What Is Stair Nosing?
Stair Nosing refers to the protrusion of the nose on both sides of the stair rail. It is a vital component of stair climbing because it enables a stair climber to distinguish between steps and levels. Nosing is usually the flat, horizontal edge of a stair that sees the least foot traffic.
The consensus is that nose-to-step contact is much safer than tread contact in case of a fall. However, most staircases do not have a solid railing or handrail to prevent skidding and slipping. This means that a fall can be significantly greater for those climbers with nose-to-step contact than for those without it.
There are two types of stair nosing available on staircases: non-slip and slip-resistant. Non-Slip Stair Noses have treads that are slightly deeper than the norm, but they do not have any protrusion on the nose or edge. These types of treads can also provide some relief from the “whistling” noise that some staircases make when individuals step from one step to the next. The actual depth of the tread is a trade-off for added comfort and safety.
Stair style nosing has rounded edges along the edges and flat sides of the nose. Many of these rounded edges match the decorative patterns and textures that are found on most staircases. While some of the stairs in residential buildings may be made of granite or other natural stone, most of them are covered with carpeting or linoleum.
This flooring does not offer the traction that hardwood floors do, and the carpeted surface can become slippery when it is wet. Multipurpose Stairs are commonly used in industrial buildings as well as residential stair nosing. Because of their Heavy-Duty construction, they provide strong support for the entire staircase system.
These steel stairs can also add extra traction when wet. A concrete-filled metal pan stair tread application is popular in basement stairs because they do not become damaged when water seeps into the floor above.
Anti-Slip Rubber Stair Nosing is commonly used on all kinds of floors in commercial buildings, such as office floors, stairs, and even indoor pools. The non-slip surface provides added security against falling. When stair nosing meets a non-slip barrier, the surface is often grooved so that water will be prevented from dripping down onto the people walking below. In residential areas, many people opt for anti-slip stair nosings for shower enclosures as well as tub surrounds.
DuraFlip offers non-skid stair nosing systems. This type of nosing conforms to the natural contours of staircases and does not add additional friction for increased safety. The DuraFlip system includes a pre-made groove that will cut through the entire tread, providing a solid grip so that no slipping is possible. The unique grooves are bonded to both sides of each tread to ensure total waterproofing.
The treads of a staircase are made from a material called Thermoset polystyrene or styrene. Its chemical composition is a thermosetting polymer that cures into an elastomeric compound that’s flexible but durable enough to resist extreme temperatures. Thermoset is a common component of carpet and other materials used in stair nosing.
The treads are then imprinted with a texture designed to complement the surrounding wood or stone surface. Because of its waterproof quality, Stair Nosing should be installed by professionals who specialize in stair nosing installation. When selecting a Standard Stair Nosing system, it is best to choose a style that compliments the surrounding structure of your home. If you’re looking for a contemporary look, consider the availability of DuraFlip at the touch of a button.
For homeowners who prefer a more traditional or ethnic feel, the Acorn brand offers styles such as Adirondack, Cape Cod, and Fathom. Whatever your personal taste, there is a style nosing system perfect for you. Your family will enjoy standing at the top of your stairs and can enjoy the peace that only a straight set of steps can provide.