Apartment Stairs and Railings
Steel Stairs for Large Apartment Buildings in Florida
When it comes to large apartment buildings, few elements are as essential as the stairs and railings that connect multiple floors. In Florida, especially many of its growing metropolitan areas, multi-story apartment complexes are a common sight. Beyond the color schemes ranging from vibrant multicolored walls to clean, modern whites and grays, another element that is often overlooked by the potential new resident or passerby are the balcony railings, the stairs and long rows of handrails lining the exposed upper floor halls. It's crucial to have sturdy and reliable steel stairs and railings whether these residences are new or old. Whether you're a property manager or an apartment building owner in suburbs of Orlando such as Altamonte Springs, Winter Park, or Buena Ventura Lakes, ensuring that these components are well-maintained can help to extend their lifespan and enhance the aesthetics as well as the safety of your property.
The Role of Steel Stairs in Apartment Complexes
Large apartment buildings often require multiple sets of stairs to provide safe access to upper floors in the event of emergencies or during day-to-day use. For the former, it is important to have more than one route by which to make a safe and speedy exit should there ever be a fire or natural disaster that requires this. For the latter, some of these buildings can have 100s of units, even taking up entire city blocks so for ease of access to the residents that live there, a separate flight of stairs are common at each end of the building or on every corner. This helps prevent tenants from walking unnecessarily far distances depending up where they enter the apartment's property or park their car.
Concrete Treads
These apartment building stairs can be made with a combination of materials depending on the desired look, budget, lifespan and durability. It is very common to have the stair stringers entirely constructed from steel but we can also incorporate concrete treads for added durability. While both steel and concrete have extremely strong properties and lifespans, concrete is a favorite for areas that are open air and have exposure to rain. Concrete can be given textures or coatings to try and further reduce the slip factor. Concrete treads can chip but don't require a welder to repair damage. They also won't rust or corrode over time. While we don't pour concrete, we have local connections that we work with for combination steel and concrete stairs in Orlando and beyond.
Steel Treads
Steel stairs are favored for some different reasons, neither of which are wrong or right. When trying to make industrial stairs out of all metal, steel is one of the most robust options that includes weather resistant properties and design versatility. Unlike a fire escape flight, these stairs are going to be used up to hundreds of times a day at many places. They need to be commercial grade in order to take a beating and still look good. Here's why steel stairs can be a preferred choice for your rental or condo building in Orlando:
Durability
Steel is renowned for its strength and durability. In the challenging central Florida climate, which includes humidity, frequent rain and the occasional tropical storm, steel stairs stand up well to the beating from the sun and moisture. Unlike wood which doesn't fair as well in the sun rain combination, metal will have to be replaced far less frequently than a wood equivalent. This means that your investment in steel stairs will serve your building's needs for many years (often decades), making them a cost-effective solution.
Versatility
Steel stairs offer a wide range of design possibilities. Whether you want a sleek and modern look or a more traditional appearance, steel can be customized to fit your aesthetic preferences. Steel can also be bent or curved with the proper machinery. While most non-luxury apartment buildings will contain straight runs of steel stairs whether they have concrete and steel treads, a beautiful half turn flight of stairs or a curved stair case can be the perfect addition to your lobby. One off elements like this in your building can help impress new residents with a positive first impression. Curved stairs can also be used in between amenities to give you common areas an impressive feature. We are fully capable of delivering these types of stairs in addition to more standard steel stringer versions.
With a variety of finishes, you can choose a design that complements the overall style of your apartment building. Mill steel is the term used to describe unfinished steel as it comes in it's most basic form. This is not ever used in an apartment building setting but you may find other finishes such as brushed or polished. Stainless steel can be used and there are varying levels up to no. 8 finish which is highly reflective, almost like a mirror and extra smooth. If paint is not applied, consider your different finish options and talk to our team about the different properties that might accompany each.
Safety
The safety of residents and visitors is paramount in any apartment building. Steel stairs are not only sturdy but also slip-resistant, making them a secure choice for heavily trafficked areas. This is particularly crucial in a place like Florida, where rain and humidity are ever present and may be accompanied by slippery conditions. The height between each step is scrutinized in places like the Mills 50 District, Winter Springs, or Orlovista. If you run into any issues with code, we can take a look and advise of the easiest route to get you back in compliance but know that if Orlando Railings builds your stairs from scratch, you will not have an issue with code out of the gate.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Like any structure, steel stairs require regular maintenance to ensure they remain safe and functional. To prolong their lifespan, it's essential to practice a few key maintenance tips:
Inspections and Cleaning
Regular inspections can help identify any signs of wear and tear, such as rust or loose components. Addressing issues promptly can prevent more significant problems and extend the lifespan of your steel stairs. If you spot rust forming in a given area, call a professional who can clean the structure and check for additional spots. Or if you have a maintenance staff, they can use a wire brush to scrub away the outer layer.
Florida's humidity helps lead to moisture buildup and potential rust. Regular cleaning with appropriate materials can prevent this. Ensure that any debris or dirt is removed to avoid corrosion. Once the area has been stripped of rust and dried, a new layer of paint can be applied to keep the stairs safe again for many years. Read more about one of the simplest forms of metal protection below.
Protective Coatings
Paint is probably the most basic protective coating any owner can implement. Paint serves as a layer in between the metal and outside elements. The two that need to be avoided are water and oxygen. Once those elements come in contact with steel, corrosion can begin, paving the way for rust. If the paint remains intact, than rust can't develop. Using a rust inhibiting paint will be your best option for repairs or new builds that are designed to sit outside. Keeps stairs covered with a secure layer of paint sounds like an easy task but as you're aware, residents, movers and even your employees can bang objects on the apartment complex stairs leading to minor or major damage. If paint is chipped off, the metal protection becomes void in that space. If a dent occurs, there will usually be a crack in the paint at the very least and this also allows for passage of air and moisture.
If you want to pay a bit more but really level up your protection, opt for powder coating. We work with a qualified powder coater in the Orlando area who does great work. The coating can come in any color and has a stronger chip-resistance than ordinary paint. It's also easier to clean with a less likely chance of chipping or peeling. Powder coated rails can be cleaned with soapy water or even a power washer. While new paint should also hold up to a power washer, if the paint has aged and contains areas that are beginning to peel, make sure you use caution as the strength of the water jet can further remove the loose paint. No matter what choice you take, consider applying some protective coating to your metal stairs. It will provide an extra layer of defense against the elements, enhancing their durability.
Repairs and Replacements
Even with proper maintenance, there may come a time when steel stairs need repairs or replacement. When this occurs, it's crucial to work with professionals experienced in steel fabrication to ensure the job is done correctly. We have the skill set to examine your whole system and offer advice regarding the minimum repairs that are needed if your budget is tight. For larger buildings we can break apart your work so that you could change sections of stairs and railings in smaller chunks if you're not ready to update the entire building. For the largest of jobs, we can call experienced partners in this industry who will help us speed up the process by bringing in a large team to tackle your replacement project. Orlando Custom Railings would love to update your apartment building's stair system.
Railings: Complementing Your Stairs
In residential apartment buildings, railings are more than just functional; they are also an essential part of the overall design. The railings can be made with round tubes or square pipes. Balusters typically run vertical for railings but popularity has risen immensely for horizontal rails in the past decade. We can do any of these options and even use a chippendale or geometric pattern for the railing infill. Typically, aluminum railings are used to complement steel stairs. Aluminum is a popular choice for railings due to the lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and adaptability for various styles. Railings can come in many forms. Most obviously, they are attached as a set of stair rails but we also work with handrails for areas such as breezeways, elevated walkways, ramps, balconies and even in the form of fences that may surround the perimeter of the property, a pool fence, a body of water or a road. We can fabricate and install these railings at apartment complexes in Orlando in addition to your building's stairs.
Lifespan of Aluminum Railings
Aluminum railings are well-suited to the our climate. They are resistant to corrosion, making them a long-lasting choice for your apartment building. On average, well-maintained aluminum railings can last for several decades, making them a cost-effective option. This doesn't mean they won't need to be tightened or have a section replaced due to heavy wear over the span, but these are manageable repairs. Like the steel options we wrote about above, orders can be placed for painted or powder coated aluminum railings. Each of these, like with steel, will help expand the amount of time that your railings can withstand weather without needing some maintenance.
Maintenance Tips for Aluminum Railings
To ensure the longevity of your aluminum railings, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Wash your aluminum railings with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt and prevent corrosion.
- Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to any moving parts of the railings to ensure they operate smoothly. This would be the case for any swinging gates and automatic driveway gates.
- Inspections: Regularly inspect your railings for any signs of wear or loose components.
- Repairs: Address any damage or issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Like with steel stairs, aluminum rails can have an immense life span but paying close attention to them and putting in light work to keep them in great shape will add extra years and save you plenty of money by prolonging your next purchase.
For All Apartment Building Owners and Property Managers
If you're a property manager or apartment building owner in Thornton Park, Ivanhoe Village, College Park, or another trendy Orlando neighborhood, you understand the importance of maintaining your property's stairs and stair railings. These essential components not only improve safety but also contribute to the overall appeal of your building. When it comes to attracting young professionals who may live in your buildings, your stairs and railings shouldn't look like they were built in their parent's generation. Make your building standout without a complete renovation by updating your exterior stairs.
Conclusion
In Florida, large apartment buildings are a common sight, and ensuring the safety and aesthetics of these properties is of utmost importance. Steel stairs, complemented by aluminum railings, are ideal choices for these structures. Their durability, versatility, and adaptability to the hot climate make them an excellent investment. By following maintenance tips and seeking professional services when needed, you can extend the shelf life of these essential components, keeping your apartment building safe and attractive for years to come.
If you're a property manager or apartment building owner anywhere near Orlando, don't hesitate to reach out to us for all your steel stair and railing needs. We understand the unique challenges of these localities and are committed to providing top-notch services for your apartment building.
Orlando Custom Railings operates as a referral company. We will connect you with a qualified provider.
Services are offered independently of Orlando Custom Railings.