Stairs are one of the most common and essential features of any building, but they can pose a serious safety hazard if not properly designed and maintained. Slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and lack of visibility can lead to falls, injuries, and even fatalities. That’s why it’s crucial for contractors to install stair edge nosing that provides slip resistance, step edge contrast, and luminous egress path marking.
One of the best products on the market for this purpose is Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing. Ecoglo is a leading manufacturer of photoluminescent and non-slip stair-nosing solutions that are durable, versatile, and code compliant. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing is, how it works, what its benefits are, and how to install it on different types of stairs.
Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing is an aluminum stair nosing with a hard-wearing silicon carbide slip-resistance material that is integrally bonded to it. It also has a photoluminescent strip that glows in the dark after being exposed to natural or artificial light. Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing comes in various shapes and sizes to fit different applications and substrates.
Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing can be installed on concrete, wood, metal, tile, carpet, and resilient flooring stairs. It can be installed in two ways: either by gluing or screwing it to an existing surface or by casting it into wet concrete. Ecoglo provides all the necessary tools and instructions for a smooth and easy installation.
How does Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing work?
Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing works by providing three essential functions: slip resistance, step edge contrast, and luminous egress path marking.
- Slip resistance: The silicon carbide material on the stair nosing provides a high level of friction that prevents slips and falls on wet or dry surfaces. It is also abrasion resistant and can withstand years of heavy foot traffic without wearing out.
- Step edge contrast: The stair nosing provides a clear visual distinction between the step edge and the tread or riser. This helps people to see where they are stepping and avoid missteps or trips. The contrast is especially important for people with low vision or color blindness.
- Luminous egress path marking: The photoluminescent strip on the stair nosing emits a bright glow in the dark after being charged by natural or artificial light. This helps people to find their way out of a building in case of a power outage or emergency. The glow lasts for hours and exceeds the emergency egress requirements.
What are the benefits of Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing?
Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing offers many benefits for contractors and building owners alike. Some of these benefits are:
- Safety: Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing reduces the risk of slips and falls on stairs by providing slip resistance, step edge contrast, and luminous egress path marking. It also helps to comply with the building codes and standards on accessibility and fire safety.
- Durability: Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing is made of high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, scratches, and abrasion. It also requires very little maintenance and has a long lifespan.
- Versatility: Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing can be installed on various types of stairs and substrates. It also comes in different shapes and sizes to suit different applications and preferences.
- Aesthetics: Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing adds a sleek and modern look to any stairway and enhances the stairs’ appearance by providing a uniform and neat finish.
Types of Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing
1. Cast in Place
- Photoluminescent: Ecoglo Photoluminescent Cast in Place Stair Nosings are durable and efficient products that enhance step-edge visibility and safety in any light condition. They are installed into wet concrete and have a non-slip material with photoluminescent technology that glows in the dark for hours. They are also eco-friendly and meet the building code requirements for high rises.
- Non-Photoluminescent: Ecoglo Non-Photoluminescent Step Edge Cast in Place Stair Nosings are aluminum step nosings installed into wet concrete and fit to the edge of stairs. They provide step-edge contrast, anti-slip protection, and a modern look. They are made of non-slip material and aluminum with an anodized finish that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and weather resistant. They are designed for step-edge safety and visibility.
2. Surface applied
- Photoluminescent: Ecoglo Non-Slip Photoluminescent Step Edge Contrast Strip is a product that provides slip resistance and step edge visibility in any light condition. It is made of non-slip material and aluminum with a photoluminescent strip that glows in the dark for hours. It is suitable for stairs that need luminous path markings by code. It is easy to install and exceeds the performance standards for photoluminescent path marking.
- Non-Photoluminescent Surface Applied Anti-Slip Strips: Ecoglo provides anti-slip strips to prevent slips or falls on stairs in all weather conditions. Ecoglo's non-photoluminescent anti-slip strips come in three colors - black, yellow, and gray - and two sizes to fit any stairs. These durable, weather-resistant, UV-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy-to-clean strips are made of hard-wearing silicon carbide. Ecoglo's non-photoluminescent, non-slip strips provide an extra non-slip grip for steps and highlight step edges to prevent slips and falls. Ecoglo's surface-applied anti-slip strips are the ideal safety solution for preventing slips and fall on any staircase. The strips offer a secure solution for all seasons and step types.
How to install Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing?
Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing can be installed in two ways: by gluing or screwing it to an existing surface or by casting it into wet concrete.
1.?Gluing or screwing: This method is suitable for installing stair nosing on concrete, wood, metal, tile, carpet, or resilient flooring stairs. The steps are as follows:
- Clean the surface of the stairs and make sure it is dry and free of dust or debris.
- Cut the stair nosing to the desired length using a hacksaw or a chop saw.
- Apply a bead of polyurethane adhesive along the back edge of the stair nosing.
- Position the stair nosing on the step edge and press firmly.
- Drill holes through the pre-punched holes on the stair nosing using a drill bit.
- Insert screws through the holes and tighten them using a screwdriver.
- Wipe off any excess adhesive using a cloth.
- Repeat the process for each step.
2. Casting into wet concrete: This method is suitable for installing stair nosing on new concrete stairs. The steps are as follows:
- Prepare the concrete mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pour the concrete mix into the formwork of the stairs.
- Level the concrete surface using a trowel or a screed.
- Place the stair nosing on the wet concrete along the step edge.
- Press down gently until the stair nosing is flush with the concrete surface.
- Tap lightly along the length of the stair, nosing using a rubber mallet to ensure proper bonding.
- Repeat the process for each step.
- Allow the concrete to cure completely before removing the formwork.
Takeaway
Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing is an innovative product that provides slip resistance, step edge contrast, and luminous egress path marking for stairs. It is durable, versatile, code compliant, and easy to install, and it also improves the safety and aesthetics of any stairway. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable solution for your stairway needs, look no further than Ecoglo Stair Edge Nosing solutions at your own website Tactile Solutions Canada.