Closed Treads and Open Risers Fire Safety
In the picture above the
stair risers are closed and carpeted. This is what most people refer to
as a closed stair riser.
Some building codes require closed risers stairways
under certain circumstances, especially for large building exits. The
reason for this is simple, by closing off the risers, people can safely
run out of the building, instead of getting burnt as the flames from the
fire come out of the individual riser areas.
Attention: Don't forget to check with your local building department to verify any building codes on this website. This information could be incorrect or outdated. Building codes are updated regularly and to some building departments have different interpretations for certain building codes.