Replacing Timber Staircases
The Importance of Choosing Steel for Your External Fire Escape
Recently, we received an urgent enquiry from a customer whose external fire escape had catastrophically failed. The provided picture (below) revealed a timber staircase with an entire flight of stairs that had collapsed. This incident underscores a critical safety issue: fire escape stairs (or in our opinion any external staircase) should never be made of combustible, soft materials like timber.
Why Timber is a Poor Choice for Fire Escapes
Timber, while aesthetically pleasing and often cost-effective, poses significant risks when used in fire escape construction. Being a combustible material, timber can easily catch fire, compromising the safety of anyone relying on the escape route during an emergency. Additionally, timber is susceptible to rot, decay, and insect damage, which can severely weaken its structural integrity over time. Importantly, timber fire escapes do not comply with building regulations, which mandate the use of non-combustible materials for such critical safety features.
The Superiority of Steel Staircases
In contrast, steel staircases offer unparalleled durability and safety. Here are some key benefits of choosing steel for your fire escape:
1. **Non-Combustible**: Steel is inherently fire-resistant, ensuring that your escape route remains intact and safe during a fire.
2. **Durability**: Steel is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, providing a long-lasting solution that requires minimal maintenance.
3. **Strength**: Steel staircases can support significant weight and withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for external installations.
4. **Compliance**: Steel staircases meet building regulations for fire escapes, ensuring that your property adheres to safety standards.
5. **Customizable**: Steel can be fabricated into various designs and finishes, allowing for both functional and aesthetic customization to suit your property.
The Importance of UKCA Certification
However, simply opting for a steel staircase is not enough. To be fully building regulation compliant and legal, the supplier or manufacturer must be UKCA certified. The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a key indicator of a product's compliance with UK regulations. It ensures that the steel staircase meets all necessary safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.
DioMet: Your Trusted Partner for UKCA Certified Steel Staircases
At DioMet, we specialize in the supply and installation of high-quality, UKCA certified steel staircases. Our expert team ensures that each staircase is designed and built to meet stringent safety standards, providing you with peace of mind and a reliable escape route in case of emergencies.
If you’re considering upgrading your fire escape or need a new installation, contact DioMet today. Let us help you enhance the safety and durability of your property with our top-notch, UKCA certified steel staircases.
For more information or to request a quote, visit our website or give us a call. Your safety is our priority.
See some example steel staircases and guide pricing here : DioMet Metal Staircase
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