Slip-resistance & Performance The stair edging insert provides a surface that creates friction between the sole of the shoe and the step edge, hence providing slip-resistance and reducing the risk of slips on stairs. Ensure the required level of slip-resistance is achieved by selecting the correct insert for the environment. Insert Type Conditions Applications Xtra-grip Xtra-grip Plus Interior Wet Interior Dry Interior Wet Interior Dry Increased surface roughness where the stair edging may become wet e.g. stairs close to entrances or where safety flooring is used. Areas where health and safety are a priority e.g. schools and hospitals. As Xtra-grip, with the addition of an enhanced insert bond system for areas subject to more frequent cleaning e.g. catering and food preparation areas. Interior Interior Dry Areas where there is no risk that the stairs will be contaminated by moisture. Standard Exterior Exterior Everyday outdoor use e.g. car park entry / exit steps. Heavy Duty Exterior Exterior or Interior Heavy Traffic Extreme exterior conditions / heavy traffic environments e.g. motorway foot bridges, railway stations, airport terminals and sports stadiums.
3 Choose colours that visually contrast A light reflectance value (LRV) is a value given to a surface to denote the amount of light reflected. To achieve a suitable visual contrast between different surfaces, Project Rainbow and ADM recommend at least a 30 point (not 30%) difference in the LRV s of the stair nosing and floorcovering. Visual Contrast All Gradus stair nosing channel and insert colours are measured for LRV to help achieve this difference. Further details on LRV s can be found on pages 6-7 of the Stairs Edging or Floor Trims catalogue. Good Visual Contrast Poor Visual Contrast Fully-sighted People Partially-sighted People Tonal Contrast Those with visual impairments may not be able to see some or all colours, but can perceive light or dark. The photographs (right) show the same flight of stairs - one with colour and one with colour removed. It demonstrates how colour contrast visible for fully sighted people may not always offer a tonal contrast for partially sighted people. All Gradus stair nosing channel and insert colours are measured for LRVs in accordance with BS 8493:2008+a:200 For full details, please refer to the Stair Edging & Floor Trims catalogue or visit the website at www.gradus.com
View the full range of Gradus stair nosings online XT range - Aluminium & PVC-u Hardnose PVC-u Hardnose range Colour-matched channels and inserts for visual contrast. The ultimate solution in reducing slips, trips and falls on stairs. Aluminium range Functional and hardwearing for everyday applications. Flexible pvc range One-piece profiles for light traffic applications. Chrome range A bright finish for a contemporary look. Stair Trims Neat finishing solutions for use in conjunction with stair edgings. Bronze range Attractive & hardwearing for prestigious locations. This Document acts as an overview for selecting the correct stair nosing. For further information, please refer to the Gradus Stair Edgings and Floor Trims (edition 5) catalogue. www.gradus.com