Do you need to buy or replace a set of fire escape stairs for your building or property? Are you thinking about going with steel, but worried about budget, or unsure whether it will meet your needs?
If this is you, we can help! At Smart Steels we’ve been designing, fabricating and installing steel fire escape stairs for over 40 years. This means we know a thing or two about them and can help you work out whether they’re right for you and your property.
To get you started on this journey, we’ve distilled some of our knowledge and expertise into this blog post. It looks at all the main features and benefits of steel fire escape stairs, including their safety, flexibility and durability.
So keep reading to find out more about why steel fire escape stairs really are a great investment. And, if you want to find out more about our services, you can do so here, or contact us now to arrange a free consultation with one of our team members.
Why are steel fire escape stairs a SAFE choice?
For a set of fire escapes stairs to be safe, they need to:
- withstand high temperatures and be/ remain structurally sound
- be easy to use (slip resistant etc.)
- meet any other relevant building regulations and requirements
A set of steel fire escape stairs installed by Smart Steels will do all of these things. Why?
Steel is fire-resistant
Steel is a fire-resistant material which makes it an excellent – some may say obvious – choice for your internal or external fire exits.
This also means steel fire escapes will withstand the high temperatures that will arise in a fire, and remain structurally sound, making them safe exits for as long as access is available.
Internal steel fire escape stairs can also even help prevent or slow the spread of fire throughout a building, unlike non fire-resistant materials like wood.
It’s easy to add extra safety features to steel fire escape staircases
Some safety features that are great to add to your fire escapes include:
- consistent treads and risers (to prevent slips and trips)
- a staircase baluster (the vertical support to stop you falling over the side)
- handrails (for extra support and to prevent trips)
These can all be added to a steel fire escape staircase as part of the manufacturing process or by welding or fabricating. In comparison, it’s harder to add treads and risers to fire exits made from other fire-resistant materials, like concrete or masonry.
Custom steel staircase designs are possible with Smart Steels
Smart Steels have years of experience designing and manufacturing bespoke steel staircases for all purposes.
We’re also experts on fire safety, with knowledge of all the current regulations and installation rules, meaning we can work closely with you to ensure you end up with fire escape staircases that meet all your needs and obligations.
So, whether you have limited space available, need multi floored staircase structures, an internal or external fire escape, steel staircases for industrial use, fire escapes for domestic properties, offices or something else entirely, Smart Steels can help you find a safe solution.
Safety features are also not the only benefit of steel fire escapes… They can last a really long time too, making them a super cost-effective option for all properties.
How long do steel staircases last: steel staircase longevity prospects
Steel is a really durable material. It’s corrosion resistant and will last for decades, assuming it’s well treated and maintained (more on that in a moment). It can also withstand all the elements and weather conditions the UK has to offer, whether that’s rain, sleet, hail, pollution or snow!
This makes steel fire escapes an excellent long-term investment, and a particularly cost-effective choice for those who need external fire escape stairs, or heavy use staircases for industrial commercial properties.
Steel staircase maintenance tips for maximum longevity
There’s a few things you can do to get the most out of your steel staircases.
- Invest in a galvanized steel staircase if you can. Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc, which offers extra protection from corrosion and rust.
- Clean your staircase with mild detergents regularly.
- Reapply protective coatings regularly.
Smart Steels offer a range of galvanized steel staircase solutions. We can also offer advice on the cleaning and protective coating products that are right for your staircase or staircases. So, get in touch for a consultation today.
Fire escape stairs: some FAQs
We’ve answered some of the questions we frequently get asked about steel staircases below.
Where can I find information about steel fire escape stairs regulations?
We discuss some staircase building regulations and rules in the UK in this blog post. What you need to do to comply with these will depend on your individual circumstances and requirements.
How much does a steel fire escape staircase cost?
This is a tricky one! It will depend on the design, the finish, the number of floors, the types of handrails and balusters, coating and treatment required as well as other factors such as the planning, survey and installation costs.
How often do I need to carry out an external fire escape stairs inspection?
It’s good practice to inspect your fire escapes and external staircases regularly to ensure access is clear and to pick up and resolve any maintenance issues as soon as possible.
You can also ask a fire safety officer or local authority body for advice on regular structural survey obligations and other inspections that you need to arrange for your property.
How can Smart Steels help?
Smart Steels offer metal welding, fabrication and fixing services in London, Surrey and further afield across the UK. We have over 40 years of experience designing and installing steel fire escapes and other steel products.
We also offer a three year warranty on all of the fire escape stairs we provide, and can offer bespoke solutions for domestic properties as well as commercial and industrial buildings, with a range of finishes to meet all practical andaesthetic requirements.
So if you’d like to arrange a consultation to find out how we can help, contact us today.
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