Inspecting Steps and Rails Heritage Building (Canada)

The various steps and rails are often either heavily used or are constructed in such a way to make them more susceptible to damage or decay than other parts of a building. Stairs and stair railings should be subject to regular inspection to ensure that there are no major safety concerns or hazards resultant from the freeze/thaw cycle, water pooling and rot, decay, termites, and being overly slippery if painted or treated. Stairs, especially those outside, should have sufficient tread to keep individuals from slipping, while handrails should be sufficiently secured. Stairs and stair railings, as well as other handrails, can easily be overlooked in a routine visual inspection, so including a rail inspection and stair safety checklist as a part of a regular inspection is a prudent way to keep a property safe, repair defects, and mitigate damage from the elements.